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[APB gets interrogated]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/apb-gets-interrogated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/apb-gets-interrogated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/apb-gets-interrogated/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Back at E3 2005 I had the opportunity to interview David Jones, creator of Grand Theft Auto, about their cops and robbers MMO, All Points Bulletin . Since its announcement at E3 not much has been revealed about the game... until recently. Last week rumors swirled that APB was going to turn into GTA Online, then there was the re-acquisition of the IP rights by Realtime Worlds from Webzen, and now we have an in-depth and revealing interview with Walter Kong, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Realtime.

While the concept of APB may sound similar to Grand Theft Auto, it's not. In APB gamers can play as either cops or robbers within the three dimensional, open world. What's more, Realtime is going to use "players as content. " Basically, they are attempting to take the PvP experience and craft missions around it. Most games are either PvE or PvP; APB will bring those two very divergent styles together.

Continue reading APB gets interrogated

MassivelyAPB gets interrogated originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    ]]>    all-points-bulletinapbdavid-jonesgrand-theft-autogtarealtime-worldswalter-kongMon, 12 May 2008 19:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Pieces start falling into place for Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/pieces-start-falling-into-place-for-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/pieces-start-falling-into-place-for-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/pieces-start-falling-into-place-for-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


    The Fallen Earth forums were alive with the sound of falling chunks of information yesterday as the devs from Icarus Studios answered seven more questions about their post-apocalyptic MMO. At launch players won't be able to upload their own clan symbols, mainly because it's a headache for the devs to inspect each one of them. While it is a mature game with a bit more leeway, it still takes an incredible amount of manually intensive labor to make sure some wanker isn't trying to sneak something absurd into the game.

    Deep in the heart of the Las Vegas desert the real Lake Mead is "alive and well" with water skiers and jet skiers. The virtual Lake Mead found in Fallen Earth won't be ready for prime time when the game goes live, but will come online through a later expansion. However, it too will be accessible via the Hoover Dam. Just like in real life.

    The Sneak/Stealth skill is made up of both active and passive parts. The "I heard something" part is passive, while the "I think you're an enemy faction member in disguise!" part is active and requires a player to activate an ability on the target. Hopefully, this MMO won't sneak past the gaming populace when it drops because the more we learn about it the better it sounds.

    MassivelyPieces start falling into place for Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      ]]>      icarus-studiospost-apocalypticThu, 08 May 2008 20:30:00 EST      <![CDATA[SGW beta sign-ups hit 65k]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/sgw-beta-sign-ups-hit-65k/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/sgw-beta-sign-ups-hit-65k/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/sgw-beta-sign-ups-hit-65k/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


      Apparently there are a few Stargate fans out there. A day after officially announcing open beta sign-ups for Stargate Worlds the list has already hit 65,000. According to Senior Community Manager Katie Postma the overwhelming response by fans has given the dev team a huge boost of confidence and encouragement.

      Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment wants to remind everyone that the beta process for SGW has just begun, so they ask for your patience as applications are being sifted through as fast as possible. As with most betas, testers will be added slowly over time and will eventually ramp up to much larger numbers in the near future.

      Those of you who want a chance to jump through the gate and haven't signed up yet, get your money makers over to their site and drop in your beta application ASAP!

      MassivelySGW beta sign-ups hit 65k originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        ]]>        cheyenne-mountain-en...mgmmgm-interactivestargatestargate-atlantisFri, 02 May 2008 17:00:00 EST        <![CDATA[What's in The Day?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/whats-in-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/whats-in-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/whats-in-the-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


        Precious little information has been revealed about Reloaded Studios' upcoming sci-fi MMO, The Day. Jino Lee, the game's lead producer, recently sat down with 1up and revealed a bit more about what we should expect to see. Players choose to be the "nobly oppressed" or the "power-hungry dominators" and fight via PvP battles to literally control time. A third unplayable "bad guy" class, referred to as "The Arch Enemy," helps drive the story along.

        The Day involves something that hasn't been attempted before on such a grand scale: time travel. Players (even low level ones) will have the ability to jump through time and visit the near future as well as the distant past.

        Continue reading What's in The Day?

        MassivelyWhat's in The Day? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          ]]>          1uparc-de-triomphejino-leejulian-murdochnapoleonic-warsparisreloaded-studiostime-travelFri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST          <![CDATA[Q&A with PotCO lead developer Jason Yeung]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/qanda-with-potco-lead-programmer-jason-yeung/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/qanda-with-potco-lead-programmer-jason-yeung/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/qanda-with-potco-lead-programmer-jason-yeung/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

          Jason Yeung is one of the lead developers for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Online. During a recent Q&A he dishes out some very interesting info on what's coming for this free-to-play piratey good time.

          Both Davy Jones and the Kraken will eventually be included in the game, but the when remains locked up as tight as Jones' fabled locker however. Adding pets (such as a parrot, which every pirate must have) is something they want to do in future expansions, but they're more focused on creating end-game content for their hardcore players, which is a sign that they do listen to feedback. In fact, their biggest challenge at the moment is rolling out new content fast enough.

          If you've never given PotCO a try you really have nothing to lose -- it's free-to-play. If you like what you see, and over the last few months a great deal of new content has been added, a monthly fee will get you unlimited access to all the game's content (like the poker games).

          MassivelyQ&A with PotCO lead developer Jason Yeung originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            ]]>            davy-jonesdisneydisney-onlinejason-yeungkrakenparrotpetspokerThu, 01 May 2008 20:00:00 EST            <![CDATA[A bounty of new booty for PotCO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/a-bounty-of-new-booty-for-potco/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/a-bounty-of-new-booty-for-potco/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/a-bounty-of-new-booty-for-potco/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


            A treasure chest of booty has just been dumped into the world of Pirates of the Caribbean Online. If you're an Unlimited Access player new weapons have been added that deal more damage, have faster reload times and sparkly new graphics. New quests have been included that can earn players things like a Fine Cutlass, Coltello Dagger, Harrow Voodoo Staff, and the walloping Heavy Tri-Barrel Pistol.

            If inking up the bod of your Caribbean Pirate is more important, new Tattoo Quests have also been added. These quests will award players special inkings that can not be bought -- they must be earned.

            Plus, some incredibly cool lore regarding who (or what) Jolly Roger actually is has been written up, and a tale of two islands explores the intrigue of a pirate from Spain and a pirate from France.

            MassivelyA bounty of new booty for PotCO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              ]]>              disneydisney-onlineexpansionjason-yeungjolly-rogerloreThu, 01 May 2008 19:00:00 EST              <![CDATA[Caribbean pirates get some morale]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/caribbean-pirates-get-some-morale/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/caribbean-pirates-get-some-morale/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/caribbean-pirates-get-some-morale/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


              Pirating ain't easy. Even rough and tumble scallywag types need a morale boost every once in a while. As such, Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Online will soon offer a few new changes - all provided by community feedback.

              Tonics will soon be made available that recharge morale faster, and the groggy penalty (due to jail time) is being shortened. Added functionality to the Crew Panel will make the whole act of crewing easier. Players will not only be able to let other players on their server know that they are in need of a crew, but crewing up will also receive a bigger bonus. Now that's an incentive every pirate can get behind!

              Additional changes will improve player communications (the whisper feature in particular)... oh, and there are new Quests coming as well.

              MassivelyCaribbean pirates get some morale originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                ]]>                crewingDisneymoralepatchesMon, 28 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST                <![CDATA["SNAP" and virtual transference]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/snap-and-virtual-tranference/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/snap-and-virtual-tranference/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/snap-and-virtual-tranference/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment and their newly formed publishing company FireSky have some incredibly huge plans for the future of gaming. Stargate Worlds, the virtual MMO of the hit television show, is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Joe Ybarra, FireSky's Senior VP of Strategic Operations, recently spilled the beans about some of those plans... and they are nothing short of revolutionary.

                FireSky was created to publish SGW for a very simple reason. CME felt that they knew their product better then anyone else, and because they already had in-house talent with backgrounds in publishing, they figured why not do it all? With an already established focus on the service aspect of their product they truly believed they could create a customer support organization and technical infrastructure that was superior to anything out there. That in and of itself is a very bold move, one that not many companies would even consider let alone actually implement.

                But FireSky has a far greater purpose then just game publishing.

                Continue reading "SNAP" and virtual transference

                Massively"SNAP" and virtual transference originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  ]]>                  cheyenne-mountain-en...cody-micajah-byefireskyjoe-ybarraten-ton-hammerTue, 22 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST                  <![CDATA[Today's sunrise brings updates to Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/todays-sunrise-brings-updates-to-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/todays-sunrise-brings-updates-to-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/todays-sunrise-brings-updates-to-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


                  The Italian game site Alteregonline has a new interview with the CEO of Masthead Studios, Atanas Atanasov. In it which he reveals a few more nuggets o' knowledge about their upcoming sci-fi MMO, Earthrise. The site also has an exclusive new screenshot. When you first go to the site don't worry that it's all in Italian. Just scroll down until you find the English translation towards the bottom.

                  When asked about the endgame, Atanasov said that term was very broad. When players max out their skill development they can do other things, like fight the biggest and baddest monsters in the game. If that doesn't interest them, PvP dominance via territory conquest is an option. Players can also gain economic power via brokering the world's resources or focus on crafting and selling the phatest loot in the land. Endgame content is important them, and the gang at Masthead realizes that if there's nothing to do -- players will leave. They hope to circumvent this with enough content at launch, as well as regular updates and expansions.

                  Continue reading Today's sunrise brings updates to Earthrise

                  MassivelyToday's sunrise brings updates to Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                    ]]>                    Alteregonlineatanas-atanasovmasthead-studiosMon, 21 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST                    <![CDATA[Playing with audio]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/playing-with-audio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/playing-with-audio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/playing-with-audio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


                    Stargate Worlds Sound Designer Nick LaMartina penned a dev blog concerning in-game audio. As pointed out by one of the SGW forum members, most players usually turn off a game's audio and turn on their MP3 player of choice. LaMartina hopes to change the way we all look (and listen) to game sounds.

                    LaMartina isn't happy with the way game audio has been designed in the past. He asserts that maybe the reason players strip out the music, almost immediately, is because it's been designed wrong for so long. "Don't wait for them to become interested. Give them a reason to be." That's his motto, and he promises that the way he and his group are making the audio portion of SGW will give us all "something very special to look forward to."

                    There has always been visual cues and clues, but why haven't developers utilized the high end sound cards sitting in all our rigs? Film makers have known for some time that the auditory portion of a movie is just as important as the visual. It's about time someone took this sorely underutilized gaming component... and cranked it!

                    MassivelyPlaying with audio originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                      ]]>                      audiocheyenne-mountain-en...in-game-audioNick-LaMartinaFri, 18 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST                      <![CDATA[There's a Fire in the Sky!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/theres-a-fire-in-the-sky/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/theres-a-fire-in-the-sky/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/theres-a-fire-in-the-sky/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                      Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, the developers behind the upcoming sci-fi MMO Stargate Worlds, announced the formation of a new game publisher called FireSky that will release SGW and other unannounced titles. FireSky is headed by the same guy who holds the reins at Cheyenne Mountain - CEO Tim Jenson. Several other CME execs are on board as well, including Senior VP's of product development Rod Nakamoto and strategic operations Joe Ybarra.

                      Just as intriguing as the announcement was this bit of info that Tim Jenson revealed: "It's almost time for us to lift the veil and show the world some of the unique projects we're working on in addition to Stargate Worlds."

                      We had no idea they were working on anything else. This oughtta be good!

                      [Via Gamasutra]

                      MassivelyThere's a Fire in the Sky! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                        ]]>                        cheyenne-mountain-en...fireskyjoe-ybarraRod-NakamotoTim-JensonThu, 17 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST                        <![CDATA[More questions arise for Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/more-questions-arise-for-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/more-questions-arise-for-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/more-questions-arise-for-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                        The gang at Masthead Studios recently answered another question from the community about Earthrise. This one is about how the main storyline will effect player development within factions. The answer - for those of you who aren't jaded - may surprise you.

                        After getting familiar with the game, players can attempt storyline quest arcs that eventually lead to an epic story played out across the whole of Enterra. Completion of these tasks will vary depending on the faction the player is affiliated with. Case in point: some quests might involve a moral dilemma wherein the player must protect a settlement from attacks by mutant bugs... or kill every living person in the settlement. Virtually every quest will have dual options. Players can complete quests in favor of an opposing faction, sacrificing quest rewards for a good reputation. While players can change their allegiances and join different factions, that betrayal will be difficult and won't come without a cost. Plus, factions will have certain requirements that must be met before they welcome you with open arms. Some might not be easy.

                        The game mechanics for this post-apocalyptic MMO (one of many it seems) sound very intriguing. We can't wait to jump in and go all Mad Max in the world of Earthirse.

                        MassivelyMore questions arise for Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                          ]]>                          enterrafactionsmasthead-studiospost-apocalypticquestsFri, 11 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST                          <![CDATA[Stargate Worlds gets updated]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/stargate-worlds-gets-updated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/stargate-worlds-gets-updated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/stargate-worlds-gets-updated/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                          Fans of the upcoming sci-fi MMO Stargate Worlds can finally freshen up their websites with a brand spanking new Web kit. The kit includes two exclusive wallpapers, new SGW logo, a logo branding guide (which explains how you can use/not use the logo), favicons, avatars, and an updated FAQ and legal.

                          Plus, four new images have been added to the SGW gallery. These new images show off the planets of Lucia, Tollana, Agnos (nothing really "new" per se since we've seen images of them before). The last new image though is a dozy. How about the very first look at a female Jaffa (seen above)! She's one bad mutha. Look at the legs on her!

                          MassivelyStargate Worlds gets updated originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                            ]]>                            cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-en...jaffastargatestargate-atlantisstargate-worldsFri, 11 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST                            <![CDATA[Updates fall onto a Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/updates-fall-onto-a-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/updates-fall-onto-a-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/updates-fall-onto-a-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


                            The gang at Fallen Earth released four new images and some new nuggets o' knowledge about their upcoming end-of-the-world MMO. The images show off the updated graphics engine. While the landscapes look great we're a bit concerned about the rigidity of the humans. Granted, this game is a long ways off from being released so it's too early to lose sleep over.

                            They're working on a new tutorial level as well as finishing out the starter towns of Zanesville and Needle Eye. They're also revising a bunch of items and balancing out creature abilities. A question was raised by the community asking if 64 equipment slots was enough space given that crafting will be a big emphasis. Crafting = lots of raw materials, which takes up a lot of space. There are three options to offset the limited space. First are clan banks, which are accessible just like a bank vault. Next, players can store gear either in their vehicles or on their horses. Each will have different storage capabilities. Lastly, each player will have their own personal vaults set up by sector. Granted, this means there will be some back and forth running, but it does provide a large amount of storage space, which should offset any headaches.

                            Three more questions were answered about the state of Fallen Earth, so if you're interested in this post apocalyptic MMO, head over to the forums for all the lowdown.

                            MassivelyUpdates fall onto a Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                              ]]>                              equipmentfallen-earthforumsicarus-studiosFri, 11 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST                              <![CDATA[Stephen King goes batty about video games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/stephen-king-goes-batty-about-video-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/stephen-king-goes-batty-about-video-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/stephen-king-goes-batty-about-video-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


                              Stephen King is "the man." He's one of my favorite authors and a very big reason why I'm a writer today. I've followed the ebb and flow of his career, from his meteoric rise (and eventually perpetual stay) on the New York Time's Best Seller list to the the mostly abysmal adaptations of his books to film. Anytime he talks, I tend to listen.

                              So you can imagine my intrigue when King, a man who has never tested the virtual waters (F13 doesn't count) with his magnificent worlds - how great would an MMO set in the world of The Dark Tower be? - voiced his opinion about the proposed Massachusetts bill to ban the sale of "violent" video games to anyone under the age of 18.

                              Continue reading Stephen King goes batty about video games

                              MassivelyStephen King goes batty about video games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                ]]>                                age-of-conanconan-the-barbariandisneydisney-onlineentertainment-software-ratings-boardesrbmassachusettsopinionpirates-of-the-carib...prohibitionrobert-e-howardstephen-kingvideo-game-banwar-on-drugsThu, 10 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST                                <![CDATA[PotCO does double XP weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/potco-does-double-xp-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/potco-does-double-xp-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/potco-does-double-xp-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                                In the wake of the sad news about the Virtual Magic Kingdom... some yaaarfuly good news! Virtual pirates can double their piratey pleasure in Pirates of the Caribbean Online this weekend!

                                Disney Online is giving Pirates of the Caribbean Online players the chance to earn double experience points and level up their pirate avatars twice as fast during two in-game events. But it's not all weekend so pay attention matey!

                                Both Basic (free-to-play) and Unlimited Access (pay-to-play) players will be able to earn double reputation points in both land and ship battles this Saturday, April 12th... but only between the hours of 12:00 and 3:00 pm (Pacific Time). Pirating for Unlimited Access members will commence again on Sunday, April 13 during the exact same time frame (12:00 - 3:00 pm Pacific Time).

                                Bonus bounty: later this month Disney Online will be be announcing details about new content that will include a bevy of new weapons, quests, and more... so stay tuned!

                                MassivelyPotCO does double XP weekend originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                  ]]>                                  disneydisney-onlinedouble-xp-weekendpirates-of-the-carib...potcoThu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST                                  <![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution Limerick Contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/jumpgate-evolution-limerick-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/jumpgate-evolution-limerick-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/jumpgate-evolution-limerick-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

                                  A limerick is a five-line poem originally popularized by English writer Edward Lear. Limericks are usually witty or funny, and often laced with humorous obscenities.

                                  Well, if you can take out the swear words then NetDevil wants to see what you got. Submissions for the Jumpgate Evolution Limerick Contest will be judged based on humor and originality. There is no length requirement, but entries must be PG-rated and based on the Jumpgate Universe. Submissions deemed inappropriate will be instantly obliterated by giant laser beams.

                                  But the prize is worth the effort. The top three winners will receive a guaranteed slot in the upcoming closed beta. All submissions must be posted in their forums and must be in by April 22, 2008, 3:00PM MST.

                                  MassivelyJumpgate Evolution Limerick Contest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                    ]]>                                    contestjumpgate-evolutionlimericknetdevilWed, 09 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST                                    <![CDATA[NetDevil talks about a car wreck and how it evolved Jumpgate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/netdevil-talks-about-a-car-wreck-and-how-it-evolved-jumpgate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/netdevil-talks-about-a-car-wreck-and-how-it-evolved-jumpgate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/netdevil-talks-about-a-car-wreck-and-how-it-evolved-jumpgate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


                                    No matter what anyone says, some of us here at Massively actually enjoyed the short lived post-apocalyptic car fragging MMO, Auto Assault. As with everything in life though, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. But as long as you can learn something from each experience, and grow from it... it was worth the ride.

                                    Apparently the gang at NetDevil learned a lot about their experience with AA. Herman Peterscheck talked freely and at length about these lesson; lessons that are being applied across the board to all the games they are currently developing, including Jumpgate Evolution.

                                    Probably the most important one is to polish the game early and not at the end just before launch. A time when everyone on the team is in full on "fire fighting" mode. Chaos almost always leads to poor execution and ruin. Another is that if you don't have a great looking game that runs well out of the gate it's nigh impossible to evaluate how good it actually is. According to Peterscheck, "The 'law,' if you will, is there's no such thing as a good game with a bad frame rate."

                                    Continue reading NetDevil talks about a car wreck and how it evolved Jumpgate

                                    MassivelyNetDevil talks about a car wreck and how it evolved Jumpgate originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                      ]]>                                      auto-assaulthermann-peterscheckjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilWed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST                                      <![CDATA[Fallen Earth gets broken down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/fallen-earth-gets-broken-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/fallen-earth-gets-broken-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/fallen-earth-gets-broken-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                                      Lee Hammock, lead designer for Icarus Studios' Fallen Earth, recently gave a very nice, quick break down of what to expect in their upcoming "end of the world as we know it" MMO.

                                      There will be no classes; players will be able to allocate points however they want in order to advance their character's stats. Players will eventually have to choose which faction they want to belong to (Chota, Techs, Vistas, Enforcers, Travelers, Lightbearers) however, and it's a choice not to be taken lightly.

                                      Each character gets 22 equipment slots, six of which are dedicated to weapons. Armor and weapons have a set durability, and player generated content will be very popular. To help make your character unique, the game will include dynamic clothing (ski masks that roll up, baseball hats can be worn forwards or backwards, jackets can be unzipped, etc.) and an assortment of customizable options (i.e., war paint, tattoos, body piercings, facial hair).

                                      Continue reading Fallen Earth gets broken down

                                      MassivelyFallen Earth gets broken down originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                        ]]>                                        end-of-the-worldfallen-earthicarus-studioslee-hammockpost-apocalypticstratics-centralMon, 07 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST                                        <![CDATA[AoC Lore: Boat Captain Amyr]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/aoc-lore-boat-captain-amyr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/aoc-lore-boat-captain-amyr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/aoc-lore-boat-captain-amyr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                        Down in Stygia there's a river called Styx. Of all the boat captains in the Khopshef Province the most well known is Amyr, master of the Pride of Luxor. Unlike most of the other boats the Luxor is old, but so well maintained that you'd swear it was better than new. Decorated with bright colors, she glides across the lapping waves with little effort. No matter what it is (people or cargo) -- when it absolutely, positively has to get there... Amyr will get it there.

                                        The captain is a barrel chested, imposing man with a booming voice who has the command presence that even King Conan would admire. Blunt and forthright are his hallmark characteristics. While he may be stern he's also very shrewd, and can haggle with the best of them.

                                        There may be one (and only one) weakness. Rumors suggest that he has soft spot for a woman named Semira, a priestess of Derketo who lives on the island of Pashtun. No soul alive would openly suggest such a thing to Amyr's face.

                                        MassivelyAoC Lore: Boat Captain Amyr originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                          ]]>                                          age-of-conanCaptain-Amyrconaneidosfuncomhyboriahyborian-adventuresstygiastyxMon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST                                          <![CDATA[Win Tabula Rasa gear]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/win-tabula-rasa-gear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/win-tabula-rasa-gear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/win-tabula-rasa-gear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

                                          If you like to wear your hobby on your sleeve - or on your head, around your neck, or on your chest - it's time to gear up with some Tabula Rasa branded swag. The best part? You can get it for free.

                                          Techgage, a tech-related news site, is having a Gear Up at Techgage Contest where you can win a TR-shirt, beanie, or a set of rare AFS dogtags.

                                          There will only be three winners, and you only have until April 8 (11:59PM CST) to enter. So go read the rules 'n regs, then fill out the entry form ASAP.

                                          MassivelyWin Tabula Rasa gear originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                            ]]>                                            afscontestdestination-gamesdogtagsncsoftrichard-garriotttabula-rasaTechageThu, 03 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST                                            <![CDATA[The Cape to host CoX's Positron and Brian Clayton]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/the-cape-to-host-coxs-positron-and-brian-clayton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/the-cape-to-host-coxs-positron-and-brian-clayton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/the-cape-to-host-coxs-positron-and-brian-clayton/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                                            By now you've heard that optional in-game ads are coming to a fictitious billboard near you within the City of Heroes universe. If Brian Clayton's community address earlier today hasn't convinced you that this isn't the end of the world (and based on the comments left here on Massively it would seem some aren't) then maybe listening to him address the CoX Nation directly will.

                                            Brian and Matt "Positron" Miller will be featured on The Cape Internet Radio this evening (Thursday, April 3rd at 5:00 PM Pacific, 8:00PM Eastern) where they will be answering questions about this overly-hyped, overly-controversial (non) topic.

                                            MassivelyThe Cape to host CoX's Positron and Brian Clayton originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                              ]]>                                              breakingbreakingnewsbrian-claytoncity-of-heroescity-of-villainsin-game-advertisingmatt-millerncsoftoptionalpositronthe-cape-radioThu, 03 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST                                              <![CDATA[In-game advertising headed to CoX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


                                              Double Fusion just announced that they will be providing contextual advertising within the City of Heroes universe. The above photos are only samples, as no deals have been struck with individual advertisers yet.

                                              Before your "DOOM Meter" shoots immediately into the red... take a deep breath and relax. First, the sky is not falling. Second, any advertising will be - say it with us now - optional. So really, there is no reason for anyone to go ballistic over this. However, this is the gaming industry. As such NCsoft anticipated an intense reaction. Brian Clayton, General Manager for the NorCal NCsoft studio, simultaneously released a very detailed and reassuring statement to the community regarding this very touchy subject.

                                              This is not an off the cuff decision. In fact, it's something NCsoft has considered since the initial release of City of Heroes way back in 2004.

                                              Continue reading In-game advertising headed to CoX

                                              MassivelyIn-game advertising headed to CoX originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                ]]>                                                advertisingbreakingbreaking-newsbrian-claytoncity-of-heroescity-of-villainsdouble-fusionin-game-advertisingncsoftncsoft-norcaloptionalThu, 03 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EST                                                <![CDATA[Are you ready to rumble?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/are-you-ready-to-rumble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/are-you-ready-to-rumble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/are-you-ready-to-rumble/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                                                Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa will be getting a fighting arena in patch 1.8.

                                                The new arena contains a large ring complete with red and blue "corners." Both 1 on 1 and Squad vs. Squad events will be sanctioned by AFS officials. The arena will also include a bar (to help you wash away the money you just lost when your fighter decided not to take a dive), a medic station so wannabe "Rockys" can yell "Cut me, Mick," a upper viewing deck and several recreation rooms.

                                                But they need you to help them name it. So get your thinking caps on and submit your ideas for the new Arena (to trcontests@ncsoft.com) by Friday, April 11, 2008.

                                                MassivelyAre you ready to rumble? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                  ]]>                                                  afscontestdestination-gamesncsoftrichard-garriotttabula-rasatr-patch-1.8Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST                                                  <![CDATA[April Fools' in Stargate Worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-stargate-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-stargate-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-stargate-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , ,


                                                  The dev team for Stargate Worlds has decided to change the direction of the in-game armor. Apparently, this decision was based on how much everyone loved the human body armor seen in the SGW trailer. Due to that overwhelming love fest... all races will now have the same exact armor.

                                                  SGW Creative Director Chris Klug is ecstatic about the decision: "We'll have a lot more time to work on other ideas, such as Asgard golf." Oh fun... golf. Technical Director Demetrius Comes said, "It's going to so be much easier to code now that we will have only one kind of armor for all player characters."

                                                  Senior Marketing Manager Kevin Balentine chimed in with: "I don't think it's necessary to distinguish the different races by different armor sets." It seems there are other ways to distinguish species on the battlefield. In fact, they're painting the bad guys red and the good guys blue (see the above pic). Balentine, obviously stuck far too long with only his marketing companion cube as company, doesn't think that's ever been tried before.

                                                  Nope... not ever.

                                                  MassivelyApril Fools' in Stargate Worlds originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                    ]]>                                                    april-fools-08cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-en...chris-klugdemetrius-comeskevin-balentinemgmmgm-interactivered-vs-bluestargatestargate sg-1stargate-atlantisstargate-worldsStargateSg-1Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST                                                    <![CDATA[April Fools' in Dungeon Runners]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-dungeon-runners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-dungeon-runners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-dungeon-runners/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


                                                    The gang running Dungeon Runners may have been down in the dungeons a bit too long. Weeks go by without much news (except for account issues) and BAM... we get four new "announcements" all in one morning. Lets muddle through them, shall we?

                                                    First off is the "announcement" about the new DR expansion pack called Pony Adventure, which "picks up where the original Dungeon Runners left off." It will add an abundance of new quests, dungeons, items and characters. According to Mark Tucker Lead Nutjob, er... Designer for DR: "We've always had a very strong passion for Ponies." Ooooooooook. Dungeon Runners: Pony Adventure will be available for free at some point in the future. Until then check out the preview cover for this disturbing expansion.

                                                    In a somewhat related "news item"... players (both members and non-members alike) running around the dungeons can - at this very moment - grab themselves a new pet for their in-game characters. Paancho may be small, but he's a feisty little thing. Act quickly though! You must claim him before the US government does... on April 15 no less.

                                                    Continue reading April Fools' in Dungeon Runners

                                                    MassivelyApril Fools' in Dungeon Runners originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                      ]]>                                                      april-fools-08dungeon-runnersncsoftPaanchoTue, 01 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST                                                      <![CDATA[April Fools' in CoX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-cox/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


                                                      Holy highway robbery!

                                                      NCsoft NorCal "announced" today that they're dropping a new feature into their superly duperly costumed heroes and villains game. Visual Sounds are cool words that pop up on the screen (both in games and famous caped crusading TV shows) based on the old school comic book technique known as onomatopoeia. It's the use of a word to replace a sound. The upcoming Issue 12, which has been renamed "Issue 12: Pow, Biff, Boom, Bam!" will include this all new system.

                                                      Brian Clayton, Executive Producer and head of the NCsoft NorCal office, said all their research shows that many gamers are building their own computers now, and sometimes they forget to buy speakers or headphones. This is their small way of helping those forgetful types. Matt "Positron" Miller, the Lead Designer on the CoX titles, is a big advocate of the theater of the mind and likened this to reading a book where you give the characters their own voices. Literally.

                                                      While players will be able to disable Visual Sounds... they shouldn't. Why? In order to make room for the visual sound files all actual in-game sounds are being removed from the players' hard drives. DOH!

                                                      MassivelyApril Fools' in CoX originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                        ]]>                                                        april-fools-08Brian-Claytoncity-of-heroescity-of-villainscoh-issue-12coxissue-12issue-12-midnight-hourmatt-millerncsoftncsoft-norcalonomatopoeiapositronTue, 01 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST                                                        <![CDATA[AoC for life!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/aoc-for-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/aoc-for-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/aoc-for-life/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

                                                        We can't wait for Age of Conan to finally go live. A few of us here at Massively even dropped coin for the gigantic Collector's Edition of this brutal, mature themed MMO. Apparently a great many of you feel the same way. However, if you haven't purchased the game yet, then Ten Ton Hammer has a contest you will absolutely want to enter.

                                                        From now until April 18, TTH wants to know (in 250 words or less) why you think Age of Conan is the game you'll be playing for life. Ten people will get beta keys. Five of those beta key winners will also get a copy of the Collector's Edition. One will get the CE plus an autographed framed piece of concept art. Finally, one incredibly lucky individual will walk away with a CE signed by FUNCOM founder and AoC Game Director Gaute Godager and - hold on to your sword - a lifetime subscription to the game. You'll never have to pay for the game. Ever!

                                                        Now that's one heckuva prize!

                                                        MassivelyAoC for life! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                          ]]>                                                          age-of-conancollectors-editionfuncomgaute-godagerhyborian-adventuresten-ton-hammerMon, 31 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST                                                          <![CDATA[Missiles will be sailing through the Jumpgate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/missiles-will-be-sailing-through-the-jumpgate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/missiles-will-be-sailing-through-the-jumpgate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/missiles-will-be-sailing-through-the-jumpgate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                                                          Steve Hartmeyer dropped another Jumpgate Evolution developer diary onto MMO Gamer, this one in regards to all the wonderful missiles flying around during combat.

                                                          Jumpgate Evolution is built on the codebase from the original 2001 game Jumpgate (sometimes referred to as Jumpgate Classic). While some of it was simply modified, other parts had to be completely rewritten. Such is the case with the missile system. JC's missile system was simplistic in that each ship only had a certain number of hardpoints, and there was no lock-on process. Pilots usually had to launch all their ordinance quickly, which became known as "missile spam." JGE's system is being completely reworked to include a new lock-on system. This will not only eliminate "missile spam" but bring a similar style of space combat comparable to Freespace, X-Wing, and Wing Commander.

                                                          Furthermore, this missile system revamp will let NetDevil include features in JGE that they couldn't put into the original. Missiles will now be defined as independently persistent objects. A suite of active antimissile countermeasures will also be available (i.e., chaff dispensers or decoys). Thankfully, the gang at NetDevil realize that for all this to be effective, it has to be easy to use. HUD elements will be clear and easy to understand, and most importantly it must be fun.

                                                          Let's hope so!

                                                          [Via MMO Gamer]

                                                          MassivelyMissiles will be sailing through the Jumpgate originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                            ]]>                                                            jumpgatejumpgate-classicjumpgate-evolutionmmo-gamernetdevilsteve-hartmeyerFri, 28 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST                                                            <![CDATA[A mighty barbaric Friday AoC update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/a-mighty-barbaric-friday-aoc-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/a-mighty-barbaric-friday-aoc-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/a-mighty-barbaric-friday-aoc-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                                                            Six seems to be the magic number this week for Age of Conan. A few days ago our own Kyle Horner brought you six reasons to be excited about the barbaric MMO(one that was not mentioned in that splendid article was the game's drunken PvP brawling, which some of us here at Massively are drooling over!). Now the gang at Funcom has dropped their Friday roundup... which includes six updated topics!

                                                            AoC will offer a hoary host of "pick up and play" PvP minigames (such as the aforementioned Drunken Brawling) including Capture the Skull and Team Annihilation. Players join one of two teams with the sole objective of killing everyone on the other team.

                                                            Thoth-Amon is the big, bad villain of the game. He's the Earth's most powerful sorcerer and leads the snake god's cult of wackos in Stygia. You would do well to know your enemy before you set out to try strike him down (good luck with that by the way!).

                                                            Continue reading A mighty barbaric Friday AoC update

                                                            MassivelyA mighty barbaric Friday AoC update originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                              ]]>                                                              age-of-conanage-of-conan-hyboria...AztelcimmeriaConarch-Villagefuncomhyborian-adventuresKeairarobert-e-howardTeam-AnnihilationThoth-AmonTroglodytesFri, 28 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST                                                              <![CDATA[The "real" story behind CoX's powerset proliferation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/the-real-story-behind-coxs-powerset-proliferation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/the-real-story-behind-coxs-powerset-proliferation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/the-real-story-behind-coxs-powerset-proliferation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

                                                              Dr. Brainstorm is at it again.

                                                              If you're a tight wearing do-gooder or vile evildoer within the City of... universe then you can't miss this exclusive broadcast (from an undisclosed location of course) made by Dr. Brainstorm.

                                                              During yet another crazy experiment (this time involving Rikti technology, Hypothetical Frameworks and invisible, mystical networks) the good Doctor has made a startling find regarding one of the most anticipated features of the upcoming free expansion Issue 12: Midnight Hour - Powerset Proliferation.

                                                              With the help of his newly built Resonance Manipulator, Brainstorm can now alter the energy strands connecting every Hero and Villain to their powers. New characters (both sides) will be able to access additional primary and secondary powersets they didn't have access to before.

                                                              [Via GameZone]

                                                              MassivelyThe "real" story behind CoX's powerset proliferation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                ]]>                                                                city-of-heroescity-of-villainscoh-issue-12Dr.-Brainstormfree-expansionissue-12Issue-12-Midnight-HourMidnight-HourncsoftFri, 28 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST                                                                <![CDATA[Getting technical with a Stargate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/getting-technical-with-a-stargate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/getting-technical-with-a-stargate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/getting-technical-with-a-stargate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


                                                                Stargate Worlds' Technology Director, Demetrius Comes, recently got technobabbley about what goes on behind the curtain of their upcoming sci-fi epic.

                                                                SGW uses Epic's Unreal 3 engine under the hood for the graphical shock and awe. Big World technologies powers the servers, but did you know that neither engine is exactly what they needed? As Comes put it, they rolled their own glue to get the two engines to work together. But there's a third component - a powerful content creation tool - they call "SpecSuite." It's used to create spawns, enter the data for the AI, create items, mobs, loot tables, etc.

                                                                Continue reading Getting technical with a Stargate

                                                                MassivelyGetting technical with a Stargate originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                  ]]>                                                                  Big-World-technologiescheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-en...Demetrius-ComesSpecSuitestargatestargate-atlantisstargate-sg-1stargate-worldsten-ton-hammerunreal-engine-3Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST                                                                  <![CDATA[Pirates residing in the Caribbean get new stuff]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/pirates-residing-in-the-caribbean-get-new-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/pirates-residing-in-the-caribbean-get-new-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/pirates-residing-in-the-caribbean-get-new-stuff/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


                                                                  Come April new weapons will be available in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Online. Expect to see new types of voodoo dolls, daggers, staffs and pistols which will create more damage, load faster, and have some all new special effects.

                                                                  In addition, recruiting for your piratey guild will get easier with the introduction of multiple (1-100 people) and unlimited use invite codes (instead of having to generate a unique code for each new person).

                                                                  If you're curious about the "Why Pirates are More Lovable Than Ninjas" contest, be sure to check out the latest newsletter for the whole list, but here are a few of the winning reasons:
                                                                  • Ninjas are supposed to be silent, not endlessly witty and charming, savvy?
                                                                  • What's more lovable than the stench of a Pirate who hasn't bathed in a month?!?
                                                                  • Pirates may not be the best friends you have, but at least they're honest about being dishonest.

                                                                  MassivelyPirates residing in the Caribbean get new stuff originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                    ]]>                                                                    disney-onlineguildsjack-sparrowpirates-of-the-carib...pirates-of-the-caribbean-onlineweaponsWed, 26 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST                                                                    <![CDATA[Spying on The Agency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/spying-on-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/spying-on-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/spying-on-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

                                                                    Hal Milton, The Agency's lead designer, recently had a lengthy chat with GameSpotUK about Sony's upcoming spy MMO. He revealed quite a bit of new information about the game, including its spy versus spy (PvP) mode.

                                                                    PvP will have a mix of arenas supporting both casual and official game types. There will also be optional crossover missions that start off as PvE and morph as UNITE and ParaGON agents come into conflict over shared or competitive objectives.

                                                                    At launch hundreds of PvE missions will be available and take place throughout Europe, Central America, and East Asia. The modular system will allow them to easily expand to cover the globe.

                                                                    Gallery: The Agency

                                                                    Continue reading Spying on The Agency

                                                                    MassivelySpying on The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                      ]]>                                                                      gamespothal-miltonsony-online-entertai...the-agencyTue, 25 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST                                                                      <![CDATA[Can you keep cool under Live Fire?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/can-you-keep-cool-under-live-fire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/can-you-keep-cool-under-live-fire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/can-you-keep-cool-under-live-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


                                                                      If you can then the Live Fire Sports League (LFS) is where you need to be! This Saturday the LFS is hosting a King of the Hill 6 versus 6 squad based elimination tournament in Tabula Rasa. Here are the mucho important details:

                                                                      Date: March 29, 2008
                                                                      Time: 9:00pm Eastern, 8:00pm Central, 7:00pm Mountain, 6:00pm Pacific
                                                                      Server: Orion
                                                                      Map: Wilderness Zone (4)
                                                                      Assembly point: Twin Pillars

                                                                      This is for characters up to level 10 and will be a fight for Memory Tree Hill. For all the details check out PlanetTR.com ASAP. Time's running out soldier!

                                                                      MassivelyCan you keep cool under Live Fire? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                        ]]>                                                                        destination-gamesLive-Fire-Sports-LeagueMemory-Tree-Hillncsoftplanettrpvprichard-garriotttabula-rasaTue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST                                                                        <![CDATA[NCsoft revs up the Unreal Engine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ncsoft-revs-up-the-unreal-engine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ncsoft-revs-up-the-unreal-engine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ncsoft-revs-up-the-unreal-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                                                        NCsoft, makers of a hoary host of very popular MMOs (City of Heroes, City of Villains, the Lineage series, Tabula Rasa, Guild Wars, the as yet unreleased Aion) just announced that they've picked up the keys to Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3. NCsoft and Epic already have a relationship as both Lineage II and Exteel use tweaked versions of Unreal Engine 2.

                                                                        So what does the MMO juggernaut plan on using the latest and great Unreal Engine for? How about "two unannounced, top-tier massively multiplayer online games." Hey now!

                                                                        Stay tuned to Massively as we try to ferret out what these two unannounced MMOs are all about.

                                                                        MassivelyNCsoft revs up the Unreal Engine originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                          ]]>                                                                          breakingbreakingnewsepic-gamesgamasutraNCsoftunannounced-mmosunreal-engine-3Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST                                                                          <![CDATA[Jumpgate to offer more than just combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/jumpgate-to-offer-more-then-just-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/jumpgate-to-offer-more-then-just-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/jumpgate-to-offer-more-then-just-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


                                                                          Say your cruising around an asteroid belt in the upcoming sci-fi MMO, Jumpgate Evolution. Since you buddy is due to hop online any minute so the two of you can shoot the light fantastic, you'd rather not engage in any heavy combat until your wing man pops on. What to do?

                                                                          Well, according to Hermann Peterscheck, JGE's producer, there's a lot more to do then just shooting womprats (or whatever the equivalent will be in the JGE universe). The big three activities for the game are combat, resource gathering and crafting, but there will be many other things to do. Players can speculate in the market, get paid to help cargo haulers on dangerous runs, engage in PvP to earn top spot on the various ladders and rankings, or collect the many different medals, titles, ships and powerful equipment. NetDevil is also looking to include mini-games that break up the core game.

                                                                          Continue reading Jumpgate to offer more than just combat

                                                                          MassivelyJumpgate to offer more than just combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                            ]]>                                                                            codemasterscombatcraftinghermann-peterscheckjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilresource-gatheringten-ton-hammerMon, 24 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST                                                                            <![CDATA[Tabula Rasa: A fan's P.O.V.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/tabula-rasa-a-fans-p-o-v/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/tabula-rasa-a-fans-p-o-v/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/tabula-rasa-a-fans-p-o-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


                                                                            Misery may love company, but negativity breeds page hits. People are more fascinated with "misery" then they are with joy, and once the bad PR bandwagon gets rolling there's usually no slowing it down. Why do you think the evening news and daily newspapers are so rife with doom? It sells.

                                                                            Case in point: Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa. Over the last few months TR has been the bane (pardon the pun) of gaming's misery lovers. But one fan of this funtastic sci-fi MMO has a different perspective. One that some of us here at Massively who play this game happen to agree with. In what amounts to a call to arms to the "silent majority" (those who play and enjoy the game but remain quiet in doing so) , as well as a defense against the horde of negativity, Tabula Blogger gives an unbiased rundown of the things that seem to be harped on the most (crafting, PvP, end game content)... from a player's POV, not a video game journalist's paid commentary.

                                                                            In particular I like the point made about how fast some players managed to "finish" the game and then had the audacity to gripe about no end content. TR has only been out five months (it launched in early November). Those who race to the end of any MMO within weeks of a game launching and then gripe about not having anything to do just don't get it. MMOs take years to make and aren't designed to be finished in mere weeks. They are not sprints (like single player frag fests), but marathons that should be enjoyed and savored.

                                                                            [Via Ten Ton Hammer via VirginWorlds]

                                                                            MassivelyTabula Rasa: A fan's P.O.V. originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                              ]]>                                                                              destination-gamesncsoftrichard-garriotttabula-bloggertabula-rasaMon, 24 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST                                                                              <![CDATA[The sun also rises on a post-apocalyptic world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/the-sun-also-rises-on-a-post-apocalyptic-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/the-sun-also-rises-on-a-post-apocalyptic-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/the-sun-also-rises-on-a-post-apocalyptic-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


                                                                              "[Earthrise is] a game that is about freedom. [It is] not the usual fantasy MMO." So says George Petrov, the Technical Director for Bulgarian based Masthead Studios' post-apocalyptic, sci-fi MMO.

                                                                              In a recent interview, Petrov explains that the game takes place on the island of Enterra, which they hope to make one continuous area. They don't like instances so players should be able to run from one end of the world to another devoid of load screens. While they're not guaranteeing anything at this point, they hope to also have the whole of the game and it's players reside in a single world.

                                                                              The screenshots (not all of which are available on the official website) released so far, and which have increased in regularity over the last few weeks, shows an artistic, photorealistic world. Mastheads plans on making sure Earthrise runs on as many machines as possible by offering scalable graphics options. Petrov said they aren't proponents of the microtransaction business model, so expect a monthly subscription fee like most U.S. based MMOs.

                                                                              [via WarCry]

                                                                              MassivelyThe sun also rises on a post-apocalyptic world originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                                ]]>                                                                                earthriseGeorge-Petrovmasthead-studiospost-apocalypticwarcryThu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST                                                                                <![CDATA[New SGW stuff comes through the gate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/new-sgw-stuff-comes-through-the-gate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/new-sgw-stuff-comes-through-the-gate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/new-sgw-stuff-comes-through-the-gate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


                                                                                The Stargate Worlds website recently released four new images (2 screenshots and 2 concept pieces). The concept artwork details an Asian-themed world while the two screenshots show off Agnos and Lucia.

                                                                                But it's not all about the images though. Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment wants to hear from you if you operate a fan web site about their upcoming sci-fi MMO. They're updating their database and want to make sure your site gets on their list. And no, it's not so they can send you a cease and decease letter. On the contrary in fact! When CME releases news and information about Stargate Worlds they want to make sure you know about it.

                                                                                So if you fit that bill, be sure to check out the list of needs at the SGW website.

                                                                                Gallery: Stargate Worlds Concept Art Gallery

                                                                                MassivelyNew SGW stuff comes through the gate originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                                  ]]>                                                                                  agnoscheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-en...Luciamgm-interactivesg1stargatestargate-atlantisstargate-worldsWed, 19 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST