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[Xsyon update focuses on in-game economy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/xsyon-update-focuses-on-in-game-economy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/xsyon-update-focuses-on-in-game-economy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/xsyon-update-focuses-on-in-game-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Xsyon update focuses on ingame economy
Although it's been a while since the post-apocalyptic sandbox Xsyon has seen a patch, today's update looks to make up for that. With a focus on developing the in-game economy, this update introduces a number of new features, including new resources and materials, new Artisan and Master armor sets, a tribal upkeep system that offers bonuses, special trade totems, alliance and family group formation, and more.

Trade will be bolstered through the new totems; the new trade and quest versions allow tribes to place additional totems that will serve as a marketplace and quest hub. Even better, besides the ones placed in the tribe's own land, additional quest and trade totems can be placed on allied land. For more details on this and the other new systems, check out the full patch notes.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyXsyon update focuses on in-game economy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancescraftingeconomyfantasyin-game-economynew-armornotoriousnotorious-gamespatchpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fitrade-totemstribal-upkeep-systemupdatexsyonFri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon aiming for wider audience on Steam's Greenlight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/xsyon-aiming-for-wider-audience-on-steams-greenlight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/xsyon-aiming-for-wider-audience-on-steams-greenlight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/xsyon-aiming-for-wider-audience-on-steams-greenlight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Xsyon campfire
Notorious Games needs your help to bring its Xsyon sandbox MMO to a wider audience. The title has a new Greenlight page on Valve's Steam digital download service and the post-apocalyptic survival MMO is seeking enough "yes" votes from the community to make it available to Steam's 40 million-plus users.

Xsyon is "an entirely player driven online game with a living and changing environment." Gameplay involves the formation of tribes, the shaping of landscapes, and the construction of towns, not to mention variations on typical MMO questing, gathering, and hunting.

[Source: Notorious press release]

MassivelyXsyon aiming for wider audience on Steam's Greenlight originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygreenlightnotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisteamxsyonxsyon-greenlightMon, 07 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: How do you define player-generated content?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/some-assembly-required-how-do-you-define-player-generated-conte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/some-assembly-required-how-do-you-define-player-generated-conte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/some-assembly-required-how-do-you-define-player-generated-conte/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required How do you define playergenerated content
During a recent conversation with my fellow Some Assembly Required columnist, it became apparent that we had slightly differing opinions on the definition of player-generated content. We both agreed that it was content generated by players (obviously), but when it came to the type of content, our opinions diverged. Seeing as PGC is one of the founding premise behind SAR, I thought it would be a good idea to start the new year out by defining the term more precisely to give us a stable foundation to build on. After all, we want to be on the same page, don't we?

Of course, that gives you the chance to weigh in with your opinions as well! What is the first thing you think of when you hear the term? Let's see whether your ideas about player-generated content mesh with mine, more closely resemble Jef's, or embody something totally different.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: How do you define player-generated content?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: How do you define player-generated content? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy-to-playccpccp-gamescontent-for-cashcreating-contenteq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgame-mechanicshorrorinternet-spaceshipslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromythologynotoriousnotorious-gamesopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentPlayer-Studopost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxSandBoxessarsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsoesome-assembly-requiredsonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswturbineturbine-entertainmentvirtual-worldsxsyonFri, 04 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon architecture contest runs through January 13]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/xsyon-architecture-contest-runs-through-january-13/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/xsyon-architecture-contest-runs-through-january-13/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/xsyon-architecture-contest-runs-through-january-13/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - Rainy River settlement
It's been nine months since Xsyon's last architecture contest, and Notorious Games has kicked off a new competition to recognize the most creative tribes in the post-apocalyptic sandbox title. Submissions will be judged on originality, uniqueness, design, layout, and beautification. The contest also features two sections, one for small tribes (one to five active members) and one for large tribes (six or more actives).

Submissions will be accepted through January 13th, and you can see some of the competition (and get a few ideas) via the video after the break.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyXsyon architecture contest runs through January 13 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architectureconstructionfantasyhousingnotoriousnotorious-gamesplayer-generated-contentpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiuser-generated-contentxsyonxsyon-architecture-contestFri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon offers a free-to-play option]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/xsyon-offers-a-free-to-play-option/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/xsyon-offers-a-free-to-play-option/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/xsyon-offers-a-free-to-play-option/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Xsyon offers a freetoplay option
Have you been wanting to get in and check out the post-apocalyptic world of Xsyon but hesitant about plunking down the cash just to get a taste? Well now you can! Notorious Games just announced a free-to-play option for the current Prelude phase of Xsyon.

Previously, Xsyon offered a free trial server, but weekly wipes prevented folks from really experiencing parts of the game. Now, without any cash commitment, new players can game alongside everyone else on the main server. F2P also allows any survivors who left the chance to come back and reestablish themselves in the Tahoe Basin before the game moves to its next phase, Apocalypse.

As with many F2P options, there are some limitations, especially regarding the formation and management of tribes. For instance, players without paid access can neither form tribes nor count toward membership totals in existing tribes, thereby preventing individuals and groups from artificially padding tribe counts to enlarge tribe borders. For more details on restrictions, check out the official list.

MassivelyXsyon offers a free-to-play option originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypseF2Pfantasyfree-to-playnotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticPreludepvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fixsyonMon, 03 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon looks to go gold with a little help from Kickstarter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/xsyon-looks-to-go-gold-with-a-little-help-from-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/xsyon-looks-to-go-gold-with-a-little-help-from-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/xsyon-looks-to-go-gold-with-a-little-help-from-kickstarter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Xsyon
Xyson is an ambitious sandbox MMO that first opened to public consumption in 2011 under the name Xsyon: Prelude. While the game has been out since that time with no secret about its "not really launched yet" status, the team at Notorious Games has just announced today that official launch is finally right around the corner. But they need your help.

Thanks to the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, Xsyon aims to raise a total of $250,000 to help the game launch under the new name Xyson: Apocalypse. As lead designer Jordi Grau Davis says in the Kickstarter pitch, this will be what Xsyon was intended to be with two servers, nine times the world of Prelude, the addition of religion and magic, a larger dev team, and more.

If you'd like to try the current version of the game out before making a decision to support this project, Xsyon: Prelude has a free trial, and you can learn much more about Notorious Games' plans with the future of the title on their Kickstarter project page.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyXsyon looks to go gold with a little help from Kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasykickstarternotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticprojectpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fixsyonxsyon-apocalypseWed, 21 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon opens free trial server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/xsyon-opens-free-trial-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/xsyon-opens-free-trial-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/xsyon-opens-free-trial-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Xsyon opens free trial server
If you've got a hankering for some sandbox action, but find the thought of a subscription up-front is a deal-breaker, then Notorious Games has heard your unspoken plea! The studio announced that a free trial server is now open to the public.

The trial server is the same game as the subscription server, although the separation will certainly protect those investing in the title. All you have to do to access the trial server is sign up on the forums, after which instructions will appear on your account page.

There's one caveat of playing Xsyon for free, however: The team plans to hit the big reset switch on the trial server every Monday. So if you're looking to preserve your hard work, you'll eventually have to subscribe.

[Thanks to UltimateCarl for the tip!]

MassivelyXsyon opens free trial server originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasyfree-trialfree-trial-servernotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpresetsandboxsci-fantasysci-fitrialtrial-serverxsyonWed, 17 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon creature migration system unveiled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/xsyon-creature-migration-system-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/xsyon-creature-migration-system-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/xsyon-creature-migration-system-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Xsyon creature migration system unveiled
As part of making a dynamic, living world, Notorious Games unveiled Xsyon's unique new creature migration system. Unlike worlds where mobs are static, this sandbox will ensure that animals don't just hang around one place. Instead, as animals breed and the populations expand, they will move from regions with higher populations to areas with lower ones.

Different species will also exhibit different tendencies when migrating. Smaller, tamer critters will congregate toward the shores of Lake Tahoe and civilization, whereas the more dangerous creatures will migrate toward the mountains away from people. The wild animals that venture too close or into the toxic mist will mutate and return to wreak havoc upon the denizens of the land.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyXsyon creature migration system unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-migrationcreature-migration-systemdynamic-eventsdynamic-systemsfantasymigration-patternsmob-migrationnotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fixsyonMon, 17 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of July 28th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-july-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-july-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-july-28th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On MVTV banner
You know what time it is? That's right: It's time for me to heckle you for missing out on some of our awesome streams! Sure, you might have been at work, or perhaps you visited that strange, outer world people call "real life," but that's no excuse! Still, I've got your back. I gathered some of the best moments from the past week of livestreaming, tied them up with a bow, and set them under that little line down there. All you have to do is click the "continue reading" and BAM! All of the presents are yours. Share with your sister. Oh, and bookmark the livestream guide on your little browser there so you won't ever miss a stream again.

What went on this week? Well, we started off with Richie doing some sort of multi-armed attack in SMITE and then switching to a character who shares my name. (That must have given him extra points.) Next up we had MJ with all of her streaming glory. She dived into some Xsyon, the indie post-apocalyptic world where giant dogs tend to bite your ears off. Next she visited Tinkerfest in EverQuest II, escorted somebody's trunk into a toilet (don't ask me) in The Secret World, and rounded her week off with a bit of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Speaking of Vanguard, I wonder if you heard about the free-to-play release date. No? Well then click here and read all about it. I finished things off with a Rise and Shiny revisit to good old Face of Mankind. Yes, I get shot.

Read that Vanguard article after you watch these videos. Your Aunt Beau went through all that trouble to put them together for you, so go upstairs right now and try them on!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of July 28th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of July 28th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iiface-of-mankindfeaturedFuncomlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmj-guthriemmofpsMOBAmv-tvmvtvround-uproundupsmiteSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamthe-secret-worldtwitchtwitch-tvvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvideovideosxsyonSun, 05 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Inactive players give rise to Xsyon zombies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/inactive-players-giving-rise-to-xsyon-zombies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/inactive-players-giving-rise-to-xsyon-zombies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/inactive-players-giving-rise-to-xsyon-zombies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Braaaaaains... better gear and braaaaaaains...
Normally, the worst things that happen to inactive players are that guilds kick them out. But in the world of Xsyon, the consequences are more dire, not just for the player but for everyone around. With the game's latest update, inactive tribal totems will begin to give rise to intelligent and malicious undead revenants. And these creatures are far more intelligent thatn your average monsters, hunting other players and looting them for better equipment as they capture new territory.

Fortunately for the players, there's also new armor to be looted off the revenants themselves and plenty of opportunities for players to beat back the invasion. The update also brings along a widespread upgrade to monster AI, making all foes a bit more clever and deadly aside from just the revenants. If you've been out of the game for a while, you might want to jump back in, especially to prevent your former home from turning into an undead nest.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyInactive players give rise to Xsyon zombies originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aienemy-aifantasynotoriousnotorious-gamespatchpatchespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvprevenantssandboxsci-fantasysci-fitotemstribal-totemsupdatesxsyonzombiesMon, 16 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon totem abandonment phase for MIA tribes starts June 25th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/xsyon-totem-abandonment-phase-for-mia-tribes-starts-june-25th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/xsyon-totem-abandonment-phase-for-mia-tribes-starts-june-25th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/xsyon-totem-abandonment-phase-for-mia-tribes-starts-june-25th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Xsyon screenshot
Deserted structures in neglected lands, abandoned goods sitting unusable in baskets; in Xsyon, as in any game where players can own property, there comes a time when owners move on leaving valuable in-game resources tied up and inaccessible to those who remain. To combat this, Notorious Games is implementing decay for all inactive totems starting June 25th.

Abandonment, the culling of inactive tribes from land ownership, is a four-phase process. Any tribe without at least one active member will move into the first stage, neglected. The second is the deserted phase; all bins on the land will become accessible and the area will no longer be a safe zone. Revenants (aggressive creatures who can loot players and equip their gear) will haunt tribes in this stage and increase in number during the next stage -- abandoned. In the removal stage, buildings can be demolished and the land reclaimed by active citizens.

All Xsyon players -- past or present -- have the chance to log in and claim their totems from Friday, June 22nd until Monday, June 25th before Abandonment begins. All active accounts prior to June 25th will also receive two weeks of free play time.

[Source: Xsyon press release]

MassivelyXsyon totem abandonment phase for MIA tribes starts June 25th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abandoned-landsfantasyland-ownershipnewsnotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fitotem-decaytotemsxsyonTue, 19 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you judge all MMOs by the same standard?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-judge-all-mmos-by-the-same-standard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-judge-all-mmos-by-the-same-standard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-judge-all-mmos-by-the-same-standard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - player-created temple
One of the challenges facing sandbox developers is the fact that recent themepark MMORPGs have raised the bar in terms of smooth launches and relatively bug-free experiences. Aside from EVE Online, most of the current sandboxes on offer are small indie affairs known as much for their rough-around-the-edges implementation as for their feature innovations.

And yet, many so-called sandbox fans seem to expect games like Xsyon, Darkfall, and others to be as polished as World of Warcraft, RIFT, and other themeparks with fewer features and several times the budget.

For today's Daily Grind, we'd like to know how much (if any) slack you cut developers of sandbox and/or indie MMOs. Do you hold these games to the same standard that you hold a triple-A themepark?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you judge all MMOs by the same standard? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsdaily-grindfeaturedopinionpolishsandboxsandbox-fanstdgthe-daily-grindthemeparkxsyonThu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon welcomes back former players, gears up for totem decay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/xsyon-welcomes-back-former-players-gears-up-for-totem-decay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - Totem decay
Notorious Games is working overtime to highlight all of the changes it's made to its Xsyon sandbox. The company ran a 10-day welcome back promotion late last month, and it's doing so again starting this Friday. Previous subscribers will receive a free 10-day pass, while current players will get two additional weeks of game time on the house.

The dates for the 10-day passes vary, according to Notorious' latest press release. If you're a previous subscriber, check your email over the next few days to see where your game time falls within the larger five-week promotional window.

Also noteworthy for dedicated Xsyon players is the fact that the game's totem system will enter something called a decay phase once these trial periods are over. Totems represent land claimed by a particular guild, and those without any actively subscribed players will become abandoned in short order. Abandoned totems will then decay and free up the land for other players, while also leaving any buildings, resources, and containers free for the taking.

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyXsyon welcomes back former players, gears up for totem decay originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasynotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fitotem-decayxsyonxsyon-totem-decayTue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Xsyon patch adds player-made quests, tweaks skill gains]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/latest-xsyon-patch-adds-player-made-quests-tweaks-skill-gains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/latest-xsyon-patch-adds-player-made-quests-tweaks-skill-gains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/latest-xsyon-patch-adds-player-made-quests-tweaks-skill-gains/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Xsyon - player-made cart
What's new in the world of Xsyon? Quite a lot, according to Notorious Games' latest patch notes. The new update has overhauled many of the sandbox survival MMO's systems, including extensive skill tweaks, increased stat gains based on actions, and stat readjustment functionality.

Players may also create quests for one another. Doing so rewards both the quester and the creator with XP upon successful quest completion. Overall experience gain has been adjusted to reward players per action and via quests, which should lead to a marked reduction in the grinding necessary to gain skills.

These are just a few of the improvements, too. Have a look at the patch notes for the full list.

MassivelyLatest Xsyon patch adds player-made quests, tweaks skill gains originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasynotoriousnotorious-gamesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-made-questsplayer-questspost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiuser-generated-contentxsyonxsyon-patchxsyon-skillsThu, 03 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon hosts 10-day welcome back promotion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/xsyon-hosts-10-day-welcome-back-promotion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/xsyon-hosts-10-day-welcome-back-promotion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/xsyon-hosts-10-day-welcome-back-promotion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Xsyon
Did you play the sandbox title Xsyon in the past year but you've let your subscription slip? Notorious Games wants your patronage back, and it's willing to meet you halfway with 10 days of free game time to check out all of the new additions and developments in the game.

Any former subscriber to Xsyon will receive a 10-day pass to the game sometime after May 18th. This time will be used over the course of five weeks. Eligible players will be notified by email when their 10-day slot is scheduled.

Xsyon recently celebrated its first anniversary and since launch has seen explosive growth of both player-created structures and the wildlife population. Other improvements that Notorious Games is proud of include a better crafting system, an overhauled UI, and tweaked visuals.

MassivelyXsyon hosts 10-day welcome back promotion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryfantasyfree-game-timenotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocpost-apocalypticpromotionpvpsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiwelcome-backwelcome-back-promotionxsyonTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Xsyon screenshot
One year and counting. Crack open the waterskin and raise a toast to Xsyon: Today the post-apocalyptic sandbox by Notorious Games celebrates its first full year of launch. Well, the first year of the official launch of Prelude, a limited first release of the virtual world. Come to think of it, even that date seems a bit nebulous as the pre-order players in the first phase of Year Zero (basically beta) actually had their most significant change on March 11th, 2011 when the second phase launched and totems were introduced.

Semantics aside, Xsyon has come a long way from that official first day. Unlike many games where gameplay is neatly laid out, this indie title gives players only the canvas and a few tools before setting them loose to fashion their world. As the year continued, additional tools were provided and the world became more vibrant and dynamic. Initially barren without any critters (other than your surviving neighbors) to hunt, the world is now populated with large creatures that roam the land, threatening the lives of travelers and hunters alike. Even the lay of the land itself is different as players manipulate and alter the terrain, build settlements, and plant trees. Communities are forming; groups are supporting and even entertaining each other. Civilization is slowly rebuilding.

And that's only the beginning.

Continue reading Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude

MassivelyXsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybuildingcraftingdynamic-AIfeaturedharvestingmutantsnotoriousnotorious-gamesplantingplanting-treespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvprebuildingrebuilding-civilizationsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiterraformingxsyonThu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
Creativity. It is expressed in so many ways in so many mediums. Art, literature, architecture, music, performance... I love it all, conventional and unconventional. Heck, I revel in it! Why do you think my work and recreation include gaming?

Wait, gaming?! You betcha!

Beyond the artistry of the developers, MMORPGs offer outlets for player creativity in a variety of ways. I am not ashamed to admit that the primary reason I delve into MMORPGs is not for the gameplay but to explore and experience the creative expression of others (and to express some of my own as well). In fact, finding and sharing that very creativity by championing and highlighting player-generated content is precisely what Some Assembly Required is about.

Between (or in lieu of) the hacking, the slashing, and the plundering, players seize proffered tools in myriad virtual realms to build works of art, pen masterpieces, construct edifices, compose melodies, and take the stage, all within the pixeled confines of a virtual world. Unfortunately, not all games have adequate tools for such creative expression. While inspired players can make do if they must, having supporting features exponentially enhances a game (and positively affects retention). Thankfully, some games provide a few standard-setting features that -- in my opinion -- should be included in every game on the market. Here are six of those must-have features.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearance-slotsbookbookscreativitydecoratingdungeon-makeremotesEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedgame-mechanicshousingopinionperformancepgcplayer-booksplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-housingplayer-written-booksquest-builderroleplayRolePlayingrpsandboxsarSOEsome-assembly-requiredSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesswgterraformingvanguardwritingxsyonxsyon-preludeFri, 02 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Are you a bad enough dude to survive Xsyon's Mutant Maze?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/are-you-a-bad-enough-dude-to-survive-xsyons-mutant-maze/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/are-you-a-bad-enough-dude-to-survive-xsyons-mutant-maze/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/are-you-a-bad-enough-dude-to-survive-xsyons-mutant-maze/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Also the president might have been kidnapped by a giant bear.
Do you feel lucky when you log into Xsyon? Do you feel as if you can go anywhere and do anything in complete safety? Then perhaps you'd like to test your skills this weekend when the game unleashes the Mutant Maze event starting at 3 p.m. EST (12 p.m. PST). Open to everyone who wishes to take part, the event will teleport all volunteers to the designated grounds at the start and teleport them back at the conclusion... but there's no certainty you'll emerge victorious.

So what is the Mutant Maze? It's a labyrinth filled with all sorts of nasty mutants, hence the name. Players will be able to keep the spoils of their kills, and there's a special prize for completing a round of the maze by both surviving and finding the exit successfully. There are three total rounds, enough to test the game's most seasoned veterans -- but for the glory of a prize, won't you spend a weekend ambling through a maze filled with enormous bears?

[Source: Notorious Games press release]

MassivelyAre you a bad enough dude to survive Xsyon's Mutant Maze? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challengeseventin-game-eventlabyrinthlimited-time-eventsmazemutant-mazenotorious-gamesspecial-eventsupcoming-eventsxsyonWed, 22 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/some-assembly-required-xsyon-picks-up-speed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
Last year, I had the opportunity to meander around Xsyon for Choose My Adventure. Then, the game was still at the end of its beta phase. Now, with some time under its belt since release, the game continues to grow. And January has seen quite the growth spurt.

I won't complain if the momentum that Xsyon has shown in the last month keeps up. Announcing multiple events and an architecture contest? Not to mention introducing new goodies? You go, game! Though it's small and indie, I am totally rooting for this title to succeed. Why? The main reason is that the game is reliant on player generated content: Instead of developers designing every aspect of the game, they built the world as a foundation and gave players the tools to go from there. This game is one of the few out there that offers many avenues for players to generate their own content and have a visible and lasting impact on the world around them.

And just how is post-apocalyptic Earth shaping up with the players at the helm? This week, Some Assembly Required explores the once-ravaged land to highlight some of that generated content, from events (both player-run and developer sponsored) to small- and large-scale construction.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Xsyon picks up speed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-xsyonCMAcontestcontestseventsevents-in-gamefeaturedin-game-eventsnew-featuresnotorious-gamesplantingplanting-treesplayer-generated-contentplayer-run-eventssandboxsandbox-experienceSARsome-assembly-requiredterraformingXsyonxsyon-earth-2012Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xsyon hosting month-long architecture contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/xsyon-hosting-month-long-architecture-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/xsyon-hosting-month-long-architecture-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/xsyon-hosting-month-long-architecture-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Xsyon - This took insane amounts of time.
If you're a member of a tribe in Xsyon, you might want to check out Notorious Games' latest architecture contest. The event runs from February 1st to March 1st, and it's open to both small tribes (between one and five members) and larger groups (six or more members).

Since it's an architecture contest, you'll obviously need to construct (or re-construct) your tribe settlement. Notorious will be judging your creations for originality, uniqueness, design, layout, and beautification.

The dev team is remaining coy when it comes to contest incentives, but the latest Xsyon press release does say that "there will be a large prize for the winning tribe in each group."

MassivelyXsyon hosting month-long architecture contest originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecture-contestcontestfantasyin-game-eventnotorious-gamesplayer-citiesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpost-apocalypticsandboxtribe-citiesuser-generated-contentxsyonMon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST