Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.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/<![CDATA[What you need to know about The Shadow Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-shadow-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


The Shadow Odyssey, EverQuest II's fifth expansion, is not just the usual bump to the level cap, a couple of new raids, and a reset for all the armor you already got. It's none of those things. What SOE has done with this expansion is go through the level 50 to level 80 portion of the game and say, let's make an expansion that has something for pretty much everyone. Let's make an expansion where even if no upgrades drop, you can be working toward some awesome stuff just by playing.

The original EverQuest started out as a supremely casual and social game. It was the players that pushed SOE to make the game more raid focused, but sometime after the heavily raid-oriented Planes of Power expansion, the casual players asked when they'd get an expansion for them. SOE came out with the Lost Dungeons of Norrath, which offered three or four variants at each of six dungeons, meant for single groups of averagely-equipped players. The difficulty and mission type could be selected, and every time you completed a mission, you got points with which you could buy hard-to-find spells, armor of near raid quality, adornments which would push that armor into the quality of raid gear, and some cool stuff only available through the LDoN merchants.

The Shadow Odyssey is EverQuest II's Lost Dungeons of Norrath -- and more. Click on through to see why TSO might be the best EQ2 expansion yet.
Well met, fellow Norrathian! Make sure to check out all of our coverage of the next EverQuest II expansion, The Shadow Odyssey as well as Seeds of Destruction, the next expansion to EverQuest!

Continue reading What you need to know about The Shadow Odyssey

MassivelyWhat you need to know about The Shadow Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    ]]>    eq2eq2-gu-49eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifan-faire-2008featuredguild-hallguild-hallsshadow-odysseysoethe-shadow-odysseyTue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[TONIGHT (night night night) Garriott vs Chavez in the fight of the week!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/tonight-night-night-night-garriott-vs-chavez-in-the-fight-of-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/tonight-night-night-night-garriott-vs-chavez-in-the-fight-of-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/tonight-night-night-night-garriott-vs-chavez-in-the-fight-of-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


    Just a reminder that tonight, Tabula Rasa creator Richard Garriott will be going head-to-head with two-time featherweight boxing champion Jesus Chavez, 6PM US Central Time, in the C.E.L.L.A.R. Arena. They'll be facing off in C.E.L.L.A.R. 3, which can be accessed through the teleported in the barracks in Alia Des.

    Read more about it and see the promo video in our previous coverage.

    MassivelyTONIGHT (night night night) Garriott vs Chavez in the fight of the week! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      ]]>      eventsnewsnews-itemspvpsci-fitabula-rasaFri, 25 Jul 2008 18:15:00 EST      <![CDATA[Furries let their tails down in Earth Eternal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/furries-let-their-tails-down-in-earth-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/furries-let-their-tails-down-in-earth-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/furries-let-their-tails-down-in-earth-eternal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


      It's been awhile since we checked in on Sparkplay Media's furry animal MMO, Earth Eternal. The story goes that, eons ago, the creatures known only as "Man", once the greatest of all living things, poisoned the Earth and warred amongst themselves, making themselves extinct. The gods and other elder creatures who had more or less left Man to their own devices, decided to give that whole"mortal creature" thing another try, cleaned up the Earth, and placed the Beast people on it.

      Earth Eternal will be a free to play, Runescape-like MMO where you play one of sixteen different animal races in a land of adventure and high fantasy. The game runs with a small client that downloads new areas in the background as you encounter them. As well as the usual quests, adventures and dungeon crawls, EE players will be able to make their own Groves, areas of the world of their own design, in two parts. The public part will be above ground, but there will be an equally extensive portion below ground that can be set to be as private as you like. Pictured above is a shared Grove; they can be quite elaborate.

      We estimate about ... three hours after it goes live before someone makes a Grove named The Island of Misfit Toys. It's not gonna be the kind of place you bring your children, either. Check out the latest teaser video after the break.

      Continue reading Furries let their tails down in Earth Eternal

      MassivelyFurries let their tails down in Earth Eternal originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        ]]>        earth-eternalfantasyfree-to-playiron-realmsnew-titlenew-titlesracesrunescapeFri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST        <![CDATA[Florensia Online enters open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/florensia-online-enters-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/florensia-online-enters-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/florensia-online-enters-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

        Pirate-themed, anime-inspired Japanese import Florensia Online has just entered "Western Global" open beta. Another Asian import MMO? Well, yes, but this does have some nice bits. Florensia is actually two games in one, a sea-faring game and a land-based adventure. You build experience in each separately -- so you can play the game entirely on the land or on the sea, or a combination. You can build your own ships from five basic hulls with dozens of add-ons to make your ship truly individual. There's five classes to start with, and soon there will be twelve, including extended classes. Sieges and faction wars are on the horizon.

        More on Florensia as we get some battle time with the beta. You can join the fun by registering on their beta sign-up page.

        MassivelyFlorensia Online enters open beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          ]]>          betabetasclassesfantasyflorensiaflorensia-onlinefree-to-playnew-titlesnewsnews-itemsWed, 23 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST          <![CDATA[EQ devs talk upcoming expansion, old zone revamps]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/eq-devs-talk-upcoming-expansion-old-zone-revamps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/eq-devs-talk-upcoming-expansion-old-zone-revamps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/eq-devs-talk-upcoming-expansion-old-zone-revamps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

          A half dozen EverQuest developers sat down with their faithful players and discussed the details of the new expansion, Seeds of Destruction, which old zones were next to be hit with the revamp stick, and what other changes were on the horizon for SOE's most venerable, but still popular, game.

          The next expansion will continue to require faction grinding to progress, similar to that in Secrets of Faydwer, though some changes will be made to address player complaints. Still, World of Warcraft-like faction grinding seems to be a big hit with EQ devs since its introduction in the Dragons of Norrath expansion, and we wll likely see it continue in the foreseeable future.

          Continue reading EQ devs talk upcoming expansion, old zone revamps

          MassivelyEQ devs talk upcoming expansion, old zone revamps originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            ]]>            bugseqeverquestexpansionsfantasygame-mechanicsinterviewsliving-legacynewsnews-itemsseeds-of-destructionsoeworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 23 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST            <![CDATA[EverQuest slashing raid size in new expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/everquest-slashing-raid-size-in-new-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/everquest-slashing-raid-size-in-new-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/everquest-slashing-raid-size-in-new-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

            EverQuest developer Clint Worley announced on his blog that in the upcoming EverQuest expansion, raid sizes will be cut from the current level of 54 characters -- 9 groups -- to 42 characters -- 7 groups. No changes will be made to existing raids, which means raids currently doing 54 character raids on current content will have two extra groups when doing the newest content. Since instituting the formal raid system with the Planes of Power expansion, raid sizes have dropped consistently from a high of 72 characters to its current level. While perhaps responding to lower overall numbers in SOE's oldest MMO, player reaction to this change on Worley's blog has, as of this writing, been uniformly negative.

            Players fear the EverQuest developers are reducing raid size to be more inline with other games -- SOE's own EverQuest II has had a maximum raid size of 24 characters since launch, and with Wrath of the Lich King, Blizzard will allow all new raid content to be done with either ten or twenty-five character teams. Others worry that smaller raid sizes will push out the casual raider, who cannot perhaps carry their full weight but is still a valued member of the guild. Similar arguments have been levied against World of Warcraft as Blizzard has consistently lowered their raid sizes from 40 to the current 10/25.

            MassivelyEverQuest slashing raid size in new expansion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              ]]>              blizzardeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionfantasynewsnews-itemssoeworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 23 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST              <![CDATA[Frogster will drown you in new MMOs ... if you live in Europe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/frogster-will-drown-you-in-new-mmos-if-you-live-in-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/frogster-will-drown-you-in-new-mmos-if-you-live-in-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/frogster-will-drown-you-in-new-mmos-if-you-live-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


              Frogster, noted European and Asian MMO publisher, has released a flying voidship-load of information about their upcoming MMOs for the European market.

              Long awaited fantasy MMO The Chronicles of Spellborn is still due out late this year, with open beta to begin in October. We've been following this game closely for some time, but it looks like the rumored US publisher (given their prior relationship, perhaps Aeria Games) is not yet ready to announce North American release dates for the game. The World of Warcraft-ish Asian Import Runes of Magic, newly rescored and tuned toward Western tastes, will enter closed beta in September, for a European release about two months later. Isometric pet-raising, caveman-themed MMO StoneAge 2, already in open beta in North America, will be entering European closed beta in August ahead of a fall release. Next week, Frogster will release more information on its latest MMO, soccer-themed Kickster (formerly Kick Off). And they want us to keep an eye out for an expansion to the Bounty Bay Online pirate MMO.

              Assuming you live in Europe, which ones should you particularly keep your eye on? If you bought a Gameboy just to play Pokemon, you might really enjoy StoneAge 2. If a subscription fee is keeping you from playing World of Warcraft, Runes of Magic might just be different enough to get you interested, and it will be free to play. If you liked Age of Conan's innovative combat system but couldn't get into the world of Hyboria, Spellborn's unique setting and combat system combined with its lush visuals might sell you.

              Check out screenshots from each of these games in the gallery below.

              Gallery: Frogster Fall Releases

              StoneAge 2The Chronicles of SpellbornRunes of MagicKicksterBounty Bay Online

              MassivelyFrogster will drown you in new MMOs ... if you live in Europe originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                ]]>                aeria-gamesage-of-conanbetabounty-bay-onlinecasualchronicles-of-spellbornexpansionsfree-to-playfrogstergalleryhistoricalnew-titlesnewspokemonreal-liferunes-of-magicsportsstone-age-2world-of-warcraftTue, 22 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST                <![CDATA[Pi Story opens open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/pi-story-opens-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/pi-story-opens-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/pi-story-opens-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                If you ever played Secret of Mana on the Super Nintendo, and thought it would be totally awesome if they could make that sort of side scrolling, action-adventure fun into an MMO, then Aeria Games' Pi Story might be just the game you're looking for. To give you that chance, they have just started open beta, and further, in the most time-limited offer ever, they are giving away 50% bonus Aeria Points (the tender of their cash shop), if you buy before noon US Pacific Time (3PM Eastern Time). So if you're a fan of any of Aeria Games' MMOs, and the sale is still on, check it out.

                Pi Story is a sidescrolling MMO in the style of old console action RPGs. Players meet in hub cities, and grouping is as easy as clicking on someone's "Join Party" button over their heads, and heading to an adventure is then a single click away. Additionally, you have your own room to decorate, and though the game can be played entirely for free, there is a cash shop available for purchasing power-ups and other goodies.

                MassivelyPi Story opens open beta originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  ]]>                  aeria-gamesbetacasualeventsfantasyfree-to-playnew-titlenew-titlesnewspi-storyTue, 22 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST                  <![CDATA[Neopets creators enter the MMO world with Twin Skies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/neopets-creators-enter-the-mmo-world-with-twin-skies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/neopets-creators-enter-the-mmo-world-with-twin-skies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/neopets-creators-enter-the-mmo-world-with-twin-skies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

                  After a bit of a tease a couple of weeks ago, Meteor Games, founded by the creators of the kids Flash game portal Neopets, has announced details of their first-ever MMO. Twin Skies will be a blend of a traditional, 3D MMO with innovative out-of-game elements. For instance, certain web-based mini-games can earn you a monster in-game, who will roam about, fight, and even send you pictures of the hapless newbies it kills. That ... is so deliciously evil. Other mini-games could change the weather in-game, open a chest full of loot, or other game-changing things. Continuing with the theme from Neopets, every Twin Skies player will have their own pet to aid them in their travels. While killing beasties will be one way of progressing through the game, the social aspects and of course, the mini-games, will keep people busy no matter how they like to play.

                  Kids have no expectations of what MMOs are like, so it's easier for companies to innovate. Playing web-based minigames to aid your character in-game, or just messing with people by spawning monsters on them -- you'll be able to play some parts of Twin Skies no matter where you are. That's a trend you'll certainly see more of in the future.

                  [Via Under Twin Skies]

                  MassivelyNeopets creators enter the MMO world with Twin Skies originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                    ]]>                    browserfantasyforumsgame-mechanicskidsmeteor-gamesneopetsnew-titlenewstwin-skiesSun, 13 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST                    <![CDATA[LotRO's new Minstrel animations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/lotros-new-minstrel-animations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/lotros-new-minstrel-animations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/lotros-new-minstrel-animations/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

                    Is your Minstrel looking down-in-the-dumps? Is he plunking despondently at the strings of his tired old lute? Does every song she sing sound like "Happy Birthday To You" and it doesn't sound like she means it? Has your Minstrel just "accidentally" stepped on his third harp this week? Well, help is on the way. All-new animations for the minstrels of Lord of the Rings Online are up on the Roheryn test server, and Sabacao has mastered them all. Check them out below the cut.

                    MassivelyLotRO's new Minstrel animations originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                      ]]>                      animationslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominstrelturbineFri, 11 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST                      <![CDATA[New wall textures for Lord of the Rings Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-wall-textures-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-wall-textures-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-wall-textures-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

                      Lord of the Rings Online player Harp has been doing a lot of fishing to earn enough Summer Festival tokens to get all the new wallpapers. They cost 12 Summer Festival tokens per new wall, and are sold, one each, in Bree-land, Bywater, Celondim and Thorin's Hall. Three of the walls are pleasant floral patterns; the fourth is an elaborate, stylized sun-and-tree motif (pictured) which can be dyed various shades. Other house items include window boxes and vegetable gardens, as well as some clothing and party goods.

                      Make sure to check out our Lord of the Rings Online Summer Festival guide to get full details on the mini-games and prizes you can earn from this in-game event.

                      Gallery: LotRO Summer Festival Gallery

                      MassivelyNew wall textures for Lord of the Rings Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                        ]]>                        eventsfantasylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroplayer-housingFri, 11 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST                        <![CDATA[SOE announces scholarship winner]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/soe-announces-scholarship-winner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/soe-announces-scholarship-winner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/soe-announces-scholarship-winner/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                        SOE's Gamers In Real Life (G.I.R.L.) program has found its first scholarship winner. Julia Brasil of San Francisco wins $10,000 scholarship, and a ten week internship at the SOE studio of her choice. The competition, announced last April, was designed to encourage women to enter the games industry. SOE has an interview with Ms. Brasil on the GIRL website, and they must have found it at least a little ironic that her current favorite MMO is not any SOE game, but Age of Conan. Brasil credited online games with teaching her English and helping with her puzzle-solving ability and abstract thinking. Big congrats to Brasil, and we're definitely hoping she goes on to make great games.

                        [Via Gamesindustry.biz]

                        MassivelySOE announces scholarship winner originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                          ]]>                          age-of-conancontestgamers-in-real-lifegirljulia-brasilmmo-industrynewssoeFri, 11 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST                          <![CDATA[Runes of Magic beta registration and website opens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/runes-of-magic-beta-registration-and-website-opens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/runes-of-magic-beta-registration-and-website-opens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/runes-of-magic-beta-registration-and-website-opens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                          Runes of Magic, the eerily-similar-to-World of Warcraft Asian import being published in Europe by Frogster and in North America by persons as yet unknown* has just opened beta registration on their shiny new website. Runes of Magic, known as Radiant Arcana in Asia, will be free to play and has super high production values, so heck, why not check it out? Being able to have two jobs at once a la Final Fantasy XI and Guild Wars could be pretty cool, so if you've ever wanted to be a hunter/priest in WoW, well, now you can (except they call their hunters "scouts").

                          We'll have more about Runes of Magic once beta opens, but you can discuss the game with other eager prospective players in their newly-opened forums. Prize for best question so far: "will the leveling system be like WoW ( few weeks to reach max level) or a shorter leveling system?". Because it took FOREVER to reach max level in WoW when it was released. You know your WoW-like is on the right track when people wonder how to get past the boring stuff to the good stuff at max level before they've even seen the game.

                          * hey, Frogster, who is going to bring The Chronicles of Spellborn to North America?

                          MassivelyRunes of Magic beta registration and website opens originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                            ]]>                            betachronicles-of-spellbornfantasyfinal-fantasy-xiforumsfree-to-playfrogsterguild-warsnew-titlenewsradiant-arcanarunes-of-magicworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 11 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST                            <![CDATA[Tabula Rasa weekend roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/tabula-rasa-weekend-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/tabula-rasa-weekend-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/tabula-rasa-weekend-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

                            The Tabula Rasa Friday Night Fights were, according to the Weekend Wrapup, more sparsely attended than usual because of the holiday, but the competition was still tight. Slamscape and Embers rose through the ranks in their respective brackets before they met each other in battle. After a fierce battle, Slamscape claimed the title of Friday Night Fight champion. Slamscape and his partner, Bethel, then faced Embers and Grier in the Final Challenge, but lost. Next week, the competitors will once again face Glass, Tabula Rasa's only four time championship winner, and soon to be, perhaps, it's first five time winner.

                            Community manager April "CuppaJo" Burba is leaving the Tabula Rasa team for another position at NCsoft, and to give her a memorable farewell, they threw her a dance party. The images from the dance party are so disturbing, they will be branded into your brain forever. Look at them at your own peril.

                            MassivelyTabula Rasa weekend roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                              ]]>                              april-burbacuppajoeventsfriday-night-fightsncsoftnewspvpsci-fitabula-rasaweekend-wrapupTue, 08 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST                              <![CDATA[Nolan Bushnell on the rise of advertising and the casual game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/nolan-bushnell-on-the-rise-of-advertising-and-the-casual-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/nolan-bushnell-on-the-rise-of-advertising-and-the-casual-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/nolan-bushnell-on-the-rise-of-advertising-and-the-casual-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

                              Nolan Bushnell, who bootstrapped the entire video game industry with Computer Space, Pong and the Atari 2600, later went on to found Chuck E. Cheese and several other ventures, has the solution for expanding the size of the gaming market. Casual games, everywhere. And how to pay for them? 30 second ad spots -- commercials, just like the ones on television or before movies. And he can target these ads better than ever. Are ad-supported games the wave of the future? In your MMO of choice five years from now, will a shampoo ad run whenever you ding? And by then, will you even mind? Gamasutra interviews Nolan Bushnell about casual games, targeted advertising, and the death of the hardcore gamer.

                              MassivelyNolan Bushnell on the rise of advertising and the casual game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                ]]>                                advertisingataricasualchuck-e-cheesecomputer-spacefree-to-playgamasutrainterviewmmo-industrynolan-bushnellponguwinkTue, 08 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST                                <![CDATA[A conversation about MMOs: Why the WoW leveling/raiding model works so well]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/a-conversation-about-mmos-why-the-wow-leveling-raiding-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/a-conversation-about-mmos-why-the-wow-leveling-raiding-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/a-conversation-about-mmos-why-the-wow-leveling-raiding-model/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                What happens when one of EverQuest's most famous players and one of the the MMO world's most respected designers spend ninety minutes talking about the current glut of "leveling/raiding" MMOs, the good and bad points to them, and how they could be improved? Qhue from the Fires of Heaven forums and Scott Hartsman, former lead developer for SOE's EverQuest II, did just that. Find out why mid-level raid content is a bad idea, what World of Warcraft players expected to find in Age of Conan (and what they found instead), why a solo path to max level is important, why betas must spoil things, and why trying to keep the WoW players you lure away with new shinies is nearly impossible.

                                If you've ever wanted to sit down with a designer and have him explain exactly why today's most popular MMOs are the way they are, you have to read this conversation about MMOs.

                                MassivelyA conversation about MMOs: Why the WoW leveling/raiding model works so well originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                  ]]>                                  age-of-conanaoceqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifires-of-heaveninterviewmmo-industryopinionqhuescott-hartsmansoeworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 08 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST                                  <![CDATA[Blizzard's gold farmer bans sends world economy into tailspin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/blizzards-gold-farmer-bans-sends-world-economy-into-tailspin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/blizzards-gold-farmer-bans-sends-world-economy-into-tailspin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/blizzards-gold-farmer-bans-sends-world-economy-into-tailspin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                  Sure, the price of oil may seem harsh tese days, and pulling up to the pump is certainly no bargain ... But the worst is yet to come. Those whose business it is to track the price World of Warcraft gold goes for on the black market have seen the price of gold double in the past couple of weeks, likely due to a mighty swing of Blizzard's ban hammer. With the highly profitable gold farming operations shutting down due to the suddenly lowered demand and supply, an easy source of liquid assets is now gone. The ripple effects will be felt globally. Until those brave gold farmers can get back in business, long lines at the pump may translate to long lines in the unemployment office.

                                  An over-reaction? Perhaps. But Andrew at GameRates describes, in a tongue-in-cheek way, how protests against the high price of fuel will lead to protests against the high price of gold. So seriously -- have you stopped buying gold until the price comes down? What's the best price point for WoW gold? And would you consider buying gold at a higher price in order to help the Chinese gold farmers over this difficult hump?

                                  Note: Massively in no way condones the buying and selling of gold or the breaking of any EULA in any way We're just interested in hearing from people who choose to on their own accord.

                                  MassivelyBlizzard's gold farmer bans sends world economy into tailspin originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                    ]]>                                    blizzardeconomyeventsworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 05 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST                                    <![CDATA[PlaneShift announces version 0.4.01]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/planeshift-announces-version-0-4-01/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/planeshift-announces-version-0-4-01/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/planeshift-announces-version-0-4-01/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                                    Free to play, community-developed fantasy MMO PlaneShift today announces their latest release, version 0.4.01. PlaneShift runs well on Windows, Mac OS/X and Linux, and wouldn't it be nice if more MMOs followed that wonderful example? PlaneShift boasts 500,000 registered users, a fully immersive 3D world, quests, monsters, and so many features that they're having to cut some out. This newest version of PlaneShift comes with more changes than we can list here, but you can find the entire change log on their site.

                                    MassivelyPlaneShift announces version 0.4.01 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                      ]]>                                      betafantasyfree-to-playnew-titlesnewspatchesplaneshiftSat, 05 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST                                      <![CDATA[Dynamedion contributes soundtrack to Runes of Magic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/dynamedion-contributes-soundtrack-to-runes-of-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/dynamedion-contributes-soundtrack-to-runes-of-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/dynamedion-contributes-soundtrack-to-runes-of-magic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

                                      What would a high fantasy MMO be without an accompanying orchestral soundtrack? The themes to EverQuest, World of Warcraft, Dark Age of Camelot and so on bring weight and importance to the adventure, and nobody can listen to the theme to the game they loved without having all the memories of close calls and fun times immediately come to mind.

                                      Runes of Magic publisher Frogster has asked renowned German soundtrack composers Dynamedion to compose just such a soundtrack for their upcoming free-to-play fantasy MMO. Managing Director Pierre Langer (pictured) says about the soundtrack, "We see Runes of Magic as an amazing challenge. It is [...] our first Fantasy-MMO, one of our preferred genres." Dynamedion has contributed music to games such as Spellforce, John Woo's Stranglehold, Anno 1701, Drakensang and Die Siedler V & VI, and movies such as 10.000 B.C. and The Bourne Ultimatum.

                                      We've set the pictures from yesterday's peek into the starting zone, to some of the newly-composed music to Runes of Magic, after the break.

                                      Continue reading Dynamedion contributes soundtrack to Runes of Magic

                                      MassivelyDynamedion contributes soundtrack to Runes of Magic originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                        ]]>                                        betasdynamedionfantasyfree-to-playfrogsternew-titlesnewspierre-langerrunes-of-magicvideoSat, 05 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST                                        <![CDATA[Into the depths of the Akheva Ruins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/into-the-depths-of-the-akheva-ruins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/into-the-depths-of-the-akheva-ruins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/into-the-depths-of-the-akheva-ruins/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


                                        Laugh while you can, Luclin. In five hundred years, you and your whole frickin' moon get blowed up. All the Akhevans who worship you, all those bubble-headed Centi alien creatures, all those weird red-skinned cavemen, those mana-sucking mind worms, it all goes kablooey. But you know all about that, don't you? Because when that world-enveloping storm, the Maiden's Scar, swept through this old Akhevan city of Ka Vethan, and left behind the Akheva Ruins we know today, and all your four-armed, sexless minions ran off in terror to Vex Thal, you just stopped caring. Let it all blow up, you screamed in your dark joy. Let them all die.

                                        The Akheva Ruins, that old stronghold of the Akheva made of crystallized shadow, a once-living shrine to their mistress and creator, the Dark Maiden Luclin, is in shambles. Though seen today mainly as the level 50 to 55 hot zone, it's still a place of dark mystery and lore, explored in EQPlayer's latest entry in its "Into the Depths" series exploring the lore behind EverQuest zones. One thing they don't mention? How great Centi Toes taste in stew!

                                        MassivelyInto the depths of the Akheva Ruins originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                          ]]>                                          eqeqplayerseverquestfantasylorescreenshotsSat, 05 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST                                          <![CDATA[Runes of Magic unveils the starting area of Taborea]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/runes-of-magic-unveils-the-starting-area-of-taborea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/runes-of-magic-unveils-the-starting-area-of-taborea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/runes-of-magic-unveils-the-starting-area-of-taborea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                                          Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and in Runes of Magic (AKA Radiant Arcana), Runewaker Entertainment has taken all they loved about Ultima Online and World of Warcraft, combined that with elements from EverQuest, EverQuest II and Final Fantasy XI Online to make a free-to-play MMORPG combining all the elements of both Western and Eastern games. It's like a highly-concentrated booster shot of high fantasy goodness -- and it's free!

                                          Runes of Magic will include a dual class system, where you will choose a primary and a secondary class, armor dying, player housing, crafting, an auction house, unique mounts, a fully customizable user interface and either click-to-move or WASD controls.

                                          The starter zone of Taborea has a deep and rich lore, a colony struggling to stave off the darkness, with your help. You'll need a PDF reader to read that, but we have some of the highlights in our gallery. Can a free-to-play homage to some of the Western world's greatest MMOs succeed on in North America? Distributor Frogster is looking for a US publisher to take that chance.

                                          The game play video from the Chinese open beta (you can find that after the break) shows clearly the developers at Runewaker loved World of Warcraft perhaps more than is really healthy. Still, a free-to-play WoW clone may be exactly what players want, and Runes of Magic may just be different enough to make it interesting.

                                          Gallery: Runes of Magic

                                          Continue reading Runes of Magic unveils the starting area of Taborea

                                          MassivelyRunes of Magic unveils the starting area of Taborea originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                            ]]>                                            betaeqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifantasyffxifinal-fantasy-xifree-to-playfrogsternew-titlesnews-itemsradiant-arcanarunes-of-magicrunewaker-entertainmentworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 04 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST                                            <![CDATA[Dreamlords finds US publisher -- and you'll never guess who.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/dreamlords-finds-us-publisher-and-youll-never-guess-who/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/dreamlords-finds-us-publisher-and-youll-never-guess-who/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/dreamlords-finds-us-publisher-and-youll-never-guess-who/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


                                            Lockpick Entertainment announced today that they have signed an exclusive agreement to distribute their MMORTS game Dreamlords -- the Reawakening in North America. Aeria Games, publishers of Stone Age 2, Dream of Mirror Online and many, many more free-to-play MMOs, will have Dreamlords in beta in July, looking forward to an August release.

                                            Spencer Chi, producer at Aeria Games, called Dreamlords an answer to gamers' demand for a fun MMORTS (massively-multiplayer online real-time strategy) game. Dreamlords players will be able to buy in-game items and equipment with the Aeria Points currency common to all Aeria's games. Interested and want to know more? Then turn back to our extensive coverage of Dreamlord's path to publication.

                                            MassivelyDreamlords finds US publisher -- and you'll never guess who. originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                              ]]>                                              aeria-gamesbetadomodream-of-mirror-onlinedreamlordsdreamlords-the-reawakeningfantasyfree-to-playmmortsnew-titlesnewspvpstone-age-2Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST                                              <![CDATA[The Pernicious Privateers of Pirates of the Caribbean Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/the-pernicious-privateers-of-pirates-of-the-caribbean-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/the-pernicious-privateers-of-pirates-of-the-caribbean-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/the-pernicious-privateers-of-pirates-of-the-caribbean-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                              Arr! Closer come ye, for I have risen with news of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Online!

                                              Be ye an honest captain or be ye a pirate, be there one amongst ye who can clear the seas of the scum that floats upon 'er? Aye, I be talking about Privateering! Turn your sheets into the wind and lash the wheel tight and bring yourself to Isle D'Etable De Porc if ye be friendly to the French, or Isla De La Avaricia if the Spanish have y'r loyalty. Seek ye there crew, provisions and ammo fer the fighting ahead! And may the wind be ever at your back but pass over the sails of yer enemy! Privateering only be available to Unlimited Access members on the Test Server, but it be coming soon enough to the Live servers.

                                              I wager there be more news after yon break. Click ye through to see thar th' rest.

                                              Continue reading The Pernicious Privateers of Pirates of the Caribbean Online

                                              MassivelyThe Pernicious Privateers of Pirates of the Caribbean Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                ]]>                                                disneyeventshistoricalkidsnews-itemspirates-of-the-carribbean-onlinepotcopvpFri, 04 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST                                                <![CDATA[Stone Age 2 open beta is here!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/stone-age-2-open-beta-is-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/stone-age-2-open-beta-is-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/stone-age-2-open-beta-is-here/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


                                                Wanna bash stuff up good? Wanna capture little dinosaurs, train them up right and then send them into battle? When you see a broken tree branch with leaves on it, do you think "oooooh, a new club and a snack!"? If any (or all) of these sound like you, then you owe it to yourself to try out Aeria Games' latest prehistoric-themed MMO, Stone Age 2. Thump stuff good, collect baby dinosaurs from all over the world that will forever think of you as "Mum", and make the world safe for yourself and your tribe.

                                                Our sister site, Big Download, has the client ready to download. The Stone Age 2 team has brought the servers up and open beta has begun. If you signed up in advance with Aeria, you may be finding a surprise in your in-box. For a complete list of the exclusive open beta goodies -- and a warning from the devs -- you can just go ahead and click on the break.

                                                Continue reading Stone Age 2 open beta is here!

                                                MassivelyStone Age 2 open beta is here! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                  ]]>                                                  aeria-gamesbetacasualfantasyfree-to-playnew-titlesnewsserver-downtimestone-age-2Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST                                                  <![CDATA[Lineage II lore of upcoming expansion, Gracia, Part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/lineage-ii-lore-of-upcoming-expansion-gracia-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/lineage-ii-lore-of-upcoming-expansion-gracia-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/lineage-ii-lore-of-upcoming-expansion-gracia-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

                                                  The Lineage II team is hard at work on the next expansion, the first of three dealing with the dark land to the west of Aden, Gracia. This dire land, infected by the evil summoned forth to balance the calling of the Kamael by the goddess Eva, is wild, wide, and scarcely ever explored. Now, Gracia's evil is creeping beyond its shores, and the fate of the entire world is at stake.

                                                  In advance of the formal announcement of the expansion in August, NCsoft has let slip some of the lore behind Gracia, Part 1. You can read the entire thing, right here, after the break -- and check out the screen shots as well.

                                                  Gallery: Lineage II Chaotic Throne: Gracia, Part 1

                                                  Continue reading Lineage II lore of upcoming expansion, Gracia, Part 1

                                                  MassivelyLineage II lore of upcoming expansion, Gracia, Part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                    ]]>                                                    expansionsfantasygallerygraciagracia-part-1l2lineage-2lineage-iiloreThu, 03 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST                                                    <![CDATA[Gaia Online tees up its massively multiplayer online game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/gaia-online-tees-up-its-massively-multiplayer-online-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/gaia-online-tees-up-its-massively-multiplayer-online-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/gaia-online-tees-up-its-massively-multiplayer-online-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

                                                    As we reported last April, popular teen hang-out site Gaia Online is making the leap from virtual world to full-blown MMO, further blurring the lines between the two genres. It will still have movies, malls and minigames ... just with a few more monsters. Gaia Online was a separated series of rooms, but now its filling in the lands between those rooms with impromptu games around fountains and battles with psychotic garden gnomes.

                                                    VentureBeat talks with CEO Craig Sherman and senior producer Dabid Georgeson about the new MMO world and the challenges of turning a fabulously successful social space with millions of users, into a succesful MMO. Is the world ready for another Runescape? Look for Gaia Online -- the MMO -- when it launches this summer to find out.

                                                    MassivelyGaia Online tees up its massively multiplayer online game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                      ]]>                                                      browsercasualexpansionsfree-to-playgaia-onlinekidsnew-titlesnewsrunescapevirtual-worldsThu, 03 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST                                                      <![CDATA[EverQuest ornament loot card upgrades]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/everquest-ornament-loot-card-upgrades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/everquest-ornament-loot-card-upgrades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/everquest-ornament-loot-card-upgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

                                                      EverQuest players love the Legends of Norrath: Oathbreaker cards that change the look of their weapons into weird and unique styles -- like the ornament at the right that takes any one-handed slashing weapon, and turns it into the fiery blade carried by creatures in Riftseeker's Sanctum. But the players have not loved so much the fact that the ornament takes up a valuable augmentation slot, which often means the weapon must be drastically reduced in power, just to look cool.

                                                      Since that's a trade-off few people really want to make, they've added ornamentations into the game. Ornamentations are single-use containers that take the weapon and permanently change the look of the weapon, but do not grant the weapon any of the stats or procs of the ornament. However, all the augmentation slots remain usable. Magus Alaria in the Guild Lobby will, starting Wednesday, July 9th, sell players a mutation device, for a small fee, that will turn an ornament into an ornamentation. We have a feeling she is going to be pretty busy that week.

                                                      MassivelyEverQuest ornament loot card upgrades originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                        ]]>                                                        eqeverquestfantasylegends-of-norrathloot-cardsnewspatchesThu, 03 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST                                                        <![CDATA[The Making of Wizard101]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/the-making-of-wizard101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/the-making-of-wizard101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/the-making-of-wizard101/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                                        Interested in KingsIsle Entertainment's forthcoming Wizard101? Do you have a deep desire to learn to cast spells and summon monsters in order to save your universe -- all universes -- from the evil machinations of one rogue wizard? Do you pore through Harry Potter books taking notes on the correct way to flick the wand when casting Oculus Repairus?

                                                        Yeah, we do, too. If you're lucky enough to be in the Wizard101 beta, you probably are busy dressing up your homonculous and decorating your cauldron, but for those of us still waiting to crack the ol' spell book, KingsIsle has released the documentary "The Making of Wizard 101", in four parts. We have magically gathered them together for you -- after the break. Enjoy!

                                                        Continue reading The Making of Wizard101

                                                        MassivelyThe Making of Wizard101 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                          ]]>                                                          betafantasykidskingsisle-entertainmentnew-titlesvideowizard101Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST                                                          <![CDATA[Neopets founders announce a new MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/neopets-founders-announce-a-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/neopets-founders-announce-a-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/neopets-founders-announce-a-new-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                                                          Started in 1999, Neopets was one of the first kid-friendly online virtual worlds on the web, and is still fantastically popular today. Hoping to bring their success with Neopets into the MMO world, founders Adam Powell and Donna Williams started Meteor Games in 2007 to make a game targeted at a slightly higher age bracket than Neopets. Their still-unnamed MMO, due to be shown at this year's Penny Arcade Expo (PAX), will be a seamless, 3D world with elements drawn from today's top MMOs -- World of Warcraft is specifically mentioned.

                                                          Their new game will be a drastic departure from Neopets. Not only will it be a 3D world instead of a collection of minigames, but it won't be free to play. The founders believe they need a subscription in order to produce the highest quality game, but the price will be less than WoW, and there will be an item shop of some sort where new outfits, furniture and other non-unbalancing items may be bought. Meteor Games is also looking into ways to integrate cellphones into their game. Due out in some fashion in 2009, their MMO will enter a market already dominated by Runescape and will be competing directly with SOE's Free Realms, which promises to be free to play and run also on the Playstation 3.

                                                          Neopets is famous for its huge amount of content, involvement with players and accessibility. Can Meteor Games grab that same sort of success with a more traditional MMO? CEO Adam Powell explains their strategy in this interview with Gamasutra.

                                                          MassivelyNeopets founders announce a new MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                            ]]>                                                            business-modelscasualfantasyfree-realmskidsmeteor-gamesneopetsnew-titlesnewspaxpax-2008penny-arcade-exposoeworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 02 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST                                                            <![CDATA[Legends of Norrath Living Legacy Photo Contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/legends-of-norrath-living-legacy-photo-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/legends-of-norrath-living-legacy-photo-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/legends-of-norrath-living-legacy-photo-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                                                            EverQuest and EverQuest II are getting the lion's share of the attention in SOE's Living Legacy promotion. But they are reserving something special for their massively collectible card game, Legends of Norrath. Win the Living Legacy Photo Contest, and not only will you get your picture painted, in character by artist Kieran Yanner for use on a Legends of Norrath card, but you'll be flown to the SOE Fan Faire this August. If you're an EverQuest player, your image will be made into a statue and placed into the guild halls of every guild in Norrath. If you are an EverQuest II player, your card will be made into a painting that can be hung in a place of honor in your apartment. All you need to do is to send them a picture that shows your passion for EverQuest. Find the complete rules on the Legends of Norrath web site. And good luck!

                                                            MassivelyLegends of Norrath Living Legacy Photo Contest originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                              ]]>                                                              contestseqeq2eqiieventseverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifantasyfree-to-playlegends-of-norrathliving-legacytrading-card-gameTue, 01 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST                                                              <![CDATA[Your weekly infusion of hot Mythos news]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/your-weekly-infusion-of-hot-mythos-news/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/your-weekly-infusion-of-hot-mythos-news/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/your-weekly-infusion-of-hot-mythos-news/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

                                                              If it's Tuesday, it must be time for more news of Flagship Studios' upcoming free-to-play MMO, Mythos. Lead developer Travis Baldree tells German fan site Online Welten more about their plans for Mythos' future, Coming up are another class and another race. Travis also explains what sorts of things you'll be able to get with their RMT system, such as more slots for your "stash", and the ability to share your stash among other characters. Mounts are coming soon -- hope they're more unique than (yawn) boring horses. Information about new guilds, puzzle boxes, wedding rings and naked foot-races -- it's all there, in elegant English or glorious German -- your choice.

                                                              In his latest "Almost-a-blog", Travis also talks about their first epic quest-triggered Overworld boss. Everyone who helps take it down gets loot, similar to Warhammer Online's public quests. There's news about particle effects, Zone 2 progress, the consignment house and crafting. There also seems to be a lot of talk about open beta on the forums.

                                                              MassivelyYour weekly infusion of hot Mythos news originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                ]]>                                                                betacasualclassesfantasyflagship-studiosfree-toplayinterviewmythosracesrmtwarhammer-onlineTue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST                                                                <![CDATA[New closed beta for Pi Story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/new-closed-beta-for-pi-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/new-closed-beta-for-pi-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/new-closed-beta-for-pi-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                                                                Pi Story, a 2D side scrolling MMO in the style of Maple Story, has announced a new round of their closed beta test. The beta is currently limited to previous beta testers for Aeria Games' lineup of import MMOs, or those quick enough to snag one of the closed beta keys they are giving away. If you'd like to get in on the casual MMO goodness that flows from Aeria Games, why not head over and sign up? From Pi Story to the incredibly popular Dream of Mirror Online to the pet collecting and raising game Stone Age 2 to the massively kung-fu game Twelve Sky (and many others), you'll find a game there you'll enjoy. And they are all free to play.

                                                                Pi Story tells the tale of a perfect world -- Pi -- that was torn apart by this very desire for perfection. Now the world is broken into shards, and your job is to bring these shards back together by finding all the pieces of Pi. Mmm. Pi. Pi Story features casual play, a very easy grouping system, instanced adventure areas, a strategy-based guild activity system and housing, an apartment of your own you can decorate as you wish, a built in web diary and browser, and built-in message boards.

                                                                Want to see more? Check out the gameplay video after the break.

                                                                Continue reading New closed beta for Pi Story

                                                                MassivelyNew closed beta for Pi Story originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                  ]]>                                                                  aeria-gamesbetacasualdomodream-of-mirror-onlineeventsfantasyfree-to-playmaple-storynew-titlepi-storystone-age2twelve-skyTue, 01 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST                                                                  <![CDATA[The latest news from Dark Age of Camelot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-latest-news-from-dark-age-of-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-latest-news-from-dark-age-of-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-latest-news-from-dark-age-of-camelot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

                                                                  There's news and views aplenty in the latest dispatch of helpful information and answered questions in this week's Camelot Herald! Each week, the enigmatic oracles in EA Mythic's stone fortress come down from their golden throne rooms to answer questions. This week's cover druid maces -- that look like hammers. That can't be right (and isn't!). Also mentioned -- how to invite people into invitation-only battering rams, how to open your house to all guild members of a certain rank, and how to find a certain very shy pig.

                                                                  The Camelot Road Trip hits San Diego on July 26th, so if you would like your Dark Age of Camelot questions answered in person -- and you can get to San Diego -- RSVP so they know you're coming.

                                                                  MassivelyThe latest news from Dark Age of Camelot originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                    ]]>                                                                    camelot-heralddaocdark-age-of-camelotea-mythicfantasygame-mechanicsnewsroad-tripMon, 30 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST                                                                    <![CDATA[The Blizzard effect]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-blizzard-effect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-blizzard-effect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-blizzard-effect/#commentsFiled under: , ,


                                                                    We've seen bits and pieces of Blizzard's upcoming World of Warcraft expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, but the people over at Computer and Video Games.com were lucky enough to get a complete run through of the major locations of Northrend, and some of the many, many quests we'll all be doing when the expansion goes live.

                                                                    Northrend is a cold, harsh land, and its inhabitants are likewise not people with whom you trifle. When you step off the ship or zeppelin, you will be immediately enlisted in the ongoing war against the enemy faction as well as the numberless legions of Arthas' followers. Check it out, and prepare to be astonished.

                                                                    MassivelyThe Blizzard effect originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                      ]]>                                                                      blizzardfantasypreviewworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 30 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST                                                                      <![CDATA[Blizzard responds to amicus brief in MDY bot suit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/blizzard-responds-to-amicus-brief-in-mdy-bot-suit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/blizzard-responds-to-amicus-brief-in-mdy-bot-suit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/blizzard-responds-to-amicus-brief-in-mdy-bot-suit/#commentsFiled under: ,

                                                                      Last month, digital rights advocacy group Public Knowledge filed an amicus curaie -- "friend of the court" -- brief regarding Blizzard's argument that a user making a memory copy of the World of Warcraft software for purposed of using MDY's Glider program to bot violated their terms of use and their copyright. Public Knowledge noted that loading legally obtained software into the memory for purposes of running it is explicitly allowed by copyright law. The judge required Blizzard to respond to the argument last Friday, and Virtually Blind has Blizzard's response.

                                                                      The basic argument that Blizzard makes is that the software is only rented and that they control and license every allowable use, and every non-allowed use (by their license) is copyright infringement. (Public Knowledge points out that this would mean using non-allowed names, or communicating in game with a member of the opposing alignment, is also copyright infringement).

                                                                      Do you feel when you buy a game or other software that you are buying the software -- and can therefore do what you like with it, regardless what some EULA allows -- or do you feel the publisher of the software retains all rights to that box and the particular copy of the software you have licensed? This goes beyond WoW and beyond video games entirely.

                                                                      MassivelyBlizzard responds to amicus brief in MDY bot suit originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                        ]]>                                                                        blizzardgliderlegalmdypublic-knowledgeworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 30 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST                                                                        <![CDATA[Florensia: A game of pirates and magic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/florensia-a-game-of-pirates-and-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/florensia-a-game-of-pirates-and-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/florensia-a-game-of-pirates-and-magic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                                                        Call it "Pirates of the Sea of Blue-Haired Girls", call it what you will, the latest Asian import MMO to touch our shores is the unique Florensia, which burda:ic will publishing for Western eyes sometime soon. Captain a ship, explore hidden mysteries, use magic, fight pirates, perform quests all across the world. Build your own ship, customize your character to look just the way you want. If you took Pirates of the Burning Sea, sped up the game play (especially sea battles -- watch the video below -- changed the style from realistic to cartoonish, added magic and removed the subscription price, you'd have Florensia.

                                                                        Florensia has just ended its closed beta test and will be going into open beta test sometime in July. Defend your city from peril from the sea and the land, join in massive sea battles -- what's not to like? The system requirements are so low that you could practically run this game on an abacus. It's definitely worth a look, so expect to hear more of Florensia in the coming weeks.

                                                                        Video after the jump. Check out those sea battles!

                                                                        Continue reading Florensia: A game of pirates and magic

                                                                        MassivelyFlorensia: A game of pirates and magic originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                          ]]>                                                                          betaburda-icflorensialaunchesnew-titlespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsMon, 30 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST                                                                          <![CDATA[Mythos adds "MMO View", more, in latest patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/mythos-adds-mmo-view-more-in-latest-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/mythos-adds-mmo-view-more-in-latest-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/mythos-adds-mmo-view-more-in-latest-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

                                                                          Flagship's forthcoming free-to-play MMO Mythos, patched their closed beta with lots of bug fixes and new features. The camera has been completely re-done; it now has four-options -- Isometric Style (the original, far-overhead view); Isometric Orbiting Style, where the camera turns with you; MMO Style, which is the over-the-shoulder view common to many MMOs, and MMO Outdoor Only, which reverts to isometric view when you enter a dungeon. Ambient (non-attackable) creatures have been added to the Overworld to make it more lively; other Overworld creatures have had their aggro range increased and respawn time decreased to make the Overworld more ... deadly.

                                                                          Why not take a look at the full patch notes, after the break?

                                                                          Continue reading Mythos adds "MMO View", more, in latest patch

                                                                          MassivelyMythos adds "MMO View", more, in latest patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                            ]]>                                                                            betabugscasualcraftingfantasyflagship-studiosfree-to-playmythosnew-titlespatchesMon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST                                                                            <![CDATA[EQ2's GU46 patch notes meet the Pool Noodle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/eq2s-gu46-patch-notes-meet-the-pool-noodle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/eq2s-gu46-patch-notes-meet-the-pool-noodle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/eq2s-gu46-patch-notes-meet-the-pool-noodle/#commentsFiled under: ,


                                                                            You don't have to be crazy to read EverQuest II's Game Update 46's patch notes, but it helps. It also helps if you're Ten Ton Hammer's Coyote and RadarX, but I guess that's redundant? Read on for tales of brave shadow knights and their pink pool noodles, armor that loves you so much it hurts, and surprise colonoscopies via your faithful rhino mount.

                                                                            [Ten Ton Hammer]

                                                                            MassivelyEQ2's GU46 patch notes meet the Pool Noodle originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                              ]]>                                                                              coyoteeq2eq2-gu-46eqiieverquest-2everquest-iihumorpatchesradarxten-ton-hammerMon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST                                                                              <![CDATA[What slumbers beneath WAR's Dragonwake?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/what-slumbers-beneath-wars-dragonwake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/what-slumbers-beneath-wars-dragonwake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/what-slumbers-beneath-wars-dragonwake/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


                                                                              "With the enemy at their heels, the High Elf armies pour into Dragonwake and race to the old temples and holy sites to rouse the slumbering titans of the skies. The Dragons are among the High Elves' mightiest weapons, and their wrath will surely be terrible when they behold the treacherous armies of the Witch King burning and pillaging the lands of Ulthuan. But the Dragons' slumber is deep indeed, and there is no knowing whether they will ever take to the wing again."

                                                                              In the world of Warhammer Online. in the east of Caledor, where the mountains give way to hills and grass, dragons slumber the ages away. Above their deep caves, the High Elves battle the Dark Elves for their very survival. Will the High Elves manage to rouse the Dragons to their aid before the forces of the Witch King turn them to the side of chaos? What will Malekith find on the Isle of the Dead -- his own destruction, or power beyond the imagination?

                                                                              Read all about it in EA Mythic's overview of the eldritch, war-torn land known as Dragonwake.

                                                                              MassivelyWhat slumbers beneath WAR's Dragonwake? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                                ]]>                                                                                dragonwakeea-mythiclorenew-titlepreviewwarwarhammer-onlineMon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST                                                                                <![CDATA[SuperNova '08: All the world's a game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/supernova-08-all-the-worlds-a-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/supernova-08-all-the-worlds-a-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/supernova-08-all-the-worlds-a-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

                                                                                Supernova 2008, an annual conference on how pervasive connectivity and decentralization is changing the world, decided to take a look at how massively multiplayer games "offer glimpses of how social interactions and work will develop in the Network Age." On the panel were Doug Thomas, Dave Elfving, and Metaplace's Raph Koster. Koster pointed out that there's a natural desire on the part of MMO players for "transgressive" gameplay -- for doing things the game designers never intended. For instance, raiding was not an original part of EverQuest, but something created by players and later made by the developers into a central part of gameplay. Doug Thomas predicted that gamers will become more successful than non-gamers in the workplace, as we are more focused on getting things done, as well as being more open to diversity. Dave Elfving brought up the topic of hikaru dorodango, shiny balls of mud that Japanese children obsessively mold and polish for hours, and how the grind that most MMOs encourage might be tying in to a basic human compulsion.

                                                                                Uptake                                                                                's Elliot Ng was there for (almost) the full panel, and has the complete write-up on his blog. Raph has his own take on the panel, and points out the similarities to an earlier talk he gave at Project Horseshoe.

                                                                                There's a natural desire to justify the games we love by insisting they will give us an edge in business, or that we are merely expressing natural human behavior in a new way. Is this the case, or is this just wish fulfillment?

                                                                                MassivelySuperNova '08: All the world's a game originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                                  ]]>                                                                                  academiceventsgame-mechanicsmmo-industryraph-kostersupernovasupernova-2008Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST