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[Ask Massively - Goodbye, Farewell, Amen.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/ask-massively-goodbye-farewell-amen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/ask-massively-goodbye-farewell-amen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/ask-massively-goodbye-farewell-amen/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's been a few months since I have written Ask Massively, and I am sorry to say that this will be my last column for Massively. Before I leave you guys with something to think about, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Elizabeth, Krystalle, and the folks at Massively for allowing me to have this forum. It has been a pleasure working with them, and it has been a pleasure writing for you.

So, I hold in my hand, the last envelope...

Dear Massively,

Aside from "Find a soft spot to fall when you hear your puller say 'Oops' " Do you have any last words of wisdom to impart before you leave?

-Grimthorn Redbeard

Continue reading Ask Massively - Goodbye, Farewell, Amen.

MassivelyAsk Massively - Goodbye, Farewell, Amen. originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    ]]>    age-of-conananarchy-onlineask-massivelyblizzardcity-of-heroescopernicusdragonconeverquestfeaturedlord-of-the-rings-onlinencsoftstar-trek-onlinetabula-rasawarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftFri, 06 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Would you hire a gamer?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/21/ask-massively-would-you-hire-a-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/21/ask-massively-would-you-hire-a-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/21/ask-massively-would-you-hire-a-gamer/#commentsFiled under: ,


    I usually dislike writing about the things that everyone else is talking about, but I'm sufficiently motivated (read: ticked off) about this topic that I might as well throw in my two cents. With all due respect to my readers and the people who take the time to write in to Ask Massively every week, this time I am going to answer questions that have been asked in other columns.

    Should employers dismiss job applicants who play MMORPGs like World of Warcraft?

    I'm not going to direct this answer to you gamers out there. You probably have a good idea of what my answer is going to be. This is for all of the corporate recruiters, hiring managers, and corporate paper pushers out there who think games like World of Warcraft sufficient reason to disqualify a job applicant.

    Continue reading Ask Massively: Would you hire a gamer?

    MassivelyAsk Massively: Would you hire a gamer? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      ]]>      ask-massivelycorporatefeaturedmmorpgworld-of-warcraftSun, 21 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST      <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Is that *really* all there is?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ask-massively-is-that-really-all-there-is/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ask-massively-is-that-really-all-there-is/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ask-massively-is-that-really-all-there-is/#commentsFiled under: ,


      Normally, I dislike "To be continued" columns, but some of the responses to last week's Ask Massively got me thinking. One, in particular, stood out.

      I think you need to find out more to correctly answer the question. Is it the setting of the game (fantasy/Space) that is getting old or the MMO genre itself?

      -LotroME

      Now that I've had a week to think about it, it seems kind of silly to blame ennui on the entire genre, doesn't it? Are people tired of side-scrollers? First person shooters? Real time strategy? Sports games? This is an issue that needs a little more examination, and that's why I'm here.

      Grab your shovels, kids. It's time to dig a little deeper.

      Continue reading Ask Massively: Is that *really* all there is?

      MassivelyAsk Massively: Is that *really* all there is? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        ]]>        ask-massivelyeveeve-onlinefeaturedwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 11 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST        <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Is this all there is?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/ask-massively-is-this-all-there-is/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/ask-massively-is-this-all-there-is/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/ask-massively-is-this-all-there-is/#commentsFiled under: ,

        If, like me, you are seeking a break from your Wrath of the Lich King addiction, join me for another weekly installment of Ask Massively. If you are one of the two people on the Internet who play something other than World of Warcraft, feel free to look in as well. It is only a matter of time before you decide to join us in Azeroth/Outland/Northrend.

        (note: Please read this with a heavy helping of tolerance for snark and sarcasm. If you think replying to this with "HEY! THERE ARE OTHER GAMES BESIDES WoW, YOU KNOW!" is a good idea, You should pay more attention.)

        Our question this week comes from someone who has reached a state of profound ennui.

        Dear Ask Massively,

        I can't seem to find a game I want to play anymore. Call it boredom, or getting a life or even getting old... But the fact remains, I am losing interest in mmo games. It isn't that I don't want to play games, I just don't seem to get the thrill I used to from them. I think we all remember some special moment when we felt that welling up of pride, or an audible "wow" escaped our lips when we saw something that amazed us.

        I don't have those feelings anymore, every game I play seems to be a copy of a copy of a copy.. The only thing that changes is the landscape and the names of the mobs..

        I was hoping that you could give some suggestions as to a MMORPG that have something different to offer. Something beyond fedexing the 10 rats I just killed so I can be told to kill this guy back where I started for 80 levels.

        Tharkis

        Continue reading Ask Massively: Is this all there is?

        MassivelyAsk Massively: Is this all there is? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          ]]>          38-studiosask-massivelyeverquestfeaturedgaia-onlineultima-onlinewardog-studioswarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 04 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST          <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Requiem for a Clean Slate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/ask-massively-requiem-for-a-clean-slate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/ask-massively-requiem-for-a-clean-slate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/ask-massively-requiem-for-a-clean-slate/#commentsFiled under:


          It's the holiday season, and time, once again, for Ask Massively to spread the cheer as far and wide as possible. It is a testament to the love and dedication that I have for each and every one of my readers that I am postponing the hyper-ingestion of tryptophan-laden goodness today in order to answer your questions so that you may enjoy your holiday weekend free from the burden of unsatiated curiosity.

          Dear Ask Massively,

          I'm sure that you've heard by now that Tabula Rasa is going to shut down early next year. What now? It seems like only last week that the game was making so much money that Richard Garriott was taking trips into space. What about those of us who still enjoy this game? Don't we count for something?

          -Ginny L.

          Yes, Virginia, Tabula Rasa is going the way of Auto Assault and Earth & Beyond. As a subscriber, I am a little disappointed but not terribly surprised.

          Having conducted a few "Post MMOrtem" sessions with fans at a certain convention in the past, I have heard some interesting ideas about MMOs that are shut down by their developers, ideas which could easily be applied to the brainchild of Richard Garriott.

          Continue reading Ask Massively: Requiem for a Clean Slate

          MassivelyAsk Massively: Requiem for a Clean Slate originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            ]]>            ask-massivelyfeaturedncsofttabula-rasaThu, 27 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST            <![CDATA[Ask Massively: So? How is it?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/ask-massively-so-how-is-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/ask-massively-so-how-is-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/ask-massively-so-how-is-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


            Have you ever had one of those creative moments where you have absolutely no idea how to proceed? Whether you call it "writer's block", "stage fright", or even "performance anxiety", such a moment can be utterly paralyzing. At Ask Massively, for this week anyway, we don't have that problem. The following email is loosely paraphrased from an amalgamation of sources. For a small bribe, I will refrain from using words like "amalgamation" in the future.

            Dear Massively,

            I think you need to spend more time talking about World of Warcraft. In fact, I'm going to toss you a question that I'm fairly confident that nobody else has thought about asking this week.

            What do you think of Wrath of the Lich King, so far?

            -- Any one of about a gazillion emails in the Inbox

            Continue reading Ask Massively: So? How is it?

            MassivelyAsk Massively: So? How is it? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              ]]>              age-of-conanask-massivelyblizzardfeaturedworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 20 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST              <![CDATA[A special message from "The Ask Massively Guy"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/a-special-message-from-the-ask-massively-guy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/a-special-message-from-the-ask-massively-guy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/a-special-message-from-the-ask-massively-guy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

              I don't normally write much outside of the scope of my weekly column, but I wanted to share an experience I had during the Wrath of the Lich King launch that I think sums up the MMORPG experience for a lot of us.

              Many of you, I am certain, have spent a considerable amount of time trying to decide what to do first in the expansion. "Do I level my main character to 80 first?" "Should I start playing a Death Knight immediately?" There have even been stories about the first person to hit level 80, or the first level 70 Death Knight, or the first person to reach Grand Master in each of the various professions in the game. While I can admire, to an extent, the enthusiasm of such players and the guilds and friends who support these types of players, I'd like to take a minute to go in a different direction.

              Continue reading A special message from "The Ask Massively Guy"

              MassivelyA special message from "The Ask Massively Guy" originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                ]]>                ask-massivelyfeaturedfriendsworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingSun, 16 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST                <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Isn't it ironic?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/ask-massively-isnt-it-ironic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/ask-massively-isnt-it-ironic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/ask-massively-isnt-it-ironic/#commentsFiled under: , ,


                In fairness, this question has been addressed to my colleagues at WoW Insider more than it has directly to me, but if nobody else is going to take it, I will. That's how we roll here at Ask Massively.

                Dear Massively,

                What's with all of the server fiascos in Blizzard-Land? The so-called "greatest MMO of all time" has apparently become beset by baffling bugs. (I know how you love that alliteration.) How come this hasn't been covered in nauseating detail?

                -Alex A.

                If I had 10 gold for every time that question has popped up in my inbox during the last 24 hours, I would own Dalaran.

                Continue reading Ask Massively: Isn't it ironic?

                MassivelyAsk Massively: Isn't it ironic? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  ]]>                  age-of-conanask-massivelyblizzardfeaturedfuncomworld-of-warcraftwowwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 13 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST                  <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Wrath vs All Comers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/ask-massively-wrath-vs-all-comers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/ask-massively-wrath-vs-all-comers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/ask-massively-wrath-vs-all-comers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



                  Never let it be said that Ask Massively doesn't give everyone a chance to be heard. We believe that everyone should have a voice, and it is in the interest of providing that voice that we bring you the following question.

                  Dear Massively

                  I am SO SICK of all of the coverage of Wrath of the Lich King! I demand that someone at Massively write about something that isn't World of Warcraft related this week. Non-WoW players aren't interested in an expansion for a game that they don't even play. Someone throw me a freakin' bone here!

                  Sarah P.

                  Someone hasn't been paying attention, have they...

                  Continue reading Ask Massively: Wrath vs All Comers

                  MassivelyAsk Massively: Wrath vs All Comers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                    ]]>                    38-studiosask-massivelycopernicusfeaturedmmommo-industryworld-of-warcraftwow-killerwrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 07 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST                    <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Please make George Lucas stop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/ask-massively-i-want-what-that-guy-is-having/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/ask-massively-i-want-what-that-guy-is-having/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/ask-massively-i-want-what-that-guy-is-having/#commentsFiled under: ,


                    Those of you who read Ask Massively on a regular basis know that I'm a positive kind of guy. I rarely "go negative" on a game, in fact I have been accused on a few occasions of being a paid shill. Today, however, this is going to change. I'm completely in favor of having a rich fantasy world as long as it is contained within the game and not in the heads of the game developers themselves.

                    Dear Ask Massively Guy,

                    What exactly are "they" smoking over at the Skywalker Ranch, or wherever it is that LucasArts has set up shop these days? "Star Wars: The Old Republic will be bigger than World of Warcraft" ?!?!?! Is Jar Jar Binks working in their PR department?

                    - A. Soberman

                    At first, I didn't think this email was serious. Only the most naive and hopelessly optimistic game developer would announce a game, then claim it will dethrone the reigning King of All MMO's before the public even sees the first teaser trailer. If Lucas and friends are good at anything (and these days, I have my doubts), it is setting expectations which bend, but don't completely break, the rules of credibility.

                    Continue reading Ask Massively: Please make George Lucas stop

                    MassivelyAsk Massively: Please make George Lucas stop originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                      ]]>                      featuredstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicworld-of-warcraftThu, 30 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST                      <![CDATA[Ask Massively: I feel a disturbance in the Force]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/ask-massively-i-feel-a-disturbance-in-the-force/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/ask-massively-i-feel-a-disturbance-in-the-force/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/ask-massively-i-feel-a-disturbance-in-the-force/#commentsFiled under: , ,



                      We are optimists here at Ask Massively. We went to go see Episode 3 despite the fact that Lucas managed to turn the Greatest Movie Villain of All Time into a whiny emo teenager. We choose to remember, fondly, the days of the Zahn Trilogy and Star Wars Mud and not the fiasco that was N.G.E.

                      You can imagine that I have been dreading this question ever since I heard that BioWare is planning on creating an MMO set in the Star Wars universe called Star Wars: Old Republic.

                      Dear Obi-Wan Massive,

                      Is BioWare going to fall to the Curse of Lucas and release yet another crappy Star Wars video game? They beat the curse once with Knights of the Old Republic, but can they evade Lucas and his creative death touch forever?

                      - Laura T.

                      Continue reading Ask Massively: I feel a disturbance in the Force

                      MassivelyAsk Massively: I feel a disturbance in the Force originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                        ]]>                        biowarefeaturedlucasartslucasfilmsonystar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicThu, 23 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST                        <![CDATA[Ask Massively goes to WAR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/ask-massively-goes-to-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/ask-massively-goes-to-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/ask-massively-goes-to-war/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                        It is time for another edition of Ask Massively where we serve up opinions and information hotter than a room full of mages trying out Living Bomb for the first time.

                        One of the greatest things about writing a column on MMO gaming is that my research often consists of playing video games. One of the greatest things about writing this column is that whenever a new MMO comes out, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm going to get a question like this.

                        Dear Ask Massively Guy,

                        Everyone else, and their grandmother, has talked about                         Warhammer Online, so what's the deal? How come you haven't mentioned it yet? It's not like you don't have an opinion on nearly everything else.

                        -Llamas Notsheep

                        Continue reading Ask Massively goes to WAR

                        MassivelyAsk Massively goes to WAR originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                          ]]>                          featuredwarhammer-onlineFri, 17 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST                          <![CDATA[Ask Massively: How to avoid being 'that guy']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/ask-massively-how-to-avoid-being-that-guy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/ask-massively-how-to-avoid-being-that-guy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/ask-massively-how-to-avoid-being-that-guy/#commentsFiled under: ,



                          This week's Ask Massively is a radical departure from recent weeks' columns. I'm not going to criticize anybody, nor will I blame you, the player, for the ills of the MMO industry. It will be a difficult job, but that's why they pay me the big bucks. (I almost kept a straight face... honest!)

                          Dear Massively,

                          I'm considering giving a new game like Warhammer Online a try, but I have a guild of good people in World of Warcraft, and I'm a bit reluctant to start over in a new game to try and make friends that I can play with. Most of us know what not to do in an MMO, but is there a relatively easy way to 'Win Friends and Influence People'?

                          -Friendly Noob Gamer

                          Continue reading Ask Massively: How to avoid being 'that guy'

                          MassivelyAsk Massively: How to avoid being 'that guy' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                            ]]>                            everquestfeaturedgroupgroupingworld-of-warcraftThu, 09 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST                            <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Make the bad people stop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/ask-massively-make-the-bad-people-stop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/ask-massively-make-the-bad-people-stop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/ask-massively-make-the-bad-people-stop/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

                            But I DON'T LIKE SPAM!!!After a 2 week hiatus, Ask Massively is back and crankier than ever.

                            In fairness, I had a really good reason for my absence the last 2 weeks, and I would apologize except I'm not remotely sorry. I think you'll understand.

                            On to business. In this case, old business.

                            Dear Massively,

                            I have a question that I would like posed to the people who defend gold-farming, and the accompanying in-game spam. I had placed a gold farmer on ignore (as is my habit), when I realized that I was receiving spam from them, again! I messaged them back and requested, (none too politely) that they stop messaging me, as I did not want to buy their golds.

                            The messages obviously continued, or I wouldn't be writing this message. So! My question runs thusly: How do you defend the harmless/can be ignored, etc. argument, when the gold farmers are obviously finding ways around the game's built-in protections from spam, and are continuing to annoy/harass players, even when they are directly asked to stop?

                            -Grummsh

                            Continue reading Ask Massively: Make the bad people stop

                            MassivelyAsk Massively: Make the bad people stop originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                              ]]>                              featuredgold-farmingrmtspamThu, 02 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST                              <![CDATA[Ask Massively: You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/ask-massively-you-are-not-a-beautiful-and-unique-snowflake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/ask-massively-you-are-not-a-beautiful-and-unique-snowflake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/ask-massively-you-are-not-a-beautiful-and-unique-snowflake/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                              • "Treating me like a chump"
                              • "Betrayal"
                              • "lies, cheats, and hypes"
                              • "scams, (false) promises, and lies"
                              • "Buing (sic) a MMORPG is a matter of TRUST"

                              Before I start singing "These are a few of my favorite things...", let me point out that these are references to comments in last week's Ask Massively. Specifically, they are comments from some of my readers on how they feel about "buggy MMO's" and the companies that launch them.

                              Lupinus asks:

                              How do you trust someone when they lied/misled you?

                              I hope that most of you didn't find last week's commentary too painful, because you're not going to like this answer much at all.

                              Continue reading Ask Massively: You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake.

                              MassivelyAsk Massively: You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake. originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                ]]>                                age-of-conanfeaturedworld-of-warcraftThu, 04 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST                                <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Second chances in MMO's]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/ask-massively-second-chances-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/ask-massively-second-chances-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/ask-massively-second-chances-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                I'm feeling a bit cranky these days, so for this week's Ask Massively, I thought that I'd give you all my unvarnished opinion instead of kissing your collective backside in order to generate a few more page hits. Get your claws out for this one, folks. This nugget of truth is going to hurt a little.

                                Why do MMO's only have 1 shot when they change so *drastically* over time?

                                Games such as EQ2, DDO, Vanguard, Tabula Rasa, perhaps AoC...

                                6 months to a year later when the game is good and bursting with content etc. Why do players always chime the mantra "Too little too late" and perfer to just wait for the "next big thing" instead of re-visting these other games?

                                I understand feeling burnt for not getting everything at launch, but who cares? if the game has everything you wanted *now* who cares about the past when it *didnt*?

                                I just dont get it.

                                -Ding Dong Dang

                                Continue reading Ask Massively: Second chances in MMO's

                                MassivelyAsk Massively: Second chances in MMO's originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                  ]]>                                  age-of-conananarchy-onlineddodragonconeve-onlineeverquestfeaturedliving-legacytabula-rasaworld-of-warcraftThu, 28 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST                                  <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Oh great, another "WoW Killer"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/ask-massively-oh-great-another-wow-killer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/ask-massively-oh-great-another-wow-killer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/ask-massively-oh-great-another-wow-killer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


                                  Welcome to another week of Ask Massively, where we don't just buy into hype, we devour it with the kind of intensity usually reserved for stoners and Doritos. Since we're a couple of weeks away from the launch of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, I thought it would be good to answer the biggest question on everyone's mind these days.

                                  Dear Massively,

                                  Can Warhammer Online:Age of Reckoning be the "World of Warcraft killer"?

                                  -- (about 600 emails in the past month)

                                  It seems like we've been here before, but as long as folks keep asking, it's up to us to answer.

                                  Continue reading Ask Massively: Oh great, another "WoW Killer"

                                  MassivelyAsk Massively: Oh great, another "WoW Killer" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                    ]]>                                    featuredwarhammer-onlineworld of warcraftWorldOfWarcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 21 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST                                    <![CDATA[Ask Massively: The customer is always...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/ask-massively-the-customer-is-always/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/ask-massively-the-customer-is-always/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/ask-massively-the-customer-is-always/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                    This week's Ask Massively is going to be a bit different. Instead of answering a question from my readers, I'm going to answer a recent post here at Massively. The CSM Speaks, but will CCP games listen? No, I'm not going to speak for CCP Games, creators of EVE Online for those of you who live under a rock. In the finest traditions of Zen philosophy, I'm going to answer a question with a question.

                                    Should game developers listen to their players when making development decisions?

                                    Only the most obtuse idiot would refuse to take customer feedback into consideration when developing or enhancing a product. I'm not talking about feedback in the "Suggestion Box" sense of the word. I mean "Should customers have a direct hand in determining which features of a product should be implemented or developed?"

                                    Continue reading Ask Massively: The customer is always...

                                    MassivelyAsk Massively: The customer is always... originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                      ]]>                                      blizzardeve-onlineeverquestfeaturedvanguardThu, 14 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST                                      <![CDATA[Ask Massively: What are you thinking?!?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/ask-massively-what-are-you-thinking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/ask-massively-what-are-you-thinking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/ask-massively-what-are-you-thinking/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                      Leave Blizzard Alone!

                                      It isn't always sunshine and kittens in the Ask Massively inbox. One of the things that keeps a columnist honest is fair criticism, which is not the same as pretty much anything you will ever find of a server community message board. Which brings us to this week's question (of sorts).

                                      So, my partially sarcastic question boils down to this: is Massively being paid to be biased against World of Warcraft and for other MMOs? Could you try criticising other MMOs more thoroughly in addition to World of Warcraft? Fairness makes for crappy reading, and bad advice.

                                      -Me, Myself, and I(rate)

                                      I could sit here all day long and issue stock denials of some of the claims made in this email, but to an extent, he has a point. No, we're not paid to be biased against World of Warcraft, nor are we paid to write favorable things about other MMO's and gloss over a new game's flaws. That doesn't mean that the bias doesn't exist. There is, however, a good reason for such bias.

                                      Continue reading Ask Massively: What are you thinking?!?

                                      MassivelyAsk Massively: What are you thinking?!? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                        ]]>                                        blizzardcriticsfeaturedworld-of-warcraftThu, 07 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EST                                        <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Do you want to live forever?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/ask-massively-do-you-want-to-live-forever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/ask-massively-do-you-want-to-live-forever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/ask-massively-do-you-want-to-live-forever/#commentsFiled under: ,

                                        Rather than provide you with yet another philosophical magnum opus, this week in Ask Massively will provide a simple answer to a simple question.

                                        Dear Ask Massively,

                                        What's up with NCSoft's "Operation Immortality"? Do fans really expect their DNA to be stored in space? I realize that this is cheap advertising and an ego boost for Richard Garriott, but the last time I made travel plans, "Russian Cosmonaut Spaceways" was rather pricy, shouldn't they be using that money to make a game that doesn't suck?

                                        -Spaced Out

                                        As with most stories, there is more to this than meets the eye. I promised simplicity in my answer so I'll break it down for you after the jump.

                                        Continue reading Ask Massively: Do you want to live forever?

                                        MassivelyAsk Massively: Do you want to live forever? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                          ]]>                                          featuredncsofttabula-rasaThu, 31 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST                                          <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Enough business already!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/ask-massively-enough-business-already/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/ask-massively-enough-business-already/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/ask-massively-enough-business-already/#commentsFiled under: ,


                                          With all of the talk in previous columns about the business side of MMO gaming, it can be easy to lose track of the real reason that we are all here. Fun! Since I have been up to my eyeballs in the business side of things recently, I thought we'd return to the realm of fun for this week's Ask Massively.

                                          To the Massive Team,

                                          I recently wanted to get back into Everquest, mostly for nostalgic reason but couldn't bear the grind up to some decent levels again, so i thought id get a account of a char with a reasonably respectable level eg 50's to 60's. The reason is so i could get straight into the good stuff and skip the completely isolated newbie levels. (nowadays Kelethin and Clan Crushbone zones are deserted, who thought it possible??) But the question pricking my gamer conscience was whether it was frowned upon? please help me out in this most dire of ethical battles!

                                          Thank,
                                          Token88

                                          Of course, now that I think about it, this has just as much to do with the business of MMO gaming as it does the fun side. I'm pretty sure that the folks at Sony aren't too keen on players who bypass 50-60 levels of content that cost time and money to produce, but if that content isn't fun for the player then they won't play the game (read: "they won't pay the subscription fee to play the game"). So what's the right answer?

                                          Continue reading Ask Massively: Enough business already!

                                          MassivelyAsk Massively: Enough business already! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                            ]]>                                            age-of-conanask-massivelycity-of-heroeseve-onlineeverquestfeaturedreal-money-tradingrmtSat, 19 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST                                            <![CDATA[Ask Massively: You make the call]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/ask-massively-you-make-the-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/ask-massively-you-make-the-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/ask-massively-you-make-the-call/#commentsFiled under: , ,


                                            For those of you who read Ask Massively but don't pay much attention to the comments, you might want to go back and check out the comments section from last week. I think there might be 3 or 4 columns worth of material there.

                                            At issue is the concept of software quality vs. time to market. Many software companies, OK... the vast majority... no... OK... everyone but Blizzard seems to value the idea of getting to market quickly in order to take advantage of market conditions in order to maximize sales. Age of Conan, for example, sold 700,000 units in it's first month of release. That's a success for any game, but especially for an MMO. Blizzard, on the other hand... Well, we don't need to cite that figure again as it has likely increased in the time it took me to type this.

                                            So instead of answering your questions, I'm going to ask one of my own.

                                            If you were the head of a software development company which elements of a software release are most important to you, and why?

                                            1) Do you value quality above all other considerations? Are you the type of developer that thinks "This product will not ship with my name on it unless it is the absolute best I can make it?"

                                            2) Is "time to market" most important to you? Do you have the attitude "Let's ship it now so that we can maximize initial sales and patch any issues we discover?"

                                            3) Is cost the most important factor to you? Do you think "Sure, I'd like to keep this in house for another 6-8 months, but it would be too expensive to do that. We'll have to take our chances and ship now in order to save money."

                                            Before you snap off an answer to that question, I'd like you all to take a look at the risks and benefits associated with each approach as I give you examples of each of these types of software products, some that have done well in the market place, and some that have failed miserably.

                                            Continue reading Ask Massively: You make the call

                                            MassivelyAsk Massively: You make the call originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                              ]]>                                              age-of-conanask-massivelyblizzardearth-and-beyondeve-onlineeverquestfeaturedpirates-of-the-burni...tabula-rasavanguardworld-of-warcraftSat, 12 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST                                              <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Be careful what you ask for...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/ask-massively-be-careful-what-you-ask-for/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/ask-massively-be-careful-what-you-ask-for/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/ask-massively-be-careful-what-you-ask-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                              Most of the time, when writing Ask Massively, it is fairly simple to keep my personal and professional life separated from my life as an MMO gamer and columnist. Today, I'm going to break down that barrier for just a little while.

                                              Today's question actually comes from Age of Conan's in-game chat. While the sane among you may marvel at the fact that my brain cells did not immediately shrivel and die upon coming into contact with your average chat channel ranter, I'll describe the discussion using enough creative editing to shield you, our loyal readers, from some of the more mind-numbing motes of mental malfeasance on display that night.

                                              • "This game sucks, they only designed one class to be a main tank!"
                                              • "No game should ever be released with bugs. Look at how Blizzard did with WoW!"
                                              • "My class sucks. They should make it more powerful and nerf everyone else. There is no balance in this game."
                                              I think you get the idea. To the valiant souls who tried to answer these criticisms intelligently and thoughtfully, I salute you. When faced with intelligent responses to their rants, one of our misguided miscreants fired back with a very good question.

                                              What do you know about designing an MMO? If you know so much, how come you don't write games?

                                              As a former game developer myself, and as someone with several years of experience in the commercial software development industry, allow me a chance to use my bully pulpit in order to answer their points.

                                              Continue reading Ask Massively: Be careful what you ask for...

                                              MassivelyAsk Massively: Be careful what you ask for... originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                ]]>                                                age-of-conananarchy-onlineblizzardchampions-onlinefuncomlord-of-the-rings-on...warlockworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 03 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST                                                <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Massively's Guide to MMO Etiquette]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/ask-massively-massivelys-guide-to-mmo-etiquette/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/ask-massively-massivelys-guide-to-mmo-etiquette/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/ask-massively-massivelys-guide-to-mmo-etiquette/#commentsFiled under: , ,


                                                You ask me why Im weary, why I cant speak to you
                                                You blame me for my silence
                                                Say its time I changed and grew
                                                But the wars still going on dear
                                                And theres no end that I know
                                                And I cant say if were ever...
                                                I cant say if were ever gonna to be free

                                                - Veteran of the Psychic Wars, Blue Öyster Cult

                                                Here at Ask Massively, we've sought to inform and educate the masses on the esoterica of MMORPGs, but today we are going to go back to basics. We're going to give you some advice, or, if you consider yourself a Veteran of the Psychic Wars on the Internet, some reminders about how to act like something other than a complete and total... well, I'm not sure I can use that word without incurring the wrath of my editors.

                                                Our question, this week, is from someone who has had enough.

                                                Continue reading Ask Massively: Massively's Guide to MMO Etiquette

                                                MassivelyAsk Massively: Massively's Guide to MMO Etiquette originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                  ]]>                                                  age-of-conanbarrens-chatnewbieworld-of-warcraftFri, 27 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST                                                  <![CDATA[Ask Massively: WoW killer revisited]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/ask-massively-wow-killer-revisited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/ask-massively-wow-killer-revisited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/ask-massively-wow-killer-revisited/#commentsFiled under:


                                                  Sorry I'm late, but my hard drive decided to try and break out of my computer case this week. Did I let such a disaster stop me from presenting my weekly edition of Ask Massively? Well, yes I did. As good as I am, I find it a wee bit difficult to bring forth my wit and wisdom to you without the benefit of a working computer. Now that I'm back and functional (no editorial comments, please) let us get down to business, which is gaming.

                                                  This week, we're going to revisit an old question. Sometimes it is wise to revise or even reverse an opinion based on new data, and this week presents us with an opportunity to do just that.

                                                  Hey Massively!

                                                  Now that Age of Conan has finally dropped and Warhammer Online is in the pipeline, how do you think World of Warcraft will maintain it's present level of mind share in the MMORPG space? Will new titles and expansions for existing games result in a net loss of available consumers for Wrath of the Lich King when it goes live?

                                                  -Curious

                                                  Um... Bingo?
                                                  (Pipeline? Level of Mind share? Who talks like that?)

                                                  Well curious, or can I call you George? I've been paying attention to some of the statements and opinions from players and fans of some of these upcoming titles, and opinions appear to be divided into 3 camps. Each of these mean different things, both for Blizzard and for Funcom and these lessons can and should be taken to heart by EA/Mythic if they want to have the kind of success that Age of Conan has enjoyed so far.

                                                  Continue reading Ask Massively: WoW killer revisited

                                                  MassivelyAsk Massively: WoW killer revisited originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                    ]]>                                                    age-of-conanfeaturedwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingSun, 22 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST                                                    <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Taking out the yard trash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/ask-massively-taking-out-the-yard-trash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/ask-massively-taking-out-the-yard-trash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/ask-massively-taking-out-the-yard-trash/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                                    I love trash!
                                                    In last week's Ask Massively , we discussed some of the lessons learned from "Old School" MMOs and how they have been applied to newer games in the genre. This week, we're going to go into more detail about one area in particular.

                                                    It's time to take out the yard trash.

                                                    Yo Massively!

                                                    You mentioned, last week, that games should strive for balance between "accessibility" and "challenge". Since you set yourself up for it, and even promised to write about it in a future column, can I get credit for asking the question "What is 'challenge' in an MMO?" I just want to see my name in lights, so to speak. Chicks dig famous people, and Massively is my ticket to Internet stardom!

                                                    -Llamas Notsheep

                                                    William Hung. Adam Carolla. Ric Ocasek (obscure 80's references FTW!)

                                                    If those guys can "score babes" just for being famous, then I guess I can help Llamas out here. Lord knows he needs the assistance. Of course, if you really think appearing in this column is your "ticket to Internet stardom", let's just say that it's a lot cheaper for me to be flattered than it would be to give you prescriptions for all of the drugs that you so clearly need. With a name like Llamas, I'm fairly certain that your issues stem much further than the merely pharmacological.

                                                    Now that we have skirted close to the event horizon of "getting off the subject", let us take a gut-wrenching pull back on track and discuss "What is 'challenge' in an MMO?" Challenge can take several forms, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. A good dungeon, and by extension a good game, will combine these forms without relying too heavily on any one type of challenge. We will discuss examples of games or even individual dungeons that lean too much on one type of challenge and show how that can adversely affect the player experience.

                                                    Continue reading Ask Massively: Taking out the yard trash

                                                    MassivelyAsk Massively: Taking out the yard trash originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                      ]]>                                                      ask-massivelycity-of-heroeseverquestfeaturedraidingworld-of-warcraftThu, 12 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST                                                      <![CDATA[Ask Massively: What did the "Old School" teach us?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ask-massively-insert-some-clever-word-play-about-time-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ask-massively-insert-some-clever-word-play-about-time-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/ask-massively-insert-some-clever-word-play-about-time-here/#commentsFiled under: ,


                                                      (Inspiration for the pic, courtesy of The Ancient Gaming Noob. Click image to make your own)

                                                      Ahhh, seasons change with the scenery
                                                      Weaving time in a tapestry
                                                      Wont you stop and remember me
                                                      At any convenient time
                                                      Funny how my memory slips while looking over manuscripts
                                                      Of unpublished rhyme
                                                      Drinking my vodka and lime

                                                      - Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon and Garfunkel

                                                      Normally, I don't start off an edition of Ask Massively with song lyrics, and if I did, the likelihood of my choosing Simon and Garfunkel is approximately the same as the likelihood of Clinton winning the White House this year. George Clinton, that is. However, this week's column is all about time. The perspective that time brings. The lessons that time teaches. But most of all, the changes that time wreaks on our ideas of what is desirable in a game. So, before I start warbling the words to Bridge Over Troubled Water or start thinking that 70's Folk Music is a severely underrated genre, let's take a look at our question this week.

                                                      Continue reading Ask Massively: What did the "Old School" teach us?

                                                      MassivelyAsk Massively: What did the "Old School" teach us? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                        ]]>                                                        age-of-conaneverquesteverquest-2featuredworld-of-warcraftThu, 05 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST                                                        <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Breaking up is hard to do]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ask-massively-breaking-up-is-hard-to-do/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ask-massively-breaking-up-is-hard-to-do/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ask-massively-breaking-up-is-hard-to-do/#commentsFiled under: , ,


                                                        For this week's Ask Massively, we are straying from the relatively safe harbor of hardware and the pristine pastures of philosophy and diving right into the dangerous depths of relationship advice. Some columnists might be afraid of tackling issues like this, but not us. We don't know the meaning of the word Quixotic. (seriously... can anyone tell us?)

                                                        Turn down the lights, turn up the music, light up some candles, and get ready to get down because The Love Doctor is in.

                                                        Dear Massively,

                                                        I have a new love in my life! She's exciting, fun to be around, and willing to do things that nobody else has done to me before. (that, and she's not afraid to show me her... well.. you know.) I really want to commit, long term, to this person, but there's just one problem. I'm committed to a prior relationship. We've been together for nearly 4 years, but she's cold (darn near Blizzard-like, you might say) and distant, and doesn't really respond to my needs and desires anymore. She can still be fun to hang out with, but we are still together mostly because she's the "one I know best". I'm convinced that she's never really going to change, but that's OK, because I really like her. I'm just not nearly as in love with her as I used to be.

                                                        Can a player like me really have multiple relationships in this day and age? Or is it just not meant to be?

                                                        -- Don't hate the player...

                                                        For those of you who haven't figured out the allegory at work here, seek help. For the rest of you, feel free to read on after the jump where I... er... I mean The Love Doctor will give you the answer to all your problems.

                                                        Continue reading Ask Massively: Breaking up is hard to do

                                                        MassivelyAsk Massively: Breaking up is hard to do originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                          ]]>                                                          age-of-conanfeaturedworld-of-warcraftThu, 29 May 2008 22:30:00 EST                                                          <![CDATA[Ask Massively: And the award for "Least Surprising Question of 2008" goes to...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/ask-massively-and-the-winner-for-least-surprising-question-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/ask-massively-and-the-winner-for-least-surprising-question-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/ask-massively-and-the-winner-for-least-surprising-question-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

                                                          Here at Ask Massively we sometime have difficult, but fun, choices to make with respect to which questions we choose for our weekly cornucopia of information and commentary. This was not one of those weeks. Perhaps you have heard, but there was a new MMO launch this week. Granted, Issue 12 of City of Heroes might have flown under some of your radars, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't discuss the new and exciting features that NCSoft has brought to their popular franchise.

                                                          Perhaps, one day, we may have such a discussion, but not this week.

                                                          (This question has been roughly paraphrased)

                                                          Dear Ask Massively,

                                                          What did you think of the Age of Conan launch? Is it a good game? Should I buy it?

                                                          - roughly 300 emails since Tuesday

                                                          If I gave you the short and sweet answers to these questions, you might be tempted to skip the rest of the column which follows after the jump. The only thing I can really do is make it worth your while to keep reading, because the quick and dirty answers to these questions are

                                                          • "It was nearly flawless compared to previous MMO launches"
                                                          • "Yes
                                                          • "Definitely, yes"

                                                          After the jump, I'll mention some areas where you may want to exercise caution and I might even take a stab at pointing out some of the game's flaws. Let it not be said that I don't give you, our loyal readers, your money's worth.

                                                          Continue reading Ask Massively: And the award for "Least Surprising Question of 2008" goes to...

                                                          MassivelyAsk Massively: And the award for "Least Surprising Question of 2008" goes to... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                            ]]>                                                            age-of-conanfeaturedfuncomworld-of-warcraftFri, 23 May 2008 22:30:00 EST                                                            <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Age of Conan survival guide (for your computer)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/ask-massively-age-of-conan-survival-guide-for-your-computer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/ask-massively-age-of-conan-survival-guide-for-your-computer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/ask-massively-age-of-conan-survival-guide-for-your-computer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                                            It's time, once again, to unleash the prognosticative and philosophical pulchritude of Ask Massively, where the only thing we take seriously is alliteration. As frequent readers (both of you) of this column might know, we are rapidly approaching the release date for Age of Conan, and while I'm sure it will be difficult to find any information on that new and exciting upcoming title, I thought we would touch on something a little more "real world-centric" while getting in the requisite amount of hype at the same time.

                                                            Dear Ask Massively

                                                            I'm eagerly anticipating the upcoming launch of Age of Conan along with what appears to be 90% of your writing staff. I was fortunate enough to play in the beta, and I have some serious concerns about performance on my machine. I don't think it can all be explained by "debugging code" as you mentioned in a previous column, do you have any suggestions for things I can do in order to get better game play? I know that I'm going to be stuck on the hardware treadmill and eventually be forced to upgrade, I just don't want to have to do it right now. What is a Barbarian-in-training supposed to do?

                                                            -Junior Barbarian

                                                            Junior, today is your lucky day. Like you, I have been playing the Age of Conan beta, and , like you, I had some fairly severe issues with frame rate. In the interest of full disclosure, I will provide my own system specs after the jump. Suffice to say that my system isn't exactly a "budget gamer" system, but at the same time, it isn't "top of the line" either. I was able to tweak a few settings in the game that improved my game play experience immensely. In fact, it improved it so much that I created a new character and leveled her to 10 in the time it used to take to load a zone in some of the older beta clients. (Editor's note: that's only a mild exaggeration)

                                                            If you would like to have your questions answered by our staff of sleep deprived caffeine junkies, drop us a line either via our tip line or via email at ask AT massively DOT com. My most sincere condolences to my long lost Nigerian uncle's family. Had I known that he would leave me 25 million dollars in his will, I may have sent you guys birthday cards every year or something. For more on our topic-du-jour, read on after the jump.

                                                            Continue reading Ask Massively: Age of Conan survival guide (for your computer)

                                                            MassivelyAsk Massively: Age of Conan survival guide (for your computer) originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                              ]]>                                                              age-of-conanfeaturedgraphicsguideguideshardwareFri, 16 May 2008 14:30:00 EST                                                              <![CDATA[Ask Massively: The Alpha and the...um... Beta? of MMORPGs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/ask-massively-the-alpha-and-the-um-beta-of-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/ask-massively-the-alpha-and-the-um-beta-of-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/ask-massively-the-alpha-and-the-um-beta-of-mmorpgs/#commentsFiled under:

                                                              Here at Ask Massively, I tend to lean towards old school ways of thinking. I remember the days when hype for an upcoming release consisted of a snazzy video trailer and ads on just about every gaming site known to mankind. Now that I think about it, I remember the days before massive advertising for video games; the days when you had to actually walk into a computer store to see what the newest titles on the shelves were. Apparently, I am not alone.

                                                              If you have a question for us, here at Ask Massively, feel free to stop by our tipline, or send us an email to ask AT massively DOT com. I would post yet another snarky line about spammers, but one of our staffers is currently working on a plan to ship all of the known spammers in the world to a very uncomfortable place. (editor: What, you mean like the back of a Volkswagen?)

                                                              Dear Massively,

                                                              What's the story with the MMO beta releases these days? It seems like game companies are just using the "beta test" phase to generate hype for an upcoming release. What's the point of giving away a crippled version of a game that you're going to be charging 15 bucks/month to play in the near future? One particular beta that I managed to play recently actually required me to subscribe to File Planet just to get a copy of the "free" beta client. Now I'm paying to play a beta release? What's up with that?

                                                              Cheers,
                                                              Confuzzled

                                                              Well, Fuzz, it's not as simple as it seems. I assume that you have had your recent experience with the Age of Conan open beta. Some of us have quite a few problems with how this "beta test" went down, but they aren't what you might think they are. In fact, I don't think that Age of Conan is particularly guilty of anything unusual in the MMO industry with respect to beta tests, the problem is that the MMO industry (with one very notable exception) is using the beta test phase for something it wasn't intended to be used for.

                                                              Continue reading Ask Massively: The Alpha and the...um... Beta? of MMORPGs

                                                              MassivelyAsk Massively: The Alpha and the...um... Beta? of MMORPGs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 May 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                ]]>                                                                age-of-conanbetaeverquestfeaturedpirates-of-the-burni...world-of-warcraftThu, 08 May 2008 18:15:00 EST                                                                <![CDATA[Ask Massively: May the Farce be with you.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ask-massively-may-the-farce-be-with-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ask-massively-may-the-farce-be-with-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ask-massively-may-the-farce-be-with-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                                                A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away....
                                                                Once more into the breach, dear friends. It's time, once again, for another edition of Ask Massively. Some of the more astute readers of this column might already have an educated guess as to what this week's Ask Massively is going to cover. In case you require a well-placed smite from the ol' "Clue-by-Four", read on and gain enlightenment.

                                                                Dear Darth Massive,
                                                                Why is it that any Role Playing Game set in the Star Wars universe seems to fail miserably? I would think that even a retarded monkey could make a Star Wars based MMORPG successful. Is the franchise jinxed? Is Lucas to blame? Sony has a pretty good track record with MMORPGs, yet every mention I hear of Star Wars Galaxies makes it sound like the worst game ever to hit the shelves. I don't even know what NGE is, but apparently it causes the same reaction in SWG players that garlic and crosses do in vampires.

                                                                Help me, Obi Wan Massively, you're my only hope.
                                                                -Laura T.

                                                                Well Laura, or can we call you Mrs. T? We're not sure how someone can lay claim to "Obi Wan" and "Darth" in the same email, but it seems like a fascinating reference to the duality of the human soul. The answer to your questions are a little more complex than you might think. After the jump, we'll be happy to take a closer look at why the Star Wars franchise appears to have such a difficult time translating to a multiplayer environment.

                                                                If you would like to seek knowledge, be smitten by 'Ye Olde Clue-by-Four", or just have an answer to a simple question that has been bugging you for some time, feel free to drop us a line at ask AT massively DOT com or stop by our tipline and let it fly. We now have enough fake "Genuine, Authentic, Honest-to-god" Rolex offers that we are considering becoming an authorized reseller. Please don't send us any more.

                                                                Continue reading Ask Massively: May the Farce be with you.

                                                                MassivelyAsk Massively: May the Farce be with you. originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                  ]]>                                                                  featuredlucaslucasartsngesoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgThu, 01 May 2008 14:00:00 EST                                                                  <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Age of Conan - Laissez les abattage rouler!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ask-massively-age-of-conan-laissez-les-abattage-rouler/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ask-massively-age-of-conan-laissez-les-abattage-rouler/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ask-massively-age-of-conan-laissez-les-abattage-rouler/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                                                  It might not have the same ring as "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" (That's "Let the good times roll!" in Mardi Gras-ese, for you non Francophones out there), but we are a month away from the release of Age of Conan, and the hype machine is going to kick into high gear shortly. Here at Ask Massively, we have been awaiting this release with great anticipation as you may have noticed from our frequent references to Age of Conan in previous columns.

                                                                  In fact, our friend and fan, Muskulls, even noticed the references. Trust me when we tell you that in order for something to penetrate that dense cranium of his, it takes the kind of force usually found near event horizons or Oprah's bathroom scale.

                                                                  Hey stoopid,

                                                                  What's the deal with Age of Conan? I'm a little burned out on World of Warcraft, and I'm looking for something else to try for a little while. Why are you so hyped on this game?

                                                                  Muskulls

                                                                  Using the logic of "If that lunkhead noticed, then it must be painfully obvious to the rest of humanity" and assuming that we've been hyping Age of Conan more than the average gaming site, we'll go ahead and tell you guys exactly why some of us are anticipating this game so eagerly. All you have to do is read past the jump. If you have a question for us here at Ask Massively, feel free to stop by our tipline or drop us an email at ask AT massively DOT com. We don't need any herbal supplements or fake Rolex watches, but if you've got a good deal on a 1957 Harley Panhead, we're all ears!

                                                                  Continue reading Ask Massively: Age of Conan - Laissez les abattage rouler!

                                                                  MassivelyAsk Massively: Age of Conan - Laissez les abattage rouler! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                    ]]>                                                                    age-of-conandragonconfeaturedfuncomworld-of-warcraftThu, 24 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST                                                                    <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Is there anybody (else) out there?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/ask-massively-is-there-anybody-else-out-there/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/ask-massively-is-there-anybody-else-out-there/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/ask-massively-is-there-anybody-else-out-there/#commentsFiled under: ,

                                                                    Where, oh where, does the time go? It's time for this week's edition of Ask Massively, the place where no question is too great, or too small, or too weird, even if it's about Hello Kitty Online. Let's face it, there isn't much in this world weirder than that.

                                                                    Believe it or not, I actually go back and read through prior columns. Not out of some narcissistic sense of admiration, but rather to try to get an idea of which topics I've been beating to death. Happily, this week's question inspires a fairly radical departure from previous topics.

                                                                    Dear Massive One,

                                                                    If you are quite finished with writing about World of Warcraft and Second Life, could you do us all a favor and talk about any other MMO's you play? I have a bet with my friends that you can't come up with any that you've played in the last month.

                                                                    -Kyur Reeosity

                                                                    What makes you think I've ever played Second Life? I have enough going on in "Life #1" that starting a second instance sounds like a bad idea. All I did was ask whether or not Second Life is really an MMO, and spend the next week dealing with players who take SL way too seriously. As for World of Warcraft, I'll plead guilty as charged. I've spent the vast share of my available gaming time in Azeroth (and Outland), but can you blame me? There is a lot of stuff to see and do after the 2.4 patch, details of which are startlingly hard to come by.

                                                                    But you are going to lose your bet, sir. (I'm assuming that Kyur is a masculine name, but I'm really not sure. If I have offended, I apologize) I have, in fact, played a couple of MMORPG's other than World of Warcraft in the past couple of months, and I'll be happy to share my thoughts with you about those games after the jump.

                                                                    If you have other questions, observations, comments, criticisms, enjoinders, rejoinders, jokes, jibes, japes, or jests, feel free to stop by our tip line or send us an email at ask AT massively DOT com. Fair warning, I'm all set on University Degrees, Rolex watches, and herbal supplements. Please don't ask me to buy any more.

                                                                    Continue reading Ask Massively: Is there anybody (else) out there?

                                                                    MassivelyAsk Massively: Is there anybody (else) out there? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                      ]]>                                                                      age-of-conancity-of-heroescity-of-villainseve-onlineeverquestfeaturedpirates-of-the-burni...tabula-rasaworld-of-warcraftThu, 17 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST                                                                      <![CDATA[Ask Massively: All you need to know about classes in Tabula Rasa]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/ask-massively-all-you-need-to-know-about-classes-in-tabula-rasa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/ask-massively-all-you-need-to-know-about-classes-in-tabula-rasa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/ask-massively-all-you-need-to-know-about-classes-in-tabula-rasa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                                                      Just in time for your weekend reading pleasure, it's yet another edition of Ask Massively, purveyor of advanced philosophy for MMORPG addicts far and wide since Paris Hilton was a tramp-in-training. This week is a homecoming of sorts for us here at Ask Massively. The past several columns have all been high-level philosophical treatises on MMORPG philosophy. What makes an MMORPG successful? Should certain games really be classified as MMO's? Will World of Warcraft realize its vision of intergalactic conquest and turn us all into gibbering idiots while feeding at their gaming trough like starving piglets?

                                                                      The ivory tower is a fun place to visit, but it's not healthy to stay there too long. This week, we're going to get into the nuts-and-bolts of Tabula Rasa, NCSoft's latest and greatest entry into the universe of MMORPGs.

                                                                      Dear Massive-head

                                                                      I just picked up a copy of Tabula Rasa, and I'm a bit lost. I knew that there were not mages, necromancers, rogues, or bards in this game, but I'm having a difficult time trying to decide what I want my character to be. I can see that some classes are fairly obvious analogs to classes that I am familiar with from other games, but some of the others are downright confusing. I like the look and feel of the game so far, but what's a noob to do?

                                                                      -Bill S.

                                                                      Well, Bill, you're in luck. I think I can answer this one for you. I have been playing Tabula Rasa for a few weeks now, and I might be able to help you map the similarities between TR's classes and classes from games that you know and love.

                                                                      If you have a question for us here at Ask Massively, then drop by our tipline or send us an email to ask AT massively DOT com. I'd like to add that I really don't need cheap copies of Microsoft Office or Windows Vista, so if you're selling those, you might want to go somewhere else.

                                                                      Continue reading Ask Massively: All you need to know about classes in Tabula Rasa

                                                                      MassivelyAsk Massively: All you need to know about classes in Tabula Rasa originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                        ]]>                                                                        city-of-heroesclassclasseseverquestfeaturedtabula-rasaworld-of-warcraftThu, 10 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST                                                                        <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Now that World of Warcraft is perfect...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ask-massively-now-that-world-of-warcraft-is-perfect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ask-massively-now-that-world-of-warcraft-is-perfect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ask-massively-now-that-world-of-warcraft-is-perfect/#commentsFiled under: ,

                                                                        Just when you thought you couldn't get any sicker of news surrounding the 2.4 patch for World of Warcraft, here we are again with another edition of Ask Massively. Here at Ask Massively, we like to consider ourselves the "Anti-Trendy" crowd, not because we all shop at Hot Topic or put bumper stickers that preach non-conformity on our SUV's (Mass produced non-conformity? I digress...), but because we like to take stories that have been beaten to death and take a look at them from a slightly more skewed perspective.

                                                                        This week's inspiration comes from a young lady named Tara.

                                                                        Dear Massively Massive Guy,

                                                                        I've been playing World of Warcraft for quite some time, but I wonder what other games do that WoW doesn't. What games offer features that may someday be implemented by Blizzard? Surely, Blizzard doesn't innovate everything that is popular in MMORPGs.

                                                                        Curiously Yours,

                                                                        Tara

                                                                        If you would like to be immortalized in electronic print, send us a question via our tipline, or by email at ask AT Massively DOT com. To the nice Nigerian gentleman who wants to enter into a business arrangement, the check is in the mail. For more on this topic, feel free to read on after the jump.

                                                                        Continue reading Ask Massively: Now that World of Warcraft is perfect...

                                                                        MassivelyAsk Massively: Now that World of Warcraft is perfect... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                          ]]>                                                                          age-of-conancity-of-heroescombateconomyeve-onlinefeaturedlord-of-the-rings-onlinepirates-pf-the-burning-seasidekickworld-of-warcraftFri, 28 Mar 2008 21:30:00 EST                                                                          <![CDATA[Ask Massively: Free epics for all!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ask-massively-free-epics-for-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ask-massively-free-epics-for-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/ask-massively-free-epics-for-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

                                                                          The "Powers that be" at Massively have convinced me to put down my March Madness bracket long enough to present you, our loyal fans, with yet another edition of Ask Massively. If "They" would be so kind as to put down the heavy blunt object, I would be all too happy to amaze and astound you with my wit and wisdom. Of course, since my last remaining functional brain cell is about to die of loneliness, a sharp blow to the ol' noggin might help out.

                                                                          This week's column is going to focus a bit more on World of Warcraft. Specifically, the upcoming 2.4 patch. Now since nobody else at all has anything to say about this patch, and it is in danger of slipping completely under the radar of the typical World of Warcraft fan, I thought that I would pick a question from our readers that focuses on one of the most important changes in this patch To wit...

                                                                          Dear Massive Megalomaniac

                                                                          Since I'm sure that you are in a top end guild and have all of your top end gear, I was wondering what you thought about all of us casual players who are going to catch up to you in gear for the low, low price of a few Badges of Justice. How does it make you feel to work so hard on all those encounters and attunement quests only to see that content given away to those of us who have lives?

                                                                          -- The HA HA Guy

                                                                          Wow. I think I like the brown-nosing emails a little more.

                                                                          If you would like to take a few potshots at me (in the form of a question), feel free to stop by our tipline, or send an email to ask AT massively DOT com. After the break, I'll have more on "Welfare Epics, Part Deux"

                                                                          Continue reading Ask Massively: Free epics for all!

                                                                          MassivelyAsk Massively: Free epics for all! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                            ]]>                                                                            badge-lootbadge-of-justicebadgesblizzardendgameeqeverquestfeaturedpatch-2.4raidingwelfarewelfare-epicwelfare-epicsworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 20 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST                                                                            <![CDATA[Ask Massively: All that glitters is not gold (farming)...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/ask-massively-all-that-glitters-is-not-gold-farming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/ask-massively-all-that-glitters-is-not-gold-farming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/ask-massively-all-that-glitters-is-not-gold-farming/#commentsFiled under: , ,

                                                                            Just say
                                                                            It's that time of the week once again and Ask Massively is here to answer your every inquiry on all things MMO. Lately, we've been delving into some of the lighter issues in MMO gaming. "Is Second Life really an MMO?", "What defines success in the MMO industry?", and "What makes a really good guild name?"

                                                                            This time around, we're going to head down a darker road, a road that involves viruses, Trojans, keyloggers, low paying Asian jobs, and more spam than a trailer park luau. I'm talking, of course, about Gold Farming, also known as Real Money Trading (RMT). The very industry that has turned failed child actors into multi-millionaires while managing to annoy the living hell out of the vast majority of MMORPG fans.

                                                                            Since this isn't Ask Massively without a question from our fans, I may as well show you this week's inspiration.

                                                                            Heeeeeey Mr. Massively!

                                                                            Since you claim to be the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful wise guy of the MMORPG world, I was hoping to ask for your intercession on a minor matter of concern.

                                                                            Is it possible to get rid of all of the gold farmers out there? Can a gaming company do anything to prevent this? Or are we all sentenced to a virtual lifetime of broken-English speaking Asian laborers making 50 cents per day hawking their virtual wares so that they can make enough gold to sell to complete and total Noobs who have to pay people to play their game for them?

                                                                            --I'm not bitter!

                                                                            Oh brother...

                                                                            Continue reading Ask Massively: All that glitters is not gold (farming)...

                                                                            MassivelyAsk Massively: All that glitters is not gold (farming)... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                              ]]>                                                                              featuredgold-farmingIGEreal-money-tradingrmtworld-of-warcraftyantisFri, 14 Mar 2008 07:00:00 EST                                                                              <![CDATA[Ask Massively: A column by any other name...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/ask-massively-a-column-by-any-other-name/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/ask-massively-a-column-by-any-other-name/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/ask-massively-a-column-by-any-other-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,


                                                                              Just in time for the weekend, it's another edition of Ask Massively, the column where no question is too great or too small to be treated as the subject of a dissertation from a guy who thought <Oops> would make a great guild name. Speaking of which, this week's question comes from one of our loyal readers, who writes...

                                                                              Please help me, oh pulchritudinous paragon of pungently perfect profundity!

                                                                              I am fairly new to the business of creating a guild, and my new guild mates and I are looking for advice on a guild name. How do we come up with something that A) hasn't been done to death and B) is a guild name that we won't cringe at 6 months later?

                                                                              - Perplexed

                                                                              Being a playful, yet ponderous, purveyor of perspicacity and punditry (not to mention 'profundity') can be potentially problematic, especially for people as pompous and pontificatory as I am. Perhaps this week, in order to properly pose a solution to your problem, we shall peek into the past.

                                                                              One of the more popular topics that I have encountered over many an alcoholic beverage with my gaming friends is guild names. From the serious to the sublime, from those who conjure images of sinister swords and sorcery to those that leave you scratching your head and saying "Huh?", how does one pick and choose a guild name?

                                                                              Continue reading Ask Massively: A column by any other name...

                                                                              MassivelyAsk Massively: A column by any other name... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                                ]]>                                                                                funny-guild-namesguild-namesguildsFri, 07 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST                                                                                <![CDATA[Ask Massively: And now for something completely different...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/ask-massively-and-now-for-something-completely-different/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/ask-massively-and-now-for-something-completely-different/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/ask-massively-and-now-for-something-completely-different/#commentsFiled under: , ,


                                                                                The inexorable march of time has once again brought us to another installment in the great MMO knowledge repository known as Ask Massively. It seems that we have received a lot of questions of a philosophical nature in recent weeks. Since I'm an "all work and no play..." kind of guy, I thought we might take things in a completely new direction this week.

                                                                                Note: By "All work and no play..." I'm referring to a rather banal cliche regarding the necessity of balance in one's personal and professional lives and not a certain movie where Jack Nicholson plays a writer who goes completely off his rocker. No sirree, I'm completely mentally stable and don't have the slightest desire to choke the life out of...

                                                                                Sorry, where was I?

                                                                                Oh yes.

                                                                                This week, I'd like to explore the more whimsical side of World of Warcraft, and other MMORPGs as well. Our question comes from my guildmate and good friend Muskulls who wondered aloud in guild chat one day.

                                                                                How many times will I die if I take a level 5 character to every flightpath on all three continents?

                                                                                The answer, in case you're wondering is around 90. However the question isn't as important as the underlying issue that it brings to my mind. Have you ever "walked away" from the storyline given to you in a game and done your own thing?

                                                                                Continue reading Ask Massively: And now for something completely different...

                                                                                MassivelyAsk Massively: And now for something completely different... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                                                  ]]>                                                                                  ask-massivelyeverquestfansyfeaturedflowers-of-happinessleeroy-jenkinswarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftFri, 29 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST