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[The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Cutest creatures
I vividly remember a conversation I had with my then-girlfriend's parents back in 1996 about the potential of this growing "internet" phenomenon. With my limited understanding, I made it sound downright noble, a Library of Congress available at the fingertips of the average Joe or Jane. What I really should have said that it would be a tool for the distribution of pornography, nerd rage, and cute animal pictures.

I have no idea how big the cute animal picture industry is, but there have got to be millions of aspiring photographers daily who prod little baby critters with encouragement sticks in the hopes of eliciting a few "awws" out of strangers. Even when the serious business of MMOs came a-calling, cuteness infested fantasy lands near and far.

Whenever I see something absurdly cute in an MMO, I always smile because I know that somewhere, some uber-elite, way-too-serious player is developing facial tics from being in the same game world as it. So twitch away, as here are 10 of the cutest critters as seen in-game!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetback-to-betabetabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcasualclassic-mmoconquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artsf2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfuncomglitchguild-wars-2gw2hipsterhumorkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fisquaresquare-enixstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentunlauncheningwarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The continued standardization of selling power]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online forum screenshot
Selling power is a much quieter controversy than it used to be. I've been in gaming long enough to remember when selling anything desirable at all was taboo. At the same time, it's always been OK to sell some things like subscriptions or special boxed editions, proving that MMO gamers and others are brilliant at segmenting their rage. If it's a cool, special box with a neat virtual item inside, it somehow does not fall under the same umbrella as selling powerful, useful items in game. I think it does. But geeks in general are good at justifying poor behavior if they get what they want; just ask the hackers and file-swappers.

Still, it doesn't matter how we feel about selling power because the industry is already moving in the direction of selling power, lots of power. EA recently announced that every title it produces from now on will feature microtransactions. While that doesn't guarantee the sale of powerful items, I can promise that it will include some. This train ain't stopping. Sure, the console community seems a bit late to the party when it comes to the power-selling controversy, but that's likely because of MMOs' always-on multiplayer mode.

Continue reading Free for All: The continued standardization of selling power

MassivelyFree for All: The continued standardization of selling power originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinallods-onlineapbbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointcliff-bleszinskidead-space-3die2niteeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgamersfirstgears-of-warGears-of-war-2gpotatokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogimass-effect-3mmortsmobileNexonnexon-americaopinionpirate101SOESONYspacetime-studiosTeam-Fortress-2turbinevalvevelvet-ropewakfuwizard101Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: What exactly is a kid-friendly MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mmo-family-what-exactly-is-a-kid-friendly-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mmo-family-what-exactly-is-a-kid-friendly-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mmo-family-what-exactly-is-a-kid-friendly-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Family What exactly is a kidfriendly MMO
Recently, Massively's Jef Reahard seemed to revisit his inner-child with his Why I Play article on Clone Wars Adventures and a Daily Grind of a similar topic. He summed up perfectly why CWA, a kid-friendly MMO, is a lot of fun for grown-ups too. There are actually many MMOs that are marketed toward a younger audience but are fun and challenging enough to entertain adults. Meanwhile, there are plenty of kids who have no problem holding their own in "grown-up" MMOs.

So what exactly makes an MMO kid-friendly? It might not be as easy to define as we think.

Continue reading MMO Family: What exactly is a kid-friendly MMO?

MassivelyMMO Family: What exactly is a kid-friendly MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosclone-wars-adventuresfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedflyffkid-friendlykidskids-gamesminecraftmmo-familyopinionpirate101robloxswtorwizard101Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 comes to Mac]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/wizard101-comes-to-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/wizard101-comes-to-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/wizard101-comes-to-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Oh, and here's a fox playing a watermelon
Mac-users, we know you're magical as it is, but if you want to flex your wizarding muscles a bit more, KingsIsle Entertainment has a robe and wizard's hat waiting just for you. Today the studio announced that its family-oriented spellslinging MMO, Wizard101, is now available for Mac. The game is free to download and play, so if you want to get in on the action, just head on over to the Wizard101 official site.

[Source: KingsIsle Entertainment press release]

MassivelyWizard101 comes to Mac originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applef2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmacmac-osmacintoshwizard101Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Winter roundup of kid-friendly MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/mmo-family-winter-roundup-of-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/mmo-family-winter-roundup-of-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/mmo-family-winter-roundup-of-kid-friendly-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Family Winter roundup of kidfriendly MMOs
Winter is always my favorite time of year for family-friendly MMOs. Holiday events tend to be the norm now in most MMOs, but they're tailor-made for games with a younger audience. Winter also seems to usher in lots of new changes and updates as well, so it's time again to revisit some popular titles to play catch up.

Over the past year, we've looked at several new titles and visited veteran MMOs titles to see what's changed. From Club Penguin to Pirate101, we'll look at recent updates and upcoming news in MMO Family's winter roundup!

Continue reading MMO Family: Winter roundup of kid-friendly MMOs

MassivelyMMO Family: Winter roundup of kid-friendly MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazing-worldcasualchildrenchildrens-mmosclub-penguindisneyDisney-Interactivefamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedfree-realmsganzgazilliongazillion-entertainmentjumpstartkid-friendlykidskids-gameskingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmmo-familymonkeyquestopinionpirate101super-hero-squad-onlinewizard101Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101, Pirate101 celebrate season with 12 days of specials]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/wizard101-pirate101-celebrate-season-with-12-days-of-specials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/wizard101-pirate101-celebrate-season-with-12-days-of-specials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/wizard101-pirate101-celebrate-season-with-12-days-of-specials/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wizard101, Pirate101 celebrate season with 12 days of specials
It's that time of year -- the time when the festivities lurk around every corner and good cheer permeates the air. And KingsIsle Entertianment joins in the celebration with the 12 Days of the Spiral! Starting today and going through December 19th, the studio is offering a special daily surprise for Wizard101 and Pirate101 players. Each day could reveal a special offer, a free giveaway, or a new item for one or both of the games.

The first deal really gets to the heart of the spirit of giving: Every purchase of today's special, the Fa-La-La-La Llama mount, will directly benefit two children's charity organizations. This limited-edition mount is available for both games, but must be purchased separately for each.

MassivelyWizard101, Pirate101 celebrate season with 12 days of specials originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-the-spiralf2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playholiday-dealsholiday-specialskid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentpiratepirate101pirateswizard101Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Remembering that games are games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/the-soapbox-remembering-that-games-are-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/the-soapbox-remembering-that-games-are-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/the-soapbox-remembering-that-games-are-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

RIFT Boss Fight
I think it's safe to assume that we all love games. If we didn't, I wouldn't be in this crowded, noisy coffee shop writing this and you wouldn't be blowing off some sort of important responsibility reading it. We're all here together, engaged in this somewhat-anonymous internet back-and-forth, because games have touched our lives. It sounds corny, but it's true.

For many of us, games have a deeply personal and specific meaning. We like the games we like not so much for their craftsmanship or content but for the way they engage our minds and spirits. Games create incredible, irreplaceable moments infused with emotional resonance, and it's only natural we would feel some sort of personal connection when a piece of digital entertainment syncs just right.

It is precisely this personal connection that leads many of us to act like total morons.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Remembering that games are games

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Remembering that games are games originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Dutycommentscommunityeditorialeve-onlinefeaturedfriendshipgamingguild-warsGuild-Wars-2hugsInternetop-edopinionpay-to-winrantrantssoapboxSoul-Caliburthe-soapboxwind-wakerwizard101world-of-tanksWorld-of-WarcraftWoWTue, 13 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dinosaurs are now live in Wizard101's Azteca content update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/dinosaurs-are-now-live-in-wizard101s-azteca-content-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/dinosaurs-are-now-live-in-wizard101s-azteca-content-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/dinosaurs-are-now-live-in-wizard101s-azteca-content-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Dinosaurs are live in Wizard101's Azteca update
Last month, KingsIsle Entertainment shared the news about an upcoming land in Wizard101 populated by intelligent dinosaurs and littered with ancient temples. Today, that lost world of Azteca has been found, and is now on the live server for players to enjoy.

Besides dinosaurs, this content update includes new mounts, gear, pets, another crafting tier complete with new recipes, a higher level cap (90), and many new spells. Adventurers can also explore 13 new zones. To learn more about the update, check out Massively's Interview with Producer Leah Ruben. Don't forget about the patch notes!

[Source: KingsIsle press release]

MassivelyDinosaurs are now live in Wizard101's Azteca content update originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aztecadinosaursf2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentnew-landnew-zonesupdatewizard101Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[KingsIsle releases Grub Guardian satellite game for Wizard101]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/kingsisle-releases-grub-guardian-satellite-game-for-wizard101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/kingsisle-releases-grub-guardian-satellite-game-for-wizard101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/kingsisle-releases-grub-guardian-satellite-game-for-wizard101/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

KingsIsle releases Grub Guardian satellite game for Wizard101
KingsIsle Entertainment wants you to know about Grub Guardian, its latest product that is both inspired by and accessory to Wizard101. Grub Guardian is a stand-alone guardian defense game for iOS devices and PC or Android web browsers.

Players can log in using their existing Wizard101 accounts and "advance the skills and experience of their in-game pets," according to a KingsIsle press release. The company boasts of more than 30 million registered users across its free-to-play family-friendly MMOs, and it says that satellite games like Grub Guardian "represent a new frontier for game design in which standalone mobile game connect seamlessly with larger online worlds like Wizard101."

[Source: KingsIsle press release]

MassivelyKingsIsle releases Grub Guardian satellite game for Wizard101 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercasualf2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playgrub-guardiankid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmobilewizard101Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 222: Trick or treat!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/massively-speaking-episode-222-trick-or-treat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/massively-speaking-episode-222-trick-or-treat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/massively-speaking-episode-222-trick-or-treat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 222
Never accuse us here at Massively of being prejudiced against dinosaurs. We love them. Sure, they're scaly, bitey lizard/bird/demon monstrosities, but they do make great mounts and steaks. Oh, and MMOs. We desperately need more dinos in our MMOs, which is why we applaud Wizard101 for doing so this week.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 222: Trick or treat!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 222: Trick or treat! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aztecabiowarebrantbrianna-royceconquesteaelectronic-artsf2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhalloweenhalloween-2012historicalhumorjustin-olivettikid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlucasartsmassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtortanktanksthe-old-republicthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptortriontrion-worldsturbinewarwargaming.netwizard101world-of-tankswotTue, 30 Oct 2012 17:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 222Massively.com Staff00:47:58podcast<![CDATA[Wizard101 invites us to the dinosaur world of Azteca]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/wizard101-invites-us-to-the-dinosaur-world-of-azteca-embargo-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/wizard101-invites-us-to-the-dinosaur-world-of-azteca-embargo-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/wizard101-invites-us-to-the-dinosaur-world-of-azteca-embargo-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Wizard101 announces Azteca, level cap increase embargo 100 pm EDT 1024
While KingsIsle has been heavily focused on Pirate101's recent launch, the studio wanted to send a strong message that it's still fully behind Wizard101 and has a dedicated team working hard to keep improving and expanding the game. In fact, the Wizard101 team is larger now than it was at launch and has a huge announcement to share.

So what's the big exciting news of the day? Producer Leah Ruben was bursting at the seams to tell us in three words: "Dinosaurs are awesome!"

Actually, the big news is that Wizard101 is preparing to release its ninth new world since launch, a dinosaur world named Azteca. Azteca not only will challenge players to progress through 13 areas but is going to raise the level cap. And the biggest surprise of all? It's going on test servers this week for players to try out.

Keep on reading to find out what Azteca is going to do for the landscape of Wizard101!

Continue reading Wizard101 invites us to the dinosaur world of Azteca

MassivelyWizard101 invites us to the dinosaur world of Azteca originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012-apocalypseapocalypseaztecabreakingdinodinosdinosaurdinosaursextinctionf2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentleah-rubentodd-colemanwizard101Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: How kid-friendly games can treat MMO malaise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/mmo-family-how-kid-friendly-games-can-treat-mmo-malaise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/mmo-family-how-kid-friendly-games-can-treat-mmo-malaise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/mmo-family-how-kid-friendly-games-can-treat-mmo-malaise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMO Family How kidfriendly games can treat MMO malaise
Let's face it: It hasn't been a banner year for MMOs. We've witnessed disappointing launches, studio layoffs, and even studio meltdowns. There have been reports questioning whether MMOs are a good investment, and some studios have even signaled that they're shying away from traditional MMO development in the future.

With all of these dark clouds looming overhead, it's sometimes hard to stay cheerful about MMOs. But ironically, the kid-friendly genre might actually buck the trend. KingsIsle's launch of Pirate101 and SOE's recent updates to Clone Wars Adventures and Free Realms might help curb the malaise with a blend of old and new styles of gameplay. In this week's MMO Family we'll look at what's new with these titles and why kids both young and old have reason to celebrate.

Continue reading MMO Family: How kid-friendly games can treat MMO malaise

MassivelyMMO Family: How kid-friendly games can treat MMO malaise originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcasualchildrenchildrens-mmosclone-warsclone-wars-adventuresconsoleconsolescwaf2pfamilyfamily-friendlyfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playkid-friendlykidskids-gameskids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlobbyminigamemmo-familyopinionpiratepirate101piratesplaystation-3playstation3ps3sci-fantasysci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warswizard101Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirate101 head start begins on October 8th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/pirate101-soft-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/pirate101-soft-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/pirate101-soft-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Pirate101 Interview
If you're a fan of family-friendly MMO Wizard101 and can't wait to get a taste of KingsIsle's next project, then this is your lucky week because Pirate101 is set to begin its head start on October 8th. While the game doesn't officially hit digital shelves until October 15th, you can hop in and get to pirating beginning on the 8th by picking up specific membership types or snagging a pre-launch game bundle (beta participants are also invited). Additionally, Pirate101 game cards will be available in retail stores as of October 8th.

Pirate101 is in many ways the spiritual successor to Wizard101 and marks an ambitious undertaking by KingsIsle to build another engaging and successful MMO that is also family friendly and safe. We talked to producer Jay Gordon and associate producer Mike Stone to get an idea of the challenges the team faced and what may lie in store for those looking to loot and plunder.

Continue reading Pirate101 head start begins on October 8th

MassivelyPirate101 head start begins on October 8th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingEntertainmentf2pfamily-friendlyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiuminterviewinterviewsjay-gordonkid-friendlykidskingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesmicrotransactionMicrotransactionsmike-stonepirate101piratespremiumtestingWizardwizard101Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: There's no such thing as pay-to-win]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-pay-to-win/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

I hate it when MMORPG players completely misrepresent this hobby. I cringe every time I find myself in the middle of a discussion about "MMOs" when most of the people chatting are pulling only from their experience as a World of Warcraft raider and nothing more. There are hundreds -- actually, thousands -- of MMOs in existence. Discussing MMOs without knowing about as many as possible is really talking about specific titles, not a genre. You wouldn't catch a group of "foodies" basing all of their passions on a few items from a handful of menus. The same should apply to MMO discussions if we ever want the genre to be taken more seriously by outsiders.

MMO players love to pigeonhole titles. What are some of the worst descriptions? "Hardcore" is one. What does that even mean? Does it mean a title is hard to play? In what way is it hard? Does it mean that it takes time to play? How much time equals hardcore? "Facebook game" is another term that drives me crazy, and it's often used by many MMO fans to dismiss all sorts of titles. While I know that the term generally refers to FarmVille-style gaming, using the term literally reflects how little the person knows about the variety of games that actually appear on or are connected to Facebook.

The term that drives me the craziest of all is pay-to-win.

Continue reading The Soapbox: There's no such thing as pay-to-win

MassivelyThe Soapbox: There's no such thing as pay-to-win originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allods-onlinebattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointblizzardcash-shopCollectible-Card-Gameeditorialfeaturedgpotatolord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromagic-the-gatheringop-edopinionpay-to-winrantrantssoapboxthe-soapboxturbinewizard101World-of-WarcraftTue, 11 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's first impressions of Pirate101]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/massivelys-first-impressions-of-pirate101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/massivelys-first-impressions-of-pirate101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/massivelys-first-impressions-of-pirate101/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pirate101 screenshot
If you've been following the MMO industry for a while, you've probably been watching in near astonishment as Texas-based developer KingsIsle Entertainment grew a little-known MMO called Wizard101 from the level of "just some kids game" all the way to a very successful world for all ages. So when we heard about a new title in the works, we wondered whether it was possible for the KingsIsle team to duplicate its earlier successes. Well, after trying out new kids on the block Pirate101, I can say that it might even dwarf the success of its predecessor.

Why do I say that? Well, there are many reasons. The game is in only a beta stage, but it's aiming for a launch this year. And even though it's still in beta, the current Wizard101 fanbase is going nuts over the game. If that, combined with the unique selling points of the two titles, is any indication, KingsIsle can count Pirate101 as a huge step forward. One that will make a lot of money, I'm sure.

Gallery: Pirate101 beta screenshots

Continue reading Massively's first impressions of Pirate101

MassivelyMassively's first impressions of Pirate101 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbetabeta-testbeta-testingcash-shopf2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playfreemiumgalleriesgalleryhands-onkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmicrotransactionmicrotransactionspirate101premiumpreviewpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotstestingTurn-basedturn-based-combatwizard101Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[KingsIsle discusses Wizard101, pet upgrades, PvP, and pirates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/kingsisle-discusses-wizard101-pet-upgrades-pvp-and-pirates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/kingsisle-discusses-wizard101-pet-upgrades-pvp-and-pirates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/kingsisle-discusses-wizard101-pet-upgrades-pvp-and-pirates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wizard101 screenshot
If you've found yourself going crazy over raising pets in the hugely successful Wizard101, worry no longer! We called up Fred Howard, KingsIsle VP of Marketing, to discuss some of the upcoming changes en route to one of the most popular activities in Wizard101. These pet changes are underway thanks in large part to a very passionate, informed community of players who have been asking for specific tweaks for quite a while. Pets aren't just for looks in Wizard101; they can level, aid in combat, and be hatched from eggs. There's even a fan-made Petnome Project to break down each pet and its abilities.

We also virtually twisted Fred's arm and got a few comments about Pirate101, KingsIsle's next MMO. Fans of PvP will also be pleased at what he had to say. Just click past the cut and we'll break it down for you.

Continue reading KingsIsle discusses Wizard101, pet upgrades, PvP, and pirates

MassivelyKingsIsle discusses Wizard101, pet upgrades, PvP, and pirates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbetabeta-testbeta-testingcash-shopCollectible-Card-Gameduelingf2pfeaturedfred-howardfree-to-playfreemiumftpinterviewinterviewskingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmicrotransactionmicrotransactionspirate101premiumpreviewpreviewspvptestingwizard101Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 210: Now coming to you in SOGA-Vision]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/massively-speaking-episode-210-now-coming-to-you-in-soga-vision/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/massively-speaking-episode-210-now-coming-to-you-in-soga-vision/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/massively-speaking-episode-210-now-coming-to-you-in-soga-vision/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 210
This week, your intrepid podcasters are traveling down into the dark uncanny valley where their sanity will be shredded, filleted, minced, and served with a nice kumquat garnish. As they forge ahead through pandas, chibis, sasquatches, skarts, and Norwegians, only one question remains -- if they survive, will what's left be worth living?

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 210: Now coming to you in SOGA-Vision

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 210: Now coming to you in SOGA-Vision originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionallodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-royceeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfamilyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgala-netgpotatohorrorhumorjustin-olivettikid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmassively-speakingmythologyopinionpirate101podcastpodcastingpodcastssci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-secret-worldtswwarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowTue, 31 Jul 2012 16:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 210Massively.com Staff01:11:34podcasts<![CDATA[Pirate101 co-creator: 'Our goal is to become the Pixar of online gaming']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/pirate101-co-creator-our-goal-is-to-become-the-pixar-of-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/pirate101-co-creator-our-goal-is-to-become-the-pixar-of-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/pirate101-co-creator-our-goal-is-to-become-the-pixar-of-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Pirate101 cocreator 'Our goal is to become the Pixar of online gaming'
KingsIsle Entertainment Vice President J. Todd Coleman sat down with Forbes to give some insight into the development process of the studio's upcoming Pirate101 -- and how the studio plans to expand its empire.

"We have more plans for the 101 universe," Coleman said, "but we're also looking to expand beyond it with other properties. Our ultimate goal, to summarize it easily, is to become the Pixar of the online gaming space."

Coleman went into the challenges of developing a title set in the same universe but with a different thematic bent and combat system. He also said that the Pirate101 team is twice the size of Wizard101's, mostly because the studio's follow-up MMO is bound to be compared with its eight-years-in-development predecessor.

Competitors might want to think twice about taking KingsIsle on, however. Coleman notes that many have tried and failed, such as LEGO Universe. "Realistically, if you want to compete with Wizard101 at this point, you're looking at an investment of at least 5 to 6 years and well over $100 million in total cost," he said.

MassivelyPirate101 co-creator: 'Our goal is to become the Pixar of online gaming' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfamilyfantasyforbesfree-to-playinterviewj-todd-colemankid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlego-universepirate101pixartodd-colemanwizard101Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The death of AAA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Continue reading The Soapbox: The death of AAA

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosAnarchy-Onlinebattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointBlizzardcity-of-heroeseditorialeverquestfeaturedflyfffree-realmsgemstone-ivglitchillyriadjagexkurt-schillingmabinogiMapleStorymilmominecraftop-edopinionpocket-legendsrantrantsrappelzriftrunescapesecond-lifeSegasoapboxSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentspiral-knightsstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-soapboxthree-ringstiny-specktrionvindictuswizard101World-of-Warcraftwowwurm-onlineTue, 26 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 fansite owner hired to be Pirate101's community manager]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wizard101-fansite-owner-hired-to-be-pirate101s-community-manage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wizard101-fansite-owner-hired-to-be-pirate101s-community-manage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wizard101-fansite-owner-hired-to-be-pirate101s-community-manage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Friendly Necromancer logo
Tom Purdue, admired owner and operator of The Friendly Necromancer blog and Wizard101 fansite, has announced today that he will be KingsIsle Entertainment's new community manager for the upcoming Pirate101 MMO.

As that transition from fan to employee is always a fascinating transformation, we recognize that it's not an easy decision. Massively itself has raised a handful of MMO community managers, so this news is particularly of interest to us. For that reason, we tracked Tom down and asked him some questions about his new role at KingsIsle. Follow along below for the complete interview.

Continue reading Wizard101 fansite owner hired to be Pirate101's community manager

MassivelyWizard101 fansite owner hired to be Pirate101's community manager originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-managerdream-come-truef2pfamilyfansitefantasyfree-to-playinterviewinterviewskid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentpirate101the-friendly-necromancertom-purduetransitionwizard101Wed, 09 May 2012 13:00:00 EST