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[Warhammer Online encourages murder most foul]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/warhammer-online-encourages-murder-most-foul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/warhammer-online-encourages-murder-most-foul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/warhammer-online-encourages-murder-most-foul/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Warhammer Online
In the happy, carebear world of Warhammer Online, we've reached the time of year when the clouds break to let in a ray of sunshine that warms the souls of all it touches and sprinkles hearts with... oh, forget it. It's Murder-o-Rama, aka the Night of Murder.

Mythic's annual WAR bloodfest centers around players attempting to appease a gruesome Elf god by taking out contracts on each other's lives. From February 9th through the 22nd, players will try to complete Tome of Knowledge tasks by completing "Marked for Death" quests and killing those with a dripping red skull-and-crossbones over their heads.

The rewards are worth the effort, though, with items like Lobbin' Noggins, Khaine's Caress, and a fun pike sporting your opponent's head that you can slam down next to a defeated foe. It's the yearly holiday your mother always warned you about, but you never listened then and you're probably not going to start now.

MassivelyWarhammer Online encourages murder most foul originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carebearea-mythiceventin-game-eventmurdermurder-markmythicMythic-Entertainmentnight-of-murderwarwarhammer-onlineWed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online releases patch 1.4.5 highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/warhammer-online-releases-patch-1-4-5-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/warhammer-online-releases-patch-1-4-5-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/warhammer-online-releases-patch-1-4-5-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Inevitable City at peak hours.
Despite Mythic Entertainment's recent winnowing of the Warhammer Online servers -- bringing them down from four servers to a measly pair -- the company is still hard at work developing patches for the RvR-based title. Patch 1.4.5 will be hitting the live servers tomorrow, January 31st, and it brings a number of interesting changes and also ushers in the return of fortresses, which should be good news for open RvR fans.

With the recent Skaven invasion, a number of relics have been found in myriad underground tunnels dug below the game's fortresses. Players will be charged with guarding their faction's relics while attempting to purloin those of the enemy. The Grovod Cavern scenario is also making a return, allowing two teams of 12 players to duke it out in the crumbling cave. But this time, there's a twist: Players will be taking control of two teams of Skaven; hilarity will ensue. To top it all off, 1.4.5 is bringing fortresses back into play (after they were removed some time ago), which should hopefully encourage players to head back into the open RvR lakes for fun and profit. For the full details, just head on over to the Warhammer Online official site.

MassivelyWarhammer Online releases patch 1.4.5 highlights originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.5eaea-mythicelectronic-artsf2pfortressfortressesfree-to-playgrovod-cavernmythicmythic-entertainmentopen-realm-vs-realmopen-rvrorvrpatchpatch-1.4.5patchesplayer-vs-playerpvpscenarioscenariosskavenupdateupdateswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewhoMon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[And then there were two: Warhammer Online merges servers once more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/and-then-there-were-two-warhammer-online-merges-servers-once-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/and-then-there-were-two-warhammer-online-merges-servers-once-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/and-then-there-were-two-warhammer-online-merges-servers-once-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Warhammer Online at peak hours
Warhammer Online's server culls continue today as the Gorfang (North America) and Karak Azgal (Europe) servers are being retired. As we mentioned last month, Gorfang players will now be taking refuge on the Badlands server, while Karak Azgal's denizens will find a new home on Karak Norn. For those of you keeping score at home, this brings Warhammer Online's total operational servers to a whopping two. Players with characters on either server can transfer them to the remaining servers via the Mythic Account Center, though at the rate things are going, there may not be any servers left soon enough.

MassivelyAnd then there were two: Warhammer Online merges servers once more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badlandseaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playgorfangkarak-azgalkarak-nornmythicmythic-entertainmentserverserver-mergeserver-mergesserverswarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 10 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
2011 was an odd duck of a year for MMO news. A huge chunk of the year felt devoid of significant releases, but that was mitigated somewhat by the major launches of RIFT and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Titles got shoved back to 2012 or beyond, MMOs that we thought never would go free-to-play did, and the industry continually surprised us with revelations, ideas, and controversy.

So in my last Perfect Ten of 2011, I put together the 10 most significant MMO stories of the year. Ten seems like an awfully small number for such a great big field, so I had the rest of the staff members chime in with their nominations just to make sure I wasn't too off-base with any of these.

It was a whopper of a year, and Massively was there for all of it -- the ups, the downs, the queues, and the QQs. It's time to wrap it up with a pretty bow and dedicate it to the history museum!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112012aionataribiowareccpccp-gameschampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdc-universe-onlinedcuoeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-iif2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-to-playglobal-agendajagexkung-fu-pandaleague-of-legendslistlistslucasartsmists-of-pandariamonoclegatemythicpandaperfect-tenperfect-worldriftrunescapesoesonysony-hacksony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorthe-agencythe-perfect-tentriontrion-worldswarhammer-onlineworld-of-darknessworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-heroesThu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week in MMO: Oh hey, it's Star Wars edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/this-week-in-mmo-oh-hey-its-star-wars-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/this-week-in-mmo-oh-hey-its-star-wars-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/this-week-in-mmo-oh-hey-its-star-wars-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This Week In MMO
It's time for another episode of This Week in MMO, and the focal point of this week's episode is none other than the freshly launched Star Wars: The Old Republic. Gary Gannon, Mike B., and Mike Schaffnit share a conversation about the staggered launch, the early start, the newly announced grace period, and much more.

Of course, the world does not revolve only around SWTOR, so the guys also take some time to highlight other goings-on in the MMO world. Warhammer Online will be merging servers once again, which does not forecast a sunny outlook for Mythic's PvP-focused title. Also on the table is talk that the gradually less sane Richard Garriott will be returning to work on the Ultima universe. What could this mean to MMO players? Well, click on past the cut and find out for yourself.

Continue reading This Week in MMO: Oh hey, it's Star Wars edition

MassivelyThis Week in MMO: Oh hey, it's Star Wars edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremythicmythic-entertainmentrichard-garriotrichard-garriottstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthis-week-in-mmotortwimmoultimavideovideoswarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 16 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ring in the new year with Warhammer Online's Keg End]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/ring-in-the-new-year-with-warhammer-onlines-keg-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/ring-in-the-new-year-with-warhammer-onlines-keg-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/ring-in-the-new-year-with-warhammer-onlines-keg-end/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tomorrow is a long way away, and it gets further away with each successive drink.
Amidst the news of server merges, Warhammer Online fans could probably use something to celebrate, something to lift the spirits a bit. So it's fortunate that the annual Keg End celebration is just around the corner, giving everyone a chance to get drunk and rowdy even by the already aggressive status of the world's inhabitants. Running from December 14th until January 4th, Keg End is a chance to celebrate in style in the Dwarven tradition.

The rewards for the event haven't changed much this year, with the usual assortment of Party Kegs, Keg Taps, and Battlebrew Backpacks. There are giants roaming the field looking for their own ale and a handful of sporting battles, and there are plenty of special drinks to be sampled just for the event. So get yourself ready to log in tomorrow and take a nice roll through fields filled with blood, beer, and battle. Especially beer.

MassivelyRing in the new year with Warhammer Online's Keg End originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aleannual-eventsbeerbioware-mythicea-gamesea-mythicea-warhammerea-warhammer-onlineelectronic-artsholiday-eventsin-game-eventsintoxicantskeg-endliquormythicmythic-eamythic-entertainmentspecial-eventswarwar-eawarhammerwarhammer-eawarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-eaTue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Waaaghon Ho!: Warhammer Online merging servers following free transfers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/waaaghon-ho-warhammer-online-merging-servers-following-free-tr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/waaaghon-ho-warhammer-online-merging-servers-following-free-tr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/waaaghon-ho-warhammer-online-merging-servers-following-free-tr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WAR
Saddle up, rough riders: It's time to head to more fertile lands! Starting next week, select Warhammer Online players will be given the option to transfer between servers for free. The decision is Mythic's attempt to merge underpopulated servers, and the company hopes that this move will drive up the action in RvR for previously quiet locations.

Players on the Gorfang (North America) and Karak Azgal (Europe) will be able to move house to Badlands and Karak Norn, respectively, starting December 14th. Once this happens, Gorfang and Karak Azgal will be marked as "Legacy" servers, keeping new players from rolling on them, and then after three weeks, the two servers will be shut down completely. Any characters left on those servers will not be playable until they transfer to their new homes.

Mythic is also paving the way for guilds to move wholesale to new servers, with more information about this coming next week.

MassivelyWaaaghon Ho!: Warhammer Online merging servers following free transfers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badlandsbioware-mythiccharacter-transfercharacter-transfersea-mythicgorfangKarak-AzgalKarak-Nornlegacymergemythicretireretiredretired-serversserverserver-mergeserver-mergesserver-transferserver-transfersserverswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New interview talks Warhammer Online and Wrath of Heroes synergy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/new-interview-talks-warhammer-online-and-wrath-of-heroes-synergy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/new-interview-talks-warhammer-online-and-wrath-of-heroes-synergy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/new-interview-talks-warhammer-online-and-wrath-of-heroes-synergy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Warhammer Online - Chaos hound
Warhammer Online fans can be forgiven if they took to scratching their heads in puzzlement as BioWare-Mythic announced the Wrath of Heroes MOBA at last summer's Gamescom convention. After all, here was a new fantasy title that was brazen enough to borrow the IP and arguably the best gameplay mechanic (scenarios) from an existing MMO that's still alive and kicking.

The distinction between the two games is up for discussion in a new Warhammer Online interview at Stratics. "There is no direct link currently between your WAR and WOH characters. That being said, we plan on giving WAR subscribers benefits in WOH," explains producer James Casey. "We are also looking at other ways to connect them and have the benefits go both ways."

The interview also touches on the next WAR update (currently slated for the PTS next month), as well as the fact that the devs are considering a level-cap increase on the game's endless trial offering.

MassivelyNew interview talks Warhammer Online and Wrath of Heroes synergy originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mythiceaelectronic-artsendless-trialf2pfantasyfree-to-playinterviewjames-caseymobapvpsubscriber-benefitswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewrath-of-heroesWed, 23 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare Mythic isn't playing favorites with free-to-play and subscriptions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/bioware-mythic-isnt-playing-favorites-with-free-to-play-and-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/bioware-mythic-isnt-playing-favorites-with-free-to-play-and-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/bioware-mythic-isnt-playing-favorites-with-free-to-play-and-sub/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wrath of Heroes
BioWare Mythic says that the market is big enough to support both free-to-play and subscription models -- and everything else in between. Talking with Gamasutra, GM Eugene Evans said that the company has to acknowledge that there are people who don't like F2P and those who do, and it's important to reach out to both groups.

With Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes in beta testing, BioWare Mythic is testing the waters of free-to-play while preparing for Star Wars: The Old Republic's massive subscription launch. "We often got asked about taking our old games free-to-play, and in the case of Warhammer, we felt there was a different way of doing it," he opined, going on to say that the Mythic branch was learning a lot about polish and quality from the BioWare team.

Evans commented on the observation that the widening global market means that no one business model is guaranteed to work in every country: "We're all still figuring out what free-to-play means, what the best way to monetize is, and how to run it as a business and engage players in ways they're prepared to accept."

MassivelyBioWare Mythic isn't playing favorites with free-to-play and subscriptions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mythicbusiness-modelsEugene-Evansf2pfree-to-playgamasutramythicpolishstar-wars-the-old-republicsubssubscriptionsubscriptionsswtorwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-wrath-of-heroeswrath-of-heroesMon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer sticking with its subscription model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/warhammer-sticking-with-its-subscription-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/warhammer-sticking-with-its-subscription-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/warhammer-sticking-with-its-subscription-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Warhammer Online - still not F2P, hehe
Those of you holding out for a freemium conversion for Warhammer Online may as well resign yourselves to waiting on the upcoming Wrath of Heroes MOBA. In a new piece at PC Gamer, BioWare-Mythic vice president Eugene Evans says there are still no plans to give away the game aside from the ongoing endless trial that covers the title's newb tier content.

"Right now, we're focused on Wrath of Heroes as our free-to-play offering in the Warhammer universe," Evans said at this week's GDC. "We believe in the community of players who are playing Age of Reckoning. Yes, we could have attracted a lot of players to it [via F2P], but it's unclear how long you'll keep them. We wanted to support our game as it currently exists."

MassivelyWarhammer sticking with its subscription model originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-reckoningbioware-mythicea-biowareea-mythicf2pfantasyfree-to-playgdcgdc-2011hehemobamythicMythic-Entertainmentwarwarhammerwarhammer-online-age-of-reckoningwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswrath-of-heroesWed, 12 Oct 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten: Pirates
Fantasy pirates: Love 'em or hate 'em, they're deeply ingrained in geek culture to the point that they're almost impossible to dislodge. This past Monday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day, when everyone's inner pirate was encouraged to "Arr!" heartily, look for treasure in long-forgotten places, and embrace the fashion style of bandanas and eyepatches.

It seemed like a perfect week, therefore, to look at piratey life in MMOs. From entire games to mere outfits and from the token pirate union that has a chapter in each game to delusional madmen, this list aims to sate the swagger of keyboard swashbucklers. It's a testament to the pirate phenomenon that most developers can't help but include a buccaneer or two, even if the setting isn't always asking for it -- a phenomenon even the U.S. Navy has accepted.

Hit the jump to start, and sail straight on 'til morning!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy!

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahoyblizzardcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcookiecovddodeadminesdisneydungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsghost-piratesgooniesinternational-talk-like-a-pirate-dayirestone-inletjohnny-deppjolly-rogerlong-dronglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromr-smiteperfect-10perfect-tenpiratepiratespirates-in-spacepirates-of-the-burning-seapirates-of-the-caribbean-onlinepirates-plunderplunderravenfellrunes-of-magicscallywagsscooby-dootalk-like-a-pirate-daythe-gooniesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbineus-navywarwarhammer-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftwowyaaryarThu, 22 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online: Three years later]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/warhammer-online-three-years-later/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/warhammer-online-three-years-later/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/warhammer-online-three-years-later/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WAR
To this day, I don't know what quite came over me when I decided to throw my chips into the blogging scene to cover Warhammer Online, eight months before the game launched. Like many of you, I had been a long-time reader of MMO blogs, but I was intimidated at trying my hand at joining in, perhaps elevating these writers to the status of legendary wordsmiths who penned unequaled prose in our lifetimes.

Or I just didn't want to be one of a thousand World of Warcraft bloggers who dominated the scene. Just a thought.

In any case, it was a terrific decision to do so on my part. I found that I had a passion not only for MMOs but for talking about them, and I loved connecting with other writers and readers and players, which happens with blogging. I've been asked from time to time if I regret picking Warhammer Online as the game that I latched onto for a couple of years, and I always say no -- no regrets. The game was fun, but the coverage was an unparalleled rollercoaster of anticipation, hype, fun, speculation, promise, disappointment, and above all, ideas. Wonderful, flawed, captivating ideas.

I haven't touched WAR since 2010, so perhaps I'm not the best source for the latest and greatest in the game. But what I do have to offer is a humble blogger's perspective on what went right, what went wrong, and why I'm ultimately happy that WAR came into being and is chugging along on today, its third anniversary.

Continue reading Warhammer Online: Three years later

MassivelyWarhammer Online: Three years later originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybears-bears-bearsbetablizzardddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinedyefeaturedguild-warshypelaunchliving-citiesliving-guildslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromark-jacobsmythicmythic-entertainmentpaul-barnettpublic-questsserversskavensquig-herdertabula-rasathird-anniversarythree-yearstome-of-knowledgetrinketswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 18 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online celebrates third anniversary with bonus XP, veteran goodies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/warhammer-online-celebrates-third-anniversary-with-bonus-xp-vet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/warhammer-online-celebrates-third-anniversary-with-bonus-xp-vet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/warhammer-online-celebrates-third-anniversary-with-bonus-xp-vet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Warhammer Online - vanity pets
It's time to raise a glass to Warhammer Online, as Mythic's fantasy PvP title turns three on September 18th (time flies when you're WAAAGHing, we suppose).

What's on tap for the inevitable celebration? Bonus XP/RP, of course, and a whopping 10 days of it. Starting today, players can enjoy increased advancement potential and loot a few fireworks from the twitching carcasses of their foes. Also, three-year veterans are being recognized for their loyalty, as Mythic is gifting them with a Jack-O-Lantern vanity pet and an endless supply of both chaos black and blazing orange dyes.

Don't forget that the 1.4.4 patch was recently deployed, and the Wild Hunt event is currently ongoing. Finally, check in with Massively on Sunday for our three-year Warhammer Online retrospective.

MassivelyWarhammer Online celebrates third anniversary with bonus XP, veteran goodies originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-year-anniversarybioware-mythiccelebrationchaos-blackdyesea-mythicelectronic-artsmythicpetsvanity-petswaaaghwaaagh-hammerwarwarhammer-onlineFri, 16 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online Patch 1.4.4 goes live this afternoon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/warhammer-online-patch-1-4-4-goes-live-this-afternoon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/warhammer-online-patch-1-4-4-goes-live-this-afternoon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/warhammer-online-patch-1-4-4-goes-live-this-afternoon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Warhammer Online - humans
Warhammer Online's latest patch is here, and it's just in time for the fantasy title's third anniversary week. Well, technically the 1.4.4 patch isn't here yet, as the servers are still down and scheduled to rez at approximately 1:30 p.m. EDT today.

The new patch introduces the Wild Hunt live event, which allows players the chance to "test their skills tracking and slaying fierce animals, collecting sacred pelts, and sighting the elusive White Stag." There's also an opportunity to earn event influence and participate in the Curse of Kurnous public quest.

Mythic has also tweaked the RvR keep defense mechanics, introduced new vanity pet packs, and shifted the scenario lineup. Finally, you can vote for the next batch of scenarios via the Dev Discussions forum on the official WAR website.

MassivelyWarhammer Online Patch 1.4.4 goes live this afternoon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.41.4.4-patchbioware-mythicea-mythicfantasylive-eventsmythicMythic-Entertainmentpatch-1.4.4public-questsscenariosWARwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewild-huntwild-hunt-live-eventTue, 13 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online's patch 1.4.4 on the public test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/warhammer-onlines-patch-1-4-4-on-the-public-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/warhammer-onlines-patch-1-4-4-on-the-public-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/warhammer-onlines-patch-1-4-4-on-the-public-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Warhammer Online
Warhammer Online's patch version 1.4.4 has just hit the public test server, allowing players to partake of some new and exciting features. The Wild Hunt is once again upon the forces of Order and Chaos, and it calls for players to track, hunt, and slay elusive creatures.

A variety of RvR changes have been made as well, such as new Keep Defense mechanics. This new mechanic requires keep defenders to destroy the attacking war party's battering ram, at which point the siege will "briefly shift to a 'Successful Defense' state." The defending troops will then receive a buff, intended to allow them to push back their attackers. Once the defenders push the attackers out of their keep area, however, the buff will quickly fade, putting the battle back on a level playing field.

For all of this and more, players can check out the full patch notes and get a firsthand look on the public test servers.

MassivelyWarhammer Online's patch 1.4.4 on the public test server originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.4eaelectronic-artskeep-defensemythicmythic-entertainmentpatch-1.4.4ptspublic-test-serverrealm-vs-realmrvrwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 07 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythic: Wrath of Heroes gets rid of 'all the boring crap' of WAR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/mythic-wrath-of-heroes-gets-rid-of-all-the-boring-crap-of-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/mythic-wrath-of-heroes-gets-rid-of-all-the-boring-crap-of-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/mythic-wrath-of-heroes-gets-rid-of-all-the-boring-crap-of-war/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wrath of Heroes
Mythic is taking an interesting approach in promoting its new MOBA, Warhammer Online Wrath of Heroes -- it's throwing Warhammer Online under the bus. At the Wrath of Heroes reveal panel at PAX, the Mythic team talked up its new project as something that Heroes' parent game is not.

The team found that people liked WAR but couldn't justify investing in it, so Mythic wanted to create an experience for them. The team took what it saw as one the more popular aspects of WAR -- the scenarios -- and modified them to pit three teams (six on each) against each other for quick, 15-minute gameplay sessions. On death, you can choose any hero in your arsenal so you can adjust to whatever your team needs.

This game format allowed the team to strip away the parts of the game it saw as unnecessary. "We went, you know what? If you play the MMO, we give you all this cool equipment on your adventure, and it's a neat thing to do, but let's just get rid of the boring crap and give people cool [stuff] to wear," Paul Barnett said.

Citing the accumulation of multiple -- and sometimes quite situational -- skills over the course of "748,000 hours of grinding," Barnett said that his team got rid of this approach by focusing on only five skills per hero in Wrath of Heroes. He thinks that the small incremental progress of skills and skill effects in Warhammer Online is "dull" and instead extolls Wrath of Heroes for picking the best skills, effects and armor so that players don't have to worry about getting all of them.

You can watch the full reveal panel of Wrath of Heroes after the jump.

[Thanks to Joris for the tip!]

Continue reading Mythic: Wrath of Heroes gets rid of 'all the boring crap' of WAR

MassivelyMythic: Wrath of Heroes gets rid of 'all the boring crap' of WAR originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6v6v6bioware-mythiccarrie-gouskosdark-age-of-camelotdeveloper-panelea-mythicf2pfree-to-playgamespotgearmobamythicmythic-entertainmentpaul-barnettpaxpax-prime-2011reveal-panelthrow-under-the-buswarwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-wrath-of-heroeswrath-of-heroesTue, 06 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Labor Day weekend brings bonus XP weekends to all]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-weekend-brings-bonus-xp-weekends-to-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-weekend-brings-bonus-xp-weekends-to-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-weekend-brings-bonus-xp-weekends-to-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Labor Day Weekend, 1882. Yes, it's a screenshot. Shh.
Labor Day weekend is upon us, and EverQuest II, Champions Online, Warhammer Online, and Vanguard are all getting in on the festivities. In addition to celebrating Labor Day, Champions will be celebrating its two year anniversary by giving players gift boxes, party favors, and new costume pieces.

Meanwhile, Warhammer Online is keeping it simple with a 50% XP and RP bonus for all players. Vanguard players get bonus experience as well, whether it's of the crafting, adventuring, or diplomacy variety. EverQuest II is also providing bonus experience -- double experience, to be exact -- for AA, tradeskill, and adventuring experience. If you're a regular of any one of these games, or if you just want to pop in to see what the fuss is about, it sounds like this weekend is the right time to do it.

See something we missed on our list of Labor Day weekend events? Tell us in the comments!

[Update: Commenter Furdinand reminded us that Star Wars: The Old Republic's beta test weekends began today, and commenter Dartanis points out that RIFT's half-birthday celebration continues throughout the weekend, providing players with a wealth of bonuses.]

MassivelyLabor Day weekend brings bonus XP weekends to all originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-experiencebonus-experience-weekendchampionschampions-2nd-anniversarychampions-onlinechampions-online-2nd-anniversarydouble-experiencedouble-experience-weekendeverquest-2everquest-iilabor-daylabor-day-weekendvanguardwarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 02 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dat's it, boss, I'm outta here]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/choose-my-adventure-dats-it-boss-im-outta-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/choose-my-adventure-dats-it-boss-im-outta-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/choose-my-adventure-dats-it-boss-im-outta-here/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As of today, I'm finished with Warhammer Online. Today is my final installment of Choose My Adventure, with the torch passing along next week to Larry Everett. Before anyone asks, yes, I'm definitely going to miss the feature... but that's not really what you're here for at the moment, is it? You're here for the fanfare, and it's all over but the depressing part.

Last week's vote was overwhelmingly meta -- rather than a recounting of events, the audience clearly wants to hear my thoughts on the future of Warhammer Online, what worked and what didn't, and why the game followed the trajectory it did. (Also, an awful lot of people want to know about the Choppa Song.) I'm admittedly coming into the game late and with somewhat less passionate eyes than many of the game's fans, but looking at my experience, I think I found a lot of the game in microcosm. I see all of the things it did right... and in hindsight, where certain choices went wrong.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dat's it, boss, I'm outta here

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dat's it, boss, I'm outta here originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioware-mythicchoose-my-adventureea-gamesea-mythicea-warhammerea-warhammer-onlineelectronic-artsfailurefeaturedmythicmythic-eamythic-entertainmentopinionsuccesswarwar-eawarhammerwarhammer-eawarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-eaWed, 03 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speakanarchy-onlineanetangelaoapril-foolsarenanetarthasbatmanbe-the-broccoliblizzardbroccolicharrchatdycity-of-heroescohddodevildungeons-and-dragons-onlineea-mythicelfy-mcnoclotheseqeverquesteye-of-the-northf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-eye-of-the-northgwgwenjack-emmertleetleet-speakleetslich-kinglistlistsmascotmascotsmythicmythic-entertainmentperfect-10perfect-tenplayboyprince-arthasretconretconningsarah-morrisonsoesquigsquigsstatesmantabula-rasathe-jokerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Da udder half lives]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/choose-my-adventure-da-udder-half-lives/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/choose-my-adventure-da-udder-half-lives/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/choose-my-adventure-da-udder-half-lives/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I remember thinking quite distinctly that I was ready to be done with the Tier 1 scenarios, oh, forever ago. It's not that Nordenwatch is inherently a bad scenario; it's just that when you see it often enough, you start to get sick of it. So I was very happy when the voting closed on last week's poll and I saw that I had a very different list of scenarios available to me in Warhammer Online. That had probably happened several levels ago, sure, but I hadn't been queueing.

Unfortunately, I found out that Oscar Wilde's old chestnut about the gods granting our wishes when they want to punish us proved entirely accurate. Jump on past the break for this week in Klurgind's somewhat less than epic adventure, with the caveat that it's going to be just a wee bit depressing in places. But hey, I never promised this story had a happy ending.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Da udder half lives

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Da udder half lives originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioware-mythicchoose-my-adventurecolumnea-gamesea-mythicea-warhammerea-warhammer-onlineelectronic-artsfeaturedmythicmythic-eamythic-entertainmentopinionquestingwarwar-eawarhammerwarhammer-eawarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-eaWed, 27 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST