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Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.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/<![CDATA[Comic-Con 08 in pictures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/comic-con-08-in-pictures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/comic-con-08-in-pictures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/comic-con-08-in-pictures/#commentsFiled under: Galleries, Culture, Events, real-world, Massively Event Coverage

We braved the jam-packed San Diego Convention Center show floor to bring you some eye candy from this year's Crowded-Con. Included in the gallery are MMO publisher booth tours, the palatial Upper Deck booth, and some general Con pics as well as highlights from a few of the panels and from the SOE block party Saturday evening. Sister site Joystiq has a gallery of some of the great costumes and gratuitous cosplay seen at Comic-Con, so be sure to check those out as well via the preview embedded below.

Comic-Con 08 in pictures >>

Gallery: Comic-Con 08: Event gallery

Gallery: Costumes of Comic-Con 2008

Comic-Con 08 in pictures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>comic-concomic-con-2008costumesfeaturedFuncomjoystiqfeaturesNCsoftSGWSOETue, 29 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Contest: Win an exclusive City of Heroes in-game item from Comic-Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/contest-win-an-exclusive-in-game-city-of-heroes-item-from-comic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/contest-win-an-exclusive-in-game-city-of-heroes-item-from-comic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/contest-win-an-exclusive-in-game-city-of-heroes-item-from-comic/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, City of Heroes, Contests, Massively Event Coverage

We stopped by the NCsoft booth at Comic-Con 2008 and had the chance to chat with City of Heroes Community Manager Alex 'Lighthouse' Von Minden, who noted that a number of community members were disappointed about not being able to attend the Con for a chance to snag the exclusive in-game item from the VIP Pass. We thought it would be fun to give players not in attendance a chance to pick one up, so we're happy to present Massively readers with 10 chances to win a unique in-game CoH Comic-Con item. This contest is open to all ages and locations -- you'll just need an active City of Heroes account to claim it. To enter, just leave a comment in this thread by 5pm EST Wednesday, July 30. We'll choose 10 winners at random to receive a code for the unique in-game item. Good luck!

Update: contest closed! Thanks to everyone who entered -- we'll be announcing winners ASAP!

Contest: Win an exclusive City of Heroes in-game item from Comic-Con originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Alex-von-MindenCoHcomic-concomic-con-2008contestfeaturedin-game-itemitemsjoystiqfeaturesLighthouseNCsoftMon, 28 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft's Operation Immortality to send human DNA into space]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/ncsofts-operation-immortality-to-send-human-dna-into-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/ncsofts-operation-immortality-to-send-human-dna-into-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/ncsofts-operation-immortality-to-send-human-dna-into-space/#commentsFiled under: Contests, Culture, Events, real-world, Tabula Rasa, Massively Event Coverage

A banner atop the NCsoft booth at Comic-Con 2008 read cryptically: "DNA Test Site: Adam & Eve 2.0." Several rows of brightly-colored buttons arrayed on a table, there for the taking, were emblazoned with the same message. Even more puzzlingly, couples were lining up to swab their cheeks with Q-tips to be stored in plastic pouches labeled with their names and today's date. What kind of crazy cabal initiation was underway at NCsoft's booth?

Without fully revealing the mystery of Operation Immortality, an NCsoft representative shed some light on the cheek-swabbing activities of the fans lining up two-by-two. Five couples, one per day of Comic-Con festivities, will be chosen to have their DNA sequenced and stored in a hard drive that will be jettisoned into outer space -- and why exactly? In case the horrifying possibility of a Bane victory renders the human population of Earth annihilated, we'll be able to repopulate it with the human DNA kept safe in the off-site storage of space.

Continue reading NCsoft's Operation Immortality to send human DNA into space

NCsoft's Operation Immortality to send human DNA into space originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>comic-concomic-con-2008DNAhuman-DNAoperation-immortalityspaceTRMon, 28 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Comic-Con 08: New DC Universe Online screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/comic-con-08-new-dc-universe-online-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/comic-con-08-new-dc-universe-online-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/comic-con-08-new-dc-universe-online-screens/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, Galleries, Screenshots, Massively Event Coverage, DC Universe Online

Sony Online Entertainment released a handful of new official screenshots for DCUO at Comic-Con this past weekend, and also had a playable pre-alpha demo on the show floor for us to get our grubby mitts on. Check out the galleries below for the official shots plus some screens we culled from play sessions on the floor, and stay tuned for our hands-on impressions, gameplay videos, and coverage of the DC Universe Online Comic-Con panel with Jim Lee.

DCUO Comic-Con screens >>

Gallery: Comic-Con 08: New DC Universe Online screens

Gallery: Comic-Con 08: DCUO pre-alpha demo

Comic-Con 08: New DC Universe Online screens originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>comic-concomic-con-2008DC-universe-onlineDCUOfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesSOEMon, 28 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: DC Universe Online roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-online-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-online-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-online-roundup/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, Galleries, Trailers, New titles, Massively Interviews, Massively Event Coverage, DC Universe Online

Sony Entertainment Online revealed a metric ton of new information on their upcoming superhero MMO DC Universe Online at E3 this week, and Massively was on hand to pick the spicy brainmeats of Creative Director Chris Cao, SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely, and famed DC artist and Executive Creative Director for the project, Jim Lee. Check out the roundup of all the DCUO coverage from E3 including interviews, screenshots, a full breakdown of the trailer and analysis of DCUO's role on the console. Plus, don't forget to tune in next week for our exclusive interview with Jim Lee!

Development team interview

Screens and Trailer

MMOs on the console

E308: DC Universe Online roundup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dc-universe-onlineDCUOe3-2008e3-dcuoe308featuredjim-leejoystiqfeaturesSOEThu, 17 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ION 08: Getting the most out of user generated content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-getting-the-most-out-of-user-generated-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-getting-the-most-out-of-user-generated-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-getting-the-most-out-of-user-generated-content/#commentsFiled under: Pirates of the Burning Sea, Fan art, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Second Life, Legal, Virtual worlds, Massively Event Coverage

One might rightfully acuse the term "user generated content" of being a rather dry way to describe what is really a fascinating trend in media: the opportunity for "users" to contribute their own creations and have them incorporated into traditionally heavily produced "content." By nature interactive, the games industry is taking notice of the power of UGC, and in a panel yesterday at ION 08 we had the chance to listen to Flying Lab's Troy Hewitt and Linden Lab's Rob Lanphier talk about how user content has been working in Pirates of the Burning Sea and Second Life. Attorney Eric Goldman of Santa Clara University School of Law was on hand to discuss some of the legal issues surrounding UGC, and the panel was moderated by Scott Warner, owner and leader of the intellectual property and technology group at firm Garvey Schubert Barer.

Scott: Troy, do you want to start us off by talking about how user content has been working in Pirates?

Troy: Sure. As some of you may know, we just launched PotBS earlier this year. We have a system in the game where players can create flags and sails for their ships. There's a mechanism to distribute your work and they can actually create and sell their designs as well. Players can also create and model their own ships, and other people in game will be able to use those ships. We have 30 ships now in the game made by players, and these were actually done by only 13 people; so it's a small group of dedicated people creating these ships. With the flags and sails, about 20% of our player base is creating them and a much larger percentage actually use them.

Continue reading ION 08: Getting the most out of user generated content

ION 08: Getting the most out of user generated content originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredflying-labIONion-2008ION08ION2008linden-labPOTBSpotbs-user-contentrob-lanphierSLtroy-hewittUGCuser-generated-contentThu, 15 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ION 08: SOE Seattle studio tour]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-soe-seattle-studio-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-soe-seattle-studio-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ion-08-soe-seattle-studio-tour/#commentsFiled under: Galleries, Events, real-world, The Agency, Consoles, Spy, Massively Event Coverage

Our mission: infiltrate SOE's Seattle studio, obtain intel on The Agency, regale the awesomely hyperactive lead designer Hal Milton with questions from left field. Operatives were dispatched, urban primitive ladies were photographed, and foyer introductions were presided over by a really cool gun. Stay tuned for more news about living the life of an elite agent, and check out the gallery for tour photos featuring concept art from The Agency, giant robots, and a not-so-secret reveal.

Gallery: ION 08: SOE Seattle studio open house

ION 08: SOE Seattle studio tour originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredhal-miltonIONion-2008ION08ION2008matt-wilsonSOESOE-Seattlestudio-tourthe-agencyThu, 15 May 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ION 08: MMOs and the television content model (SGW)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ion-08-mmos-and-the-television-content-model-sgw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ion-08-mmos-and-the-television-content-model-sgw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ion-08-mmos-and-the-television-content-model-sgw/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Business models, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Stargate Worlds, Massively Event Coverage

Joseph Ybarra, SVP of strategic operations at Firesky, the publishing subsidiary of Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, presented a session today at ION 08 about the Stargate Worlds production model that borrows heavily from Hollywood and TV models. The goal for SGW is to approach content updates for the game more like a production cycle for television, in which an episode takes a predictable amount of time to complete (14-16 weeks in the case of Stargate Atlantis).

After some background on Firesky and CME, Ybarra showed the Stargate Worlds trailer and launched into a discussion of the strategy with SGW. The idea is to adopt a movie model for the development phase and a TV model for the post-launch "live" phase. They chose to use the BigWorld middleware platform and Unreal Engine technologies in an effort to use proven tools: "don't reinvent the wheel." This allows them to both minimize risk and focus on the content.

Continue reading ION 08: MMOs and the television content model (SGW)

ION 08: MMOs and the television content model (SGW) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 May 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bigworldcheyenne-moutanin-entertainmentCMEepisodic-contentfeaturedFireskyHollywoodIONion-2008ION08ION2008joseph-ybarraSGWstargate-worldstelevisionTVunreal-engineWed, 14 May 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ION 08: State of online games keynote]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ion-08-state-of-online-games-keynote/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ion-08-state-of-online-games-keynote/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ion-08-state-of-online-games-keynote/#commentsFiled under: Business models, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Massively Event Coverage

Globalization is one of the session tracks here at ION 08, as befitting an industry seeking the holy grail of a truly global marketplace for online games. Tuesday's keynote was delivered by Won II Suh of Neowiz, a Korean online games company with 20 titles currently supported or in development by 1000 employees across 8 regions around the world. Mr. Suh described the current landscape of online gaming in Asia and the state of East-West partnerships happening at an increasing rate around the world (Activision and Blizzard, Neowiz and EA, THQ and Shanda to name a few).

Crossover from West to East already has some success stories (NBA Street, e.g.) while the East to West crossover is still fairly nascent. Suh spoke to a fundamental paradigm shift in the way games are made and played in both markets as part of the reason so much of this crossover is happening now. He stressed the importance of prioritizing human and cultural connections as predicates to success for Western companies hoping to break into Eastern markets, indicating that even if the business and financial plans make sense, companies are still prone to fail if they misunderstand or gloss over the critical steps of establishing real human relations and corporate culture due diligence when aspiring to do business in Asia.

All of the slides from the keynote are available in our gallery.

Gallery: ION 08: State of online games keynote

ION 08: State of online games keynote originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 May 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Asiaeast-westeuropefeaturedglobalizationIONion-2008ION08ION2008Neowiznorth-americawon-suhWed, 14 May 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ION 08: What can game developers learn from web 2.0?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/ion-08-what-can-game-developers-learn-from-web-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/ion-08-what-can-game-developers-learn-from-web-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/ion-08-what-can-game-developers-learn-from-web-2-0/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Anarchy Online, EverQuest, Lineage, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Ultima Online, RuneScape, Massively Event Coverage

This is becoming a popular topic. Adam Martin, lead core programmer at NCsoft, tackled this topic today in one of ION's morning sessions entitled "Web 2.0: How I learned to stop worrying and love the internet." In light of the low cost, high audience model of web destinations like Facebook and Myspace, are MMOs even a good idea at all? Is WoW the last major MMO we're going to see?

Martin started off with a brief history of MMOs starting with Ultima Online and Lineage in 1997. UO did well for years, remaining in the top 3 or 4 properties in terms of subscriber numbers, while Lineage was absolutely dominating the Asian market. When Everquest came along two years later it addressed a number of the technological problems that had been massively underrated previously, although patching was still a big and painful issue.

Continue reading ION 08: What can game developers learn from web 2.0?

ION 08: What can game developers learn from web 2.0? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>developerfacebookfeaturedIONion-2008ION08joystiqfeaturesmyspaceweb2.0Tue, 13 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Announcing Joystiq's newest sibling: Big Download (beta!)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/announcing-joystiqs-newest-sibling-big-download-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/announcing-joystiqs-newest-sibling-big-download-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/announcing-joystiqs-newest-sibling-big-download-beta/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta

We have some special Big News to deliver to you dear, MMO-besotten readers: Massively has a brand new sibling to group with and we'll be playing with our new PC gaming-focused sister site, Big Download, quite a bit. In partnership with our good friends at GameDaily, we're taking the wraps off the beta version of a full-fledged, fast and free PC downloads engine married to a news and features blog powered by Joystiq -- chock full of all the Special Goodness ^TM our writers bring to you daily, including a number of names from the Massively roster you'll recognize.

At Big Download you'll get all the news and views fit to print about PC gaming, a file tracking system that remembers your favorite titles, and no waiting, no fees access to demos, patches, mods, trailers and more. We're inviting you to come on in, make yourself at home and start poking everything with sticks. Like any modern web product we're launching in beta version -- there may be kinks and rough edges to be worked out, so bear with us, mind the dust and be sure to send us any feedback you have so we can make all the final fixes. Unlike certain products that stay in beta forever we hope to remove the beta tag with all due swiftness and come out with guns blazing. Big guns.

We hope to see you at Big Download, where all the news is big and all the downloads are above average!

Announcing Joystiq's newest sibling: Big Download (beta!) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 May 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>big-downloadbigdownloadjoystiqlaunchespcpc-gamingThu, 08 May 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SXSW08: How gamers are adopting the wiki way]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/sxsw08-how-gamers-are-adopting-the-wiki-way/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/sxsw08-how-gamers-are-adopting-the-wiki-way/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/sxsw08-how-gamers-are-adopting-the-wiki-way/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Culture, Events, real-world, Tabula Rasa, Massively Event Coverage

One of the many excellent sessions in the ScreenBurn track at SXSW Interactive this year, the "How Gamers Are Adopting the Wiki Way" panel featured George Pribul (lead admin of WoWWiki.com), April "CuppaJo" Burba (Community Manager for Tabula Rasa), Angelique Shelton (GM of Wikia Gaming at Wikia Inc), and Jake McKee (Principal at Ant's Eye View) talking about the symbiotic relationship between gamers and wikis. Interesting factoid: WoWWiki is now the second largest English-language wiki in the world behind Wikipedia. At 3 million unique users per month, a full half of English-speaking WoW players visit WoWWiki every month.

One of the initial questions was the obvious, "Why wikis?" Pribul answered that forums, the traditional places where gamer communities gather, aren't very good formats for organizing information. Wikis not only organize information very well but allow community collaboration on data that changes over time. A question from the audience next asked about the significance of wikis for other industries besides gaming. Shelton responded, "Whatever people have a natural passion about, and any way you can enable your customers to come together and collaborate on their passion -- wikis are an amazing tool for that. Individuals can step up and take ownership of something." She mentioned that people often wonder why anyone would want to write content for free, and used a basketball analogy to counter that: even though you could get paid to do it in the NBA, people still play pickup games on the street. The social dynamics within a wiki give participants pride, attribution, and community elevation -- people get social status for sharing this information.

Gallery: SXSW 2008

Continue reading SXSW08: How gamers are adopting the wiki way

SXSW08: How gamers are adopting the wiki way originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>angelique-sheltonapril-burbablizzardfeaturedgaming-wikisgeorge-pribuljake-mckeencsoftSXSWSXSW08TRwikiawikisWOWwowwikiSat, 08 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Highlights from GDC]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/gdc08-highlights-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/gdc08-highlights-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/gdc08-highlights-from-gdc/#commentsFiled under: At a glance, Events, real-world, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, Previews, Hands-on, Virtual worlds, Massively Interviews, Massively Hands-on, Massively Event Coverage

Don't miss our roundup of all the highlights from GDC 2008:

MMORPG highlights from GDC08
GDC08 Highlights: Age of Conan, Requiem: Bloodymare and All Points Bulletin
GDC08 Highlights: Eve Online, Fusion Fall and Lego Universe
GDC08 Highlights: Freaky Creatures, Habbo and Love
GDC08 Highlights: The future of Virtual Worlds and the end of GDC08

Gallery: GDC 08: The Gallery

GDC08: Highlights from GDC originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>gdc08highlightsroundupsMon, 03 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: When Love came to town]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc08-when-love-came-to-town/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc08-when-love-came-to-town/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc08-when-love-came-to-town/#commentsFiled under: At a glance, Galleries, Video, Business models, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Previews, MMOFPS, Massively Interviews, Massively Hands-on, Massively Event Coverage, Love

Every once in a while you have one of those unique experiences where you catch a glimpse of inspirational human intelligence. We were lucky enough to have such an experience at GDC in the hour we spent with Eskil Steenberg, the gifted programmer behind the fledgling one-man MMO project, Love. Once you get past the stage of incredulity at the idea that anyone would even attempt to create a massive game as a solo effort in the age of WoW-sized development and content teams, you start to get a window into exactly why this work in progress is unusual, preciously unique and extremely exciting.

Starting with a caveat: Love is not yet in production (indeed, there's no solid guarantee it ever will be), nor is it glossy and polished like most of the blockbuster AAA titles we feature in our list of core titles -- but the latter tends to work in its favor. It's not like any MMO you've ever seen; what we saw shimmering and dancing on Steenberg's laptop was otherworldly, breathing, and dreamy -- more reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting or of Waking Life than of any massive game we've ever played. The video embedded after the break is somewhat crude, having been shot off a laptop display (and occasionally featuring a reflection of Eskil himself, which you can decide for yourself whether it enhances or detracts from the experience), but captures the essence of the strange world in motion with its breathtaking landscape and day/night cycling as you wander about the planet.

Gallery: GDC08: Love by Eskil Steenberg

Continue reading GDC08: When Love came to town

GDC08: When Love came to town originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>eskil-steenbergfeaturedgamedevjoystiqfeaturesloveopen-sourceorganicprogrammingquel-solaarverseTue, 26 Feb 2008 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: All Points Bulletin info and eye candy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-all-points-bulletin-info-and-eye-candy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-all-points-bulletin-info-and-eye-candy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-all-points-bulletin-info-and-eye-candy/#commentsFiled under: Real life, Galleries, Events, real-world, New titles, Consoles, All Points Bulletin, Crime, Massively Event Coverage

What word is perhaps most synonymous with the current MMO playing field? Grind. Realtime Worlds' Dave Jones (no relation?) is setting out to change that with the studio's first massively multiplayer title All Points Bulletin we've been following eagerly. He's hoping the formula Crackdown + MMO = crack will be proven true with variables like infinite, professional-looking character and vehicle customization, contemporary setting, integration with last.fm and dynamic, variable team-sized missions hidden in the equation. Hit up our symbiotic other selves at Joystiq for the complete overview of APB.

Gallery: GDC08: All Points Bulletin

GDC08: All Points Bulletin info and eye candy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ABPall-points-bulletinbreakingcharacter-customizationcrackdowncrimedave-thomasenforcementganggrindinggroupinglast.fmlevelingPVErealtime-worldsUGCuser-generated-contentFri, 22 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Blizzard's approach to MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-blizzards-approach-to-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-blizzards-approach-to-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-blizzards-approach-to-mmos/#commentsFiled under: Events, real-world, Game mechanics, MMO industry, PvP, Maps, Massively Event Coverage

Rob Pardo, Senior Vice President of Game Design, spoke earlier today on Blizzard's approach to multiplayer game design at GDC. Sister site WoW Insider has a complete liveblog of the session, featuring best practices learned regarding game balance, PvP and UI design, player psychology and more. Head over to check out the full transcript from the talk and the Q&A session plus a gallery of all the slides.

Gallery: GDC08: Blizzard's approach to MMOs

GDC08: Blizzard's approach to MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>blizzardfeaturedgame-designgamedevGDC08multiplayerpvprob-pardostarcraftuiwarcraftwowWed, 20 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces G.I.R.L. scholarship program]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/soe-announces-g-i-r-l-scholarship-program/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/soe-announces-g-i-r-l-scholarship-program/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/soe-announces-g-i-r-l-scholarship-program/#commentsFiled under: Events, real-world, MMO industry, Education, Massively Event Coverage

We had the chance to hit up Sony Online Entertainment's soiree at GDC and were privy to their announcement about a scholarship program designed to educate and recruit women into the video game industry: the Gamers In Real Life (G.I.R.L. -- see what they did thar?) scholarship program offers a $10,000 tuition scholarship towards an education at any Art Institutes school where currently enrolled, plus a paid internship at one of SOE's studios in Austin, Denver, San Diego or Seattle. Applications will be accepted beginning April 1, 2008 and ending May 31, 2008, with winners announced on or about June 30, 2008. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry professionals at SOE.

The event featured a Q&A session with some of SOE's female production and executive staff including Torrie Dorrell (SVP Global Sales and Marketing), Courtney Simmons (Director of Corporate Communications and PR), Sherry Floyd (Producer, SOE Seattle), Laura Naviaux (Director, Global Brand Marketing), Taina Rodriguez (Publicist), Tracey Seamster (Game Designer), and Heather Sowards (Media Producer). Hit up the gallery for pics of the event and some gratuitous screens from The Agency.

Gallery: GDC08: SOE and GIRL party

SOE announces G.I.R.L. scholarship program originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredgamers-in-real-lifegdc08gdc08fanboygenderGIRLscholarshipSOEthe-agencywomen-in-gamingWed, 20 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Why are goal structures important to MMOs and VWs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-why-are-goal-structures-important-to-mmos-and-vws/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-why-are-goal-structures-important-to-mmos-and-vws/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-why-are-goal-structures-important-to-mmos-and-vws/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Business models, Economy, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Crafting, Virtual worlds, Massively Event Coverage

The following is a quite excellent session from the Worlds in Motion GDC track given by Erik Bethke, CEO of GoPets. The takeaway message is about what virtual worlds can learn from MMOs in terms of providing intelligent goal structures.

Erik: How do we apply MMO goal structures to virtual worlds (and to almost everything)? Virtual worlders tend to hate games like WoW because they're not "erudite" enough but look at this screenshot (shows slide of a UI from a raid) and look at how complicated the user interface is. With 10 million people playing, is it hardcore or is it casual? I get really frustrated with arguments about UI: the raid screenshot proves that even this level of complexity can break through to a larger audience.

Shows slide of quest-giver goblin in WoW: "virtual worlds are missing the little guys with exclamation points above their heads." Looking at other examples of goal structures: look at how successful Puzzle Quest got by combining Bejeweled with RPG elements. Look at Chore Wars -- suddenly I get excited about walking the dog (laughter). Even something like the LinkedIn registration process -- I logged in one day and saw that my "progress bar" was only at 40% and how can I live with that?! I had to level up in LinkedIn. I found out I needed to get testimonials from my contacts to get higher -- it was a group quest! I got pissed that I couldn't solo LinkedIn (lots of laughter).

Continue reading GDC08: Why are goal structures important to MMOs and VWs?

GDC08: Why are goal structures important to MMOs and VWs? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>casualchore-warserik-bethkefeaturedgdc08gdc08fanboygoal-structuresgoalsgopetshardcorejoystiqfeatureslinkedinpuzzle-questuiTue, 19 Feb 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 08: Entertainment content convergence in online worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc-08-entertainment-content-convergence-in-online-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc-08-entertainment-content-convergence-in-online-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc-08-entertainment-content-convergence-in-online-worlds/#commentsFiled under: Business models, Culture, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Club Penguin, Second Life, Webkinz, Virtual worlds, Massively Event Coverage, Gaia Online

We spent most of Monday ensconced in the GDC Worlds in Motion summit track, which made "standing room only" seem extremely spacious -- most of the sessions were packed to the gills and then some. It seems like more than a few industry types are interested in the intersections between gaming and virtual worlds. Case in point, the following session we've paraphrased (hopefully not too liberally!) from Reuben Steiger, CEO of Milllions of Us, a company that builds marketing campaigns and content for virtual worlds.

Reuben: Storytelling is the bedrock of human culture. (Looking at a slide with a real campfire on the left and a user-created campfire in Second Life on the right) -- users in virtual worlds are recreating this storytelling tradition. I'm going to make a contention: the internet has failed as a storytelling medium. Instead, the norm is bathroom humor and ridiculous jokes.

So virtual worlds: are they games or not? What defines a game -- linguists and semioticians get real worked up about it. The audience might say "virtual worlds are games without rules, competition, goals or fun." And it's hard to blame them. Extreme openness has defined virtual worlds, where fun can be in a way you define as opposed to what some game developer feels is fun. But the appeal of virtual worlds is that we can tell stories on a broader and less walled playing field.

Continue reading GDC 08: Entertainment content convergence in online worlds

GDC 08: Entertainment content convergence in online worlds originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ARGsclub-penguindisneyenitechlabsfeaturedfox-tvgaia-onlinegdc08gdc08fanboygossip-girlmillions-of-usmoureuben-steigersarah-connor-chroniclessecond-lifeSLsocial-networkssony-homestorytellingsummer-slamvirtual-worldswebkinzworld-wrestling-entertainmentwweTue, 19 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metaverse U conversation: Raph Koster, Cory Ondrejka, Howard Rheingold]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/metaverse-u-conversation-raph-koster-cory-ondrejka-howard-rhe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/metaverse-u-conversation-raph-koster-cory-ondrejka-howard-rhe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/metaverse-u-conversation-raph-koster-cory-ondrejka-howard-rhe/#commentsFiled under: Events, real-world, Second Life, MetaPlace, Academic, Virtual worlds, Massively Event Coverage

We headed to the Metaverse U event at Stanford University this weekend to hear a smorgasboard of prominent thinkers and workers in the fields of virtual worlds and online gaming have a meeting of the minds. Below is a recap (caveat: some paraphrasing involved!) of one of our favorite sessions featuring a conversation with Metaplace's Raph Koster, former Linden Lab CTO Cory Ondrejka, and social media and online community guru Howard Rheingold.

Henrik Bennetsen (moderator): (Introduces 3 panelists and asks Raph to kick off with his thoughts on virtual worlds)

Raph: From the beginning, virtual communities has never been about the "virtual." All the oddities come from the mediation, not from human nature. We build trellises, and communities are plants growing on them... you get to shape them a little bit, and sometimes in very bad ways if you're not careful. We tend to think we have more power than we do when architecting these things. I wince at the title "community manager" ("relations" would be better) because it perpetuates the myth that we have power to control what users do. Mediation gives us a window into things that in the real world can be hard to see. Virtual communities are an opportunity to see how people tick.

Cory: Having spent 7 years building Second Life, the interactions and collisions with the real world are what make it interesting. We had only 400 users at launch and we were ecstatic! Can you imagine that today (especially for companies with big name investors)? I think about virtual worlds as communication technology. I agree there's a need for customer service and arguments about the declaration of avatar rights are important but yet I feel there's something off in these arguments... (he's referring to earlier conversation about declarations of avatar rights)

Gallery: Metaverse U 2008

Continue reading Metaverse U conversation: Raph Koster, Cory Ondrejka, Howard Rheingold

Metaverse U conversation: Raph Koster, Cory Ondrejka, Howard Rheingold originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cellphonescory-ondrejkadopplreventsfacebookfeaturedhoward-rheingoldlinden-labmetaplacemetaversemetaverse-umobilesmyspaceraph-kostersecond-lifeslstanfordtwitterUOvirtual-worldsMon, 18 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively is Looking for More]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/massively-is-looking-for-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/massively-is-looking-for-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/massively-is-looking-for-more/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta

Do you play Guild Wars, Pirates of the Burning Sea, Tabula Rasa or a small cadre of diverse MMOs? Have you played in the Age of Conan or Warhammer Online betas? Massively wants you! If you'd like to get Real Moniez to write about the MMOs you know and love, read on for application instructions. We are specifically looking for players well-versed in the following titles and interested in providing in-depth coverage:

Guild Wars
Lord of the Rings Online
Pirates of the Burning Sea
Tabula Rasa
EVE Online
City of Villains/Heroes
Age of Conan beta players
Warhammer Online beta players

We will also consider strong applications from players of other titles -- let us know why we need your particular flavor of coverage!

We are also looking for columnist applications for instructional content: guides, how-tos, walkthroughs, tips and tricks -- your column proposal should be focused on helping readers up their game(s). Column proposals may focus on one game or span several -- please include your ideas for the scope of the column in your summary and sample topics list.

Ready to apply? Hit the break and find out how to format your application and where to send it. The deadline for submissions will be Friday, February 15th.

Continue reading Massively is Looking for More

Massively is Looking for More originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>blogger-calloutfeaturedfreelance-writingjoystiqfeaturesLFMnew-bloggersTue, 05 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New screenshots from The Agency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-screenshots-from-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-screenshots-from-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-screenshots-from-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: Galleries, Screenshots, New titles, The Agency, Consoles, Spy, MMOFPS, Massively Event Coverage

We're here at CES and in between long stretches of bedazzlement by hot gadgetry we had a chance to sit down with the SOE folks and have a look-see at their upcoming cross-platform, spy-themed MMOFPS, The Agency. Stay tuned for our upcoming impressions, but for now we'll leave you with some new eye candy from what looks to be a seriously promising title.

Gallery: The Agency

New screenshots from The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CES2008featuredPS3screensSOEspythe-agencyMon, 07 Jan 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively weekly highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/massively-weekly-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/massively-weekly-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/massively-weekly-highlights/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta

You'll have to forgive us for a couple of days' worth of lag time on the weekly highlights -- we were waylaid by an acute case of food coma (it wasn't pretty). But without further ado, here's what you don't want to miss from last week's Massively feature coverage (check out all the weekly highlights and daily roundups for the best of Massively at any time):

Tabula Rasa Remembrance Day

Tabula Rasa: A time to remember, part one
Tabula Rasa: A time to remember, part two

Massively special feeds

Massively special feeds: SL-free, WoW-free, and WoW 24/7

Guides

Holiday goodness

Continue reading Massively weekly highlights

Massively weekly highlights originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>roundupsweekly-highlightsWed, 26 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively special feeds: SL-free, WoW-free, and WoW 24/7]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/massively-special-feeds-sl-free-wow-free-and-wow-24-7/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/massively-special-feeds-sl-free-wow-free-and-wow-24-7/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/massively-special-feeds-sl-free-wow-free-and-wow-24-7/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta

We aim to please here at Massively. While we're still dedicated to bringing you all the best of both MMO and virtual worlds news and views, we recognize that in the age of customization some of you might appreciate even more finely tailored information. We've also had several requests for specific feed remixes, and we'd like to do our best to accomodate your requests.

We're using the excellent service at Feedrinse to bring you a few specialized feeds. By popular demand we're offering the following filtered feeds:

Hit the break to find out more or subscribe to any of the special feeds.

Continue reading Massively special feeds: SL-free, WoW-free, and WoW 24/7

Massively special feeds: SL-free, WoW-free, and WoW 24/7 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW holiday eats and treats]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/wow-holiday-eats-and-treats/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/wow-holiday-eats-and-treats/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/wow-holiday-eats-and-treats/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Culture, Events, real-world, Guides, Massively highlights

'Tis the season to be hungry, friends. Looking for WoW-themed treats for a gamer Decemberween? WoW Insider will keep you well fed this holiday season. Hit up the WoW gift guide and treat your loved ones too, won't you?

WoW holiday eats and treats originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cookingfeaturedfoodgamer-foodholidashholidazejoystiqfeaturesmurloc-fin-soupnight-dragons-breath-diprecipewowwow-gift-guideFri, 21 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively wins a Gnomey for Best MMO News Source]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/massively-wins-a-gnomey-for-best-mmo-news-source/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/massively-wins-a-gnomey-for-best-mmo-news-source/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/massively-wins-a-gnomey-for-best-mmo-news-source/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta

If you twist our arm just right, you can get us to toot our own horn. We're humbled and surprised to have been selected by the inimitable Nerfbat as the winner of this year's Gnomey for Best MMO News Source in the 2007 Nerfbat MMO Blog Awards! Though we've only been around for a short time, we plan to continue bringing you hot and fresh (and frequent!) news about all the MMOs already out there, new games on deck, and especially the rumoured titles around the corner. We're going to do our best to live up to our Gnomey! A big thanks goes to all of our readers who contribute great enthusiasm, insightful comments, intelligent feedback and timely tips -- thanks for helping us make this site a fun place to hang!

Massively wins a Gnomey for Best MMO News Source originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>awardsgnomeymassivelynerfbatThu, 20 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively on Twitter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/massively-on-twitter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/massively-on-twitter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/massively-on-twitter/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta

For all you Twitter fiends out there, you can now follow Massively right in line with all your friends' "what I had for lunch" tweets. It's powered by Twitterfeed and set to poll the site every 30 minutes for updates, but still appears to miss the occasional post -- so for mission critical updates you should still hit up our RSS feed (or category feeds, to follow a particular game or games). For the MMO-loving Twitterholics among you, enjoy the boost to the size of your infocloud.

Massively on Twitter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>twittertwitterfeedtwitterholicWed, 19 Dec 2007 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift guides for MMO gamers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/gift-guides-for-mmo-gamers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/gift-guides-for-mmo-gamers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/gift-guides-for-mmo-gamers/#commentsFiled under: Contests, Events, real-world, Events, in-game

What do you get the gamer who has everything? Our vote is for a Legolas navel ring. But don't just take our advice (please!) -- have a gander at the gamer gift guides we've prepared for you and your MMO-besotted loved ones. And of course, don't forget we're also celebrating this holiday season by giving you lots of presents -- enter each day's sweepstakes for some easy "just-leave-a-comment" free stuff, or try your hand at our holiday postcard contest and engage your creativity for a chance to win a Plantronics DSP-400 headset, a Logitech G15 gaming keyboard, a Logitech G9 laser mouse, or, if you're our grand prize winner, all of the above. Merry Festivuhannuveilmas from all of us at Massively!

Holiday gift guides

Gift guides for MMO gamers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>gift-guidesholidashroundupsTue, 18 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively weekly highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/massively-weekly-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/massively-weekly-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/massively-weekly-highlights/#commentsFiled under: Massively highlights

Along with bringing you all the MMO news that's fit to print, we at Massively also strive to bring you a healthy dose of original features. You can always find the complete features collection at massively.joystiq.com/tag/featured, but we'll help you catch anything you might have missed (including the top breaking news posts of the week) in our weekly highlights roundups. You can also find the Massively highlights from each day in our daily roundups.

Live events

Richard Garriott talks MMOs at GWU lecture, by Chris Chester

Age of Conan press event

Top 10 MIA MMOs of 2007

Top 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 1, by Chris Chester
Top 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 2, by Chris Chester

Hit the break for more highlights from our regular columns, podcasts, original comics and a roundup of our holiday gift guides!

Continue reading Massively weekly highlights

Massively weekly highlights originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesweekly-highlightsMon, 17 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hot MMOs on deck: a roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/hot-mmos-on-deck-a-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/hot-mmos-on-deck-a-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/hot-mmos-on-deck-a-roundup/#commentsFiled under: Galleries, Screenshots, Trailers, Video, Age of Conan, Aion, Jumpgate Evolution, Pirates of the Burning Sea, Interviews, New titles, Previews, Warhammer Online, Mythos, Hands-on, Massively highlights

Age of Conan

Gallery: Age of Conan Gallery

Gallery: Age of Conan Artwork

Thirsty Dog Inn

gore 4

yeti

guardian

gore 1

Pirates of the Burning Sea

Gallery: Pirates of the Burning Sea Press Tour

Gallery: Pirates of the Burning Sea crafting preview

Continue reading Hot MMOs on deck: a roundup

Hot MMOs on deck: a roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesnew-mmosroundupsFri, 14 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively weekly highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/massively-weekly-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/massively-weekly-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/massively-weekly-highlights/#commentsFiled under: Massively highlights

Along with bringing you all the MMO news that's fit to print, we at Massively also strive to bring you a healthy dose of original features. You can always find the complete features collection at massively.joystiq.com/tag/featured, but we'll help you catch anything you might have missed (including the top breaking news posts of the week) in our weekly highlights roundups. You can also find the Massively highlights from each day in our daily roundups.

Guides

EVE Trinity premium client patch woes: How-to-fix botched XP boot.ini file, by Matt Warner
Guide to the Biotechnician class, by Michael Zenke
Top 5 combat tips for Tabula Rasa recruits, by Chris Chester

Hands-on

Features

Top 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 1, by Chris Chester

Hit us up after the break for our Holiday Gift Guides, regular weekly features, live event coverage, original comics and new galleries this week.

Continue reading Massively weekly highlights

Massively weekly highlights originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredjoystiqfeaturesweekly-highlightsMon, 10 Dec 2007 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Second Life belongs at Massively]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/why-second-life-belongs-at-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/why-second-life-belongs-at-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/why-second-life-belongs-at-massively/#commentsFiled under: MMO industry, Second Life, Massively Meta, Virtual worlds

Or: Why gamers and virtual worlders should care about each other.

We're shy of a month in to Massively's existence, and one of the more persistent bits of feedback we continue to receive regards the inclusion of Second Life content on a site about MMOs. There are really two questions to answer here:

Does Second Life coverage belong on Massively at all?
Is the amount of Second Life content disproportionate to its mindshare?

I will herein state a claim for a definitive yes on point 1, and readily admit that point 2 is arguably a matter of taste. Maintaining editorial balance surrounding all of the many, varied games we cover is an ongoing process, and we've selected a suite of "core games" based on many factors including subscriber/member numbers, overall buzz and mindshare in the industry, and input from a secret algorithm I would love to call "interestingness" if it weren't already taken. We are proud to offer in-depth Second Life coverage as one of those core current titles.

Overall, we're taking a broad definition of the concept of MMO here at Massively. While the majority of our coverage concerns traditionally "gamer"-oriented titles like City of Heroes, Tabula Rasa, Lord of the Rings Online et al, we're also providing both news and feature content surrounding more casual, often browser-based titles like Dofus, Runescape, and Flyff. Despite popular perception as niche titles, some of these games are rivaling the big dogs in terms of membership and hours played. In an industry toying with the idea of whether or not Facebook is an MMO and witnessing Google almost surely building one, we see projects like MetaPlace further blurring the lines between web-based social networking and Gaming with a capital G. In the middle of those two trends -- hardcore and casual games getting mashed up, and MMOs and the web getting mashed up -- sits Massively; and we're excited to be covering it all as it happens.

Continue reading Why Second Life belongs at Massively

Why Second Life belongs at Massively originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>businesseditorialentertainmentfeaturedgaming-industrymassivelymediaMMOstechnologyvirtual-worldsWed, 28 Nov 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively weekly highlights: November 19-25]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/massively-weekly-highlights-november-19-25/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/massively-weekly-highlights-november-19-25/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/massively-weekly-highlights-november-19-25/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta, Massively highlights

Along with bringing you all the MMO news that's fit to print, we at Massively also strive to bring you a healthy dose of original features. You can always find the complete features collection at massively.joystiq.com/tag/featured, but we'll help you catch anything you might have missed (including the top breaking news posts of the week) in our weekly highlights roundups. You can also find the Massively highlights from each day in our daily roundups.

Weekly highlights: November 19-25

Regular columns

Guides

Continue reading Massively weekly highlights: November 19-25

Massively weekly highlights: November 19-25 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredweekly-highlightsMon, 26 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wall o' thumbs: new galleries this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/wall-o-thumbs-new-galleries-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/wall-o-thumbs-new-galleries-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/wall-o-thumbs-new-galleries-this-week/#commentsFiled under: Galleries, Screenshots, Massively Meta

Submitted for your approval: here's a collation of all our new eye candy this week.

Galleries

Dofus Gallery

Inside the butchers shop

Butchers training shop

Practising a craft skill interface

The inventory screen

Forest glade + monsters!

Exteel Gallery

First Impressions: Flyff

EverQuest: Secrets of Faydwer

Kerafym statue in Crystallos

Kerafym's emblem in Crystallos

A room of pods in Crystallos

A laser beam experiment in Meldrath's Majestic Mansion

Damage to the Fortress Mechanotus

EverQuest II: Rise of Kunark

Defender of Kunark

Bones of Iksar Warrior

Metal golem

Timorous Deep at Sunrise

Erollisi Mantrap

EverQuest II: Sarnak starter guide Gallery

Chrykori Village rise

Citizen Niba'Ouz

Civ-Parser Di'Xin

Collectable

Collectable NPCs

Wall o' thumbs: new galleries this week originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>browsercasualdofuseverquesteverquest-iiexpansionsexteelflyffgalleriesrise-of-kunarkscreenshotssecrets-of-faydwerwall-o-thumbsTue, 20 Nov 2007 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively weekly highlights: November 12-18]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/massively-weekly-highlights-november-12-18/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/massively-weekly-highlights-november-12-18/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/massively-weekly-highlights-november-12-18/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta, Massively highlights

Breaking news

Regular columns

Continue reading Massively weekly highlights: November 12-18

Massively weekly highlights: November 12-18 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredweekly-highlightsMon, 19 Nov 2007 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Massive giveaways: N52 SpeedPad winners]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/massive-giveaways-n52-speedpad-winners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/massive-giveaways-n52-speedpad-winners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/massive-giveaways-n52-speedpad-winners/#commentsFiled under: Contests, Massively Meta

It's been an amazing first couple of weeks here at Massively, and we've been thrilled to be able to give away so many treats. Our very last two launch contests are still running all weekend long, and they're worth tuning in for -- you can enter once per day to win a GeForce 8800 PCI-E video card and a 24-inch Samsung LCD monitor. Good times!

If you can remember all the way back to our Day 3 old skool giveaways, you'll know we had two Nostromo N52 SpeedPads up for grabs. We're pleased to announce our winners:

Winner of Nostromo N52 SpeedPad number 1: Commenter #21, Carrie!
Winner of Nostromo N52 SpeedPad number 2: Commenter #47, retroguru (who has a thing for candied yam sandwiches, yum!)!

Once again, thanks to everyone who took the time to enter, grats to the winners, and good luck to those entering to win the GeForce 8800 and a 24-inch monitor! For those of you dying to know about the rest of our contests, bear in mind that we have sent out notifications to all of our winners -- so check your mailbox (and spam folders) for messages coming from massively.com or weblogsinc.com, and we'll announce all of our winners as soon as we've heard back from everyone.

Massive giveaways: N52 SpeedPad winners originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>contest-winnersmassive-giveawaysn52nostromospeedpadSat, 17 Nov 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Everquest I and II expansions launch today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/everquest-i-and-ii-expansions-launch-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/everquest-i-and-ii-expansions-launch-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/everquest-i-and-ii-expansions-launch-today/#commentsFiled under: Galleries, Screenshots, Video, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Expansions, Guides, Launches, Races

For those inhabiting swank digs under rocks, or those uninitiated in the ways of the Everquest, you may not realize that two major expansions launched today: EQI: Secrets of Faydwer and EQII: Rise of Kunark. We've been following both expansions extensively, so thought we'd round up some of the more notable features for those about to Everquest (we, of course, salute you):

Beta tours

Everquest Secrets of Faydwer beta tour
Everquest II Rise of Kunark beta tour

Guides

Video

Galleries

Gallery: EverQuest: Secrets of Faydwer

Kerafym statue in Crystallos

Kerafym's emblem in Crystallos

A room of pods in Crystallos

A laser beam experiment in Meldrath's Majestic Mansion

Damage to the Fortress Mechanotus

Gallery: EverQuest II: Rise of Kunark

Defender of Kunark

Bones of Iksar Warrior

Metal golem

Timorous Deep at Sunrise

Erollisi Mantrap

Gallery: EverQuest II: Sarnak starter guide Gallery

Chrykori Village rise

Citizen Niba'Ouz

Civ-Parser Di'Xin

Collectable

Collectable NPCs

Everquest I and II expansions launch today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakingEQEQ2EQIIhow-tojoystiqfeaturesrise-of-kunarksecrets-of-faydwerTue, 13 Nov 2007 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW giveaways winners: Murloc suit and 3 game cards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/wow-giveaways-winners-murloc-suit-and-3-game-cards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/wow-giveaways-winners-murloc-suit-and-3-game-cards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/wow-giveaways-winners-murloc-suit-and-3-game-cards/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Contests, Massively Meta

As some of you may have noticed by now, we've been busy giving stuff away last week and all this week in celebration of our launch. We've been waiting for many of the winners to get back to us (and we've also been busy with a bunch of other stuff!), so we'll be rounding up our winners and making official announcements this week and next. If you haven't seen a winners post for a contest you entered yet, sit tight! They're coming.

Right now I'm happy to announce all four winners from our day of WoW giveaways:

Winner of the first 60-day game card: Commenter #253, Grendel!
Winner of the second 60-day game card: Commenter #93, Girricane!
Winner of the third 60-day game card: Commenter #25, Joshua Z!
Winner of our grand finale BlizzCon murloc suit: Commenter #36, Moragaine, who is somewhere right now spamming guild chat like a fool.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone who entered! Over the rest of the week you'll have plenty more chances to win stuff, so stay tuned!

WoW giveaways winners: Murloc suit and 3 game cards originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>massive-giveawaysmurloc-suitmurlocswowwow-giveawaysTue, 13 Nov 2007 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively weekly highlights: November 5-11]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/massively-weekly-highlights-november-5-11/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/massively-weekly-highlights-november-5-11/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/massively-weekly-highlights-november-5-11/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta, Massively highlights

Along with bringing you all the MMO news that's fit to print, we at Massively also strive to bring you a healthy dose of original features. You can always find the complete features collection at massively.joystiq.com/tag/featured, but we'll help you catch anything you might have missed (including the top breaking news posts of the week) in our weekly highlights roundups. Here are the highlights from the week ending November 11:

Breaking news

Regular columns

Continue reading Massively weekly highlights: November 5-11

Massively weekly highlights: November 5-11 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredweekly-highlightsMon, 12 Nov 2007 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Massive giveaways: Win a Belkin N52 gamepad!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/massive-giveaways-win-a-belkin-n52-gamepad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/massive-giveaways-win-a-belkin-n52-gamepad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/massive-giveaways-win-a-belkin-n52-gamepad/#commentsFiled under: Contests

This post is your second chance to win a tasty N52 SpeedPad from Belkin. We will not make you leap through flaming hoops of fire to win this thing (we tried, but Legal didn't like our idea for some reason... damn suits!). All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this here post by 2pm EST Monday, November 5 -- that's it. Really! Well, okay -- there's fine print (isn't there always fine print?). You do have to be 18 years of age and live in the United States. Or be able to fake it. We kid, we kid (o hai, Legal! Did you get a chance to replace those burnt suits?). Oh, and here's the other fine print... you know, the official rules. So official. So ruly! But... where were we? Oh yes, we were giving stuff away! Go forth and comment!

Massive giveaways: Win a Belkin N52 gamepad! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>contestsmassive-giveawaysn52Sun, 04 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST