Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Ending it where it all began with a mystery MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-stream-team-ending-it-where-it-all-began-with-a-mystery-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-stream-team-ending-it-where-it-all-began-with-a-mystery-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-stream-team-ending-it-where-it-all-began-with-a-mystery-mmo/#comments You like surprises right? This week has certainly been full of them, hasn't it? Well Massively's MJ (that's me!) is keeping with the theme and streaming a surprise mystery MMO for her final show. The only hint you get is that she is ending it where it all began. So join us live at 3:00 p.m. EST to say goodbye. (She'll probably get pretty mushy considering how much she likes ya'll!)

Game: Mystery MMO
Host: MJ Guthrie
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015
Time: 3:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below. And if you want to keep tabs on MJ, you can find her on Twitter (@MJ_Guthrie) and even the dreaded Facebook (MJ as Shiny Addict). And don't forget her own musings and streams on LookingForShinies.com.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Ending it where it all began with a mystery MMO

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The Stream Team: Ending it where it all began with a mystery MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>ending-where-it-all-beganlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvmystery-gamesandboxstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamsunsetsunsettingthe-stream-teamthis-is-not-goodbyethis-is-not-the-swg-you-are-looking-fortwitchtwitch-tvwhere-it-all-beganTue, 03 Feb 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[So long, Massively, and thanks for all the fish]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/so-long-massively-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/so-long-massively-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/so-long-massively-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/#commentslotro A little under five years ago, I answered the call for a wonderful opportunity to write at Massively. In many ways, it was an unbelievable dream come true. It married my passion for MMOs with my love of blogging while taking all of that to the next level. The first night after I got hired, I set my phone to deliver team emails ASAP so that I wouldn't miss out on a moment (I quickly turned that off so I could actually sleep). Since then, it's been a rollercoaster of wild news, personal projects, out-of-state conventions, long discussions, and general excitement over what the next day will bring.

And now it's over.

Oh, the MMOs are still going strong and 2015 is shaping up to be one mighty interesting year. Personally, I'll keep writing about these games on Bio Break and talking about them (we're taking the Massively Speaking podcast with us as a last-minute gesture of defiance against our former corporate overlords). Past that, I don't know what the future will hold. I guess I have to be content with not knowing. But before I bow out of the site completely, I have a few things to say to you all.

Continue reading So long, Massively, and thanks for all the fish

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So long, Massively, and thanks for all the fish originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>massively-metaopinionsunsetTue, 03 Feb 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: An EverQuest Two-sday afternoon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-stream-team-an-everquest-two-sday-afternoon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-stream-team-an-everquest-two-sday-afternoon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-stream-team-an-everquest-two-sday-afternoon/#comments What day is it? Well besides that; we're so not going there right now. It's EverQuest Two-sday! That means Massively's MJ is going to go spend time in the great land of Norrath doing Norrathian things. The only question is, which thing? With so much to actually do, MJ might have a hard time picking where to start. It could be a really good time to jump into a new dungeon courtesy of Altar of Malice, or maybe just explore the nooks and crannies of those newest zones. Or perhaps instead she'll go on tour of the many amazing houses players have decorated. Heck, why doesn't she just try to do ALL THE THINGS? Join us live at 1:00 p.m. to spend a not-so-leisurely afternoon poking about one of the genre's most long-lasting games.

Game: EverQuest II
Host: MJ Guthrie
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: An EverQuest Two-sday afternoon

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The Stream Team: An EverQuest Two-sday afternoon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>eq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvTue, 03 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: Landmark celebrates Year 0 anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/norrathian-notebook-landmark-celebrates-year-0-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/norrathian-notebook-landmark-celebrates-year-0-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/norrathian-notebook-landmark-celebrates-year-0-anniversary/#comments I've got to admit, it's a bit weird to be celebrating an anniversary before an actually launch; you can't exactly say "Happy first birthday!" if it hasn't been born yet! But Landmark found a way to make it work, celebrating Year Zero with fans this past weekend. The sandbox opened its alpha doors on January 31st, 2014; all that players could do at that point was gather and build a bit. Since then, the game has expanded its features, adding more building stuff, water and caves, combat, deeper caverns and mobs to fill them, and still more building stuff. Development has definitely come a long way in the last 12 months, so there is certainly reason to revel in the festivities. Of course there's still much more work to be done, but why not take a moment and party in honor of Landmark's progress. Who doesn't like a party?

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Landmark celebrates Year 0 anniversary

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Norrathian Notebook: Landmark celebrates Year 0 anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>Daybreak-Game-Companyeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookTue, 03 Feb 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation drops its first patch for the new build]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-repopulation-drops-its-first-patch-for-the-new-build/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-repopulation-drops-its-first-patch-for-the-new-build/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-repopulation-drops-its-first-patch-for-the-new-build/#commentsYour hula hoop competition is going very poorly. It's more possible to play The Repopulation now than it has ever been, and that means the design team is shaking up how it handles updates. Instead of the monthly recaps of the past, the team is putting forth notes for each individual patch, such as the first major one to hit the current testing build. It's focused on improving several areas of the game, starting with a polishing of textures and performance in Plymouth City and a few other smaller points.

Several combat improvements have also been rolled out, although the next patch will hit most of the major combat issues players have brought up. Skill gain rates have also been adjusted, as have the Auction and Work Order systems in hopes of keeping the economy lively. If a few lingering issues had kept you from fully enjoying The Repopulation or you just want a picture of all the changes that have come down the pipe, check out the full walkthrough of the latest patch.

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The Repopulation drops its first patch for the new build originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   | 
  • Source: 14.12.1 Build Notes
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesadjustmentsbalancebalancinggame-mechanicsgraphicgraphicsimprovementsnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesrepopulationsandboxsci-fithe-repopulationupdateupdatesTue, 03 Feb 2015 11:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Trove shows off its wonders for January]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/trove-shows-off-its-wonders-for-january/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/trove-shows-off-its-wonders-for-january/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/trove-shows-off-its-wonders-for-january/#commentsIt turns out that Minecraft is a thing that exists. Do you like seeing all of the creative projects that people can put together in Trove? The team behind the game certainly does, since one of the cornerstones of design is to get creative. Which is why there's a new post detailing some of the wonders to be found in the game from the month of January, Club Worlds that offer visual flair and a unique perspective.

    Some of the worlds are mostly just visual treats, others are functional spots that allow you to ride along special tracks to hear music or take part in a high-speed pinata-cracking festival. If you want an idea about what new worlds to visit during your next play session, you could do worse than hopping into the game and taking a gander at what's on display.

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    Trove shows off its wonders for January originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: January Wonders
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    8-bitculturef2pfantasyfree-to-playnewsnews-itemsplayer-creationsplayer-housingsandboxtriontrion-worldstrovevoxelTue, 03 Feb 2015 10:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[WildStar launches the Protogames Initiative]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/wildstar-launches-the-protogames-initiative/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/wildstar-launches-the-protogames-initiative/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/wildstar-launches-the-protogames-initiative/#commentsI would have liked to see how this played out. WildStar players have fought off the machinations of the Entity, the depravities of their enemy faction, and the vicious wildlife of Nexus. Yet they've never had to face the centerpiece of the newest patch, the Protostar Corporation. Admittedly, taking part in the all-new Protogames isn't quite the same as taking on an ancient evil, but the two new dungeons added with this patch are both meant to test player abilities, with a low-level run through Protogames Academy conveying gameplay concepts while the Ultimate Protogames provide an assortment of new challenges.

    Not that there aren't plenty of other things for players to experience as well. The patch also contains new housing options, allowing you to edit the terrain of your home, and the character chop shop to let you re-edit facial details and the like. Players can also take on a brand-new Shiphand mission or run the Veteran difficulties of existing Shiphand missions, earning valuable Renown to take to the new Renown vendor. There's plenty to be done with the latest patch, so get in there and enjoy the games.

    Continue reading WildStar launches the Protogames Initiative

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    WildStar launches the Protogames Initiative originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: Patch overview
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    carbinecarbine-studiosdungeondungeonsendgamegalleriesgallerygame-mechanicsmajor-patchncsoftnewsnews-itemspatchpatchessandparksci-fantasysci-fiscreenshotscreenshotstrailertrailersupdateupdatesvideovideoswildstarwsTue, 03 Feb 2015 09:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Daily Grind: This is not the end]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-daily-grind-this-is-not-the-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-daily-grind-this-is-not-the-end/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-daily-grind-this-is-not-the-end/#comments I hate goodbyes, so this one is going to be short. And really, it's not even going to be a goodbye goodbye. But wait, I've said too much!

    Anyway, thanks. Thanks for reading and commenting. Thanks for playing MMORPGs and making them worlds worth escaping to (and, OK, sometimes from). Mostly, though, thanks for allowing me to do this job. Ahh never mind, here's a quote.

    "I find myself more and more convinced that I had more fun doing news reporting than in any other enterprise."

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

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    The Daily Grind: This is not the end originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    daily-grindopiniontdgthe-daily-grindthis-is-not-the-endTue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Stream Team: Sneak a peek of FACTIONS: Origin of Malu with devs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-stream-team-sneak-a-peek-of-factions-origin-of-malu-with/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-stream-team-sneak-a-peek-of-factions-origin-of-malu-with/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-stream-team-sneak-a-peek-of-factions-origin-of-malu-with/#comments Interested in seeing what the new multiplayer PvP battleground of Origins of Malu is like? Massively's MJ sure does, and she's managed to pick the lock to let you all in to see what's going on with her. OK, so she's not really sneaking in, but you can still get a peek! MJ is taking advantage of the opportunity to see how the game has developed since her last visit. And as a bonus, one of the devs will be joining her to talk shop. Want to know anything about the game? Join us live at 9:00 p.m. for a stroll through this closed test of the upcoming sandbox. Even if there are alpha glitches, you can get your questions answered!

    Game: FACTIONS: Origins of Malu
    Host: MJ Guthrie
    Date: Monday, February 2nd, 2015
    Time: 9:00 p.m. EST

    Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

    Continue reading The Stream Team: Sneak a peek of FACTIONS: Origin of Malu with devs

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    The Stream Team: Sneak a peek of FACTIONS: Origin of Malu with devs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    burning-dogburning-dog-medialivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvoomoriginsorigins-of-malusandboxsci-fantasysci-fistreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvMon, 02 Feb 2015 21:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Not So Massively: Marvel Heroes team-ups, League of Legends soundtrack, last bits from PAX South]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/not-so-massively-marvel-heroes-team-ups-league-of-legends-soun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/not-so-massively-marvel-heroes-team-ups-league-of-legends-soun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/not-so-massively-marvel-heroes-team-ups-league-of-legends-soun/#commentsSay goodbye? It's never goodbye. Welcome back to No So Massively, where every Monday we round up the highlights from the past week in the world of MOBAs, roguelikes, MMOTCGs, and other games that aren't quite MMOs.

    Do you feel as if you're getting everything you can out of your team-up companions in Marvel Heroes? The developers don't really feel you are, hence why the team-up system is getting a pretty big overhaul over the next year. Your amazing friends will be more amazing than ever.

    Continue reading Not So Massively: Marvel Heroes team-ups, League of Legends soundtrack, last bits from PAX South

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    Not So Massively: Marvel Heroes team-ups, League of Legends soundtrack, last bits from PAX South originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    actionaction-mmobrianna-royce-nsmcompetitive-gamingcrowdfundingdotae-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentkickstarterleagueleague-of-legendslolmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemobamoonrisemuonerd-kingdomnewsnot-so-massivelynsmopinionpox-norapvpriotriot-gamesround-uproundupsandboxsecret-identitysuperherosuperheroesthe-untitled-gametugundead-labsvideovideosMon, 02 Feb 2015 20:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Shroud of the Avatar's release 14: FREE HAT]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/shroud-of-the-avatars-release-14-free-hat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/shroud-of-the-avatars-release-14-free-hat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/shroud-of-the-avatars-release-14-free-hat/#commentsCoasting. Because it's a coastline? Get it? Ah, comedy gold. If you want a silly-looking pointed hat in Shroud of the Avatar but don't know how you could possibly get one, then the latest development update will make you extremely happy. It tells you how to get just that. Yes, you can have a new hat as a reward for finishing another installment of the Grand Tour quest. So you get up to speed on all of the new features of the patch and you get a hat along with it. Everyone wins.

    The development update also contains a look at more of the overland modeling going on behind the scenes, some of the in-game books being deployed, and a new Kickstarter project for the spiritual successor to the Ultima Underworld games. There's also the usual assortment of discounts and items that will soon be leaving the game forever. Check out the full update for the in-game and community details.

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    Shroud of the Avatar's release 14: FREE HAT originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: Update of the Avatar #110
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    avatarcrowdfundingculturefantasykickstarterlord-britishnewsnews-itemspatchpatchespreviewpreviewsrelease-14richard-garriottshroudshroud-of-the-avatarSOTAupdateupdatesMon, 02 Feb 2015 19:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: We, the drowned]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/choose-my-adventure-we-the-drowned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/choose-my-adventure-we-the-drowned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/choose-my-adventure-we-the-drowned/#commentsChoose My Adventure By now you're more than aware that Massively, WoW Insider, and Joystiq are not long for this world. Thanks to the type of organizational reshuffling we've so often covered on these very pages, AOL's enthusiast blogs have eaten the sharper end of an axe. We're upset. You're upset. But the core reality is that sometimes bad things happen. All we can do is pick ourselves up, steady our breathing, and leap into the void.

    I've been with Massively since 2011. I started as a streamer, evolved into a news/features writer, and finished as the steward of Choose My Adventure. Every moment has been a privilege. Every day exciting.

    And it's you I have to thank.

    Continue reading Choose My Adventure: We, the drowned

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    Choose My Adventure: We, the drowned originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    choose-my-adventurecmafeaturedhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingMon, 02 Feb 2015 18:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Daybreak: No SOE Live this year, but our games will endure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/#commentssoe What does the transition from SOE to Daybreak Game Company mean for you? Well for starters, if you had set aside money and time to attend SOE Live this year, it's time to change those plans.

    Community Manager Linda Carlson confirmed on Twitter that the fan convention would be taking some time off due to the corporate transition: "SOE Live will take a hiatus as we focus on our exciting transition and the future of Daybreak Game Company."

    Daybreak President John Smedley also posted several follow-ups to the announcement and the ensuing player questions: "1) All our games are still up and will continue to be despite our new name. 2) Yes, we want to bring our games to Xbox One in addition to PS4. 3) Station Cash doesn't change at all (though we will be rebranding it soon here). 4) We're still making Everquest Next. Nothing has changed."

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    Daybreak: No SOE Live this year, but our games will endure originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: Twitter #1, Twitter #2, Twitter #3, Twitter #4, Twitter #5
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    brassedaybreakDaybreak-Game-Companyeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasyjohn-smedleylinda-carlsonplaystation-4ps4sandboxsoesoe-livesony-online-entertainmentxbonexbox-oneMon, 02 Feb 2015 17:30:00 EST    <![CDATA[World of Warcraft outlines February's events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/world-of-warcraft-outlines-februarys-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/world-of-warcraft-outlines-februarys-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/world-of-warcraft-outlines-februarys-events/#commentsA memorial to a site that's waving goodbye would be nice, guys. There are a lot of holiday events in World of Warcraft this month. February contains the Lunar Festival, Love is in the Air, the Darkmoon Faire... heck, it's also going to be the month that the next major raid opens up. Luckily for avid World of Warcraft players, the official site has put together a comprehensive schedule of the month's festivities, starting with the Valentine's Day event and the new raid opening tomorrow.

    Astute readers will note that Blizzard suggests players prepare for patch 6.1 with no hints about when it's coming out. Whether this means it's going to be later in the month or won't be dropping until March remains to be seen. Then again, the raiding crowd will have plenty to do through the month with Blackrock Foundry, and if you like holiday events, you've got several of those coming around as well.

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    World of Warcraft outlines February's events originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: This Month in WoW
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdungeondungeonsendgameendgame-contenteventsfantasyin-game-eventsnewsnews-itemspreviewraidraidswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 02 Feb 2015 17:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Diablo III to begin technical testing in China shortly]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/diablo-iii-to-begin-technical-testing-in-china-shortly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/diablo-iii-to-begin-technical-testing-in-china-shortly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/diablo-iii-to-begin-technical-testing-in-china-shortly/#commentsImagine that, a game about going to hell and fighting demons had issues with China's censorship board. If you're a gamer in China waiting for Diablo III, you have undoubtedly been waiting for a very long time. Given the game's subject matter and the strict censorship policies of the government, it's not a surprise that it's taken a while to get moving. At long last there is a light at the end of the tunnel, however, as distributor Netease has announced that the censorship issues are finally resolved and the game is free to begin technical testing.

    The testing phase will begin after the lunar new year is celebrated later this month. While the exact nature of graphical changes has not been disclosed, Netease stresses that the game will still be cool to look at, which could mean... almost anything, really. Still, at this point most of the players who have long waited for the game will just be happy to see it finally available within China.

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    Diablo III to begin technical testing in China shortly originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: MMO Culture
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopcensorshipchangeschinachinesecontent-censorshipd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasygraphicgraphical-changesgraphicslocalizationmultiplayernewsnews-itemsonline-multiplayerroguelikerpgMon, 02 Feb 2015 15:30:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Stream Team: Making the most of Marvel Heroes Midtown Madness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-stream-team-making-the-most-of-marvel-heroes-midtown-madnes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-stream-team-making-the-most-of-marvel-heroes-midtown-madnes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-stream-team-making-the-most-of-marvel-heroes-midtown-madnes/#comments Marvel Heroes: that place where Midtown Madness and buffs make levels rain down on characters so fast you can't even keep up. Massively's MJ going to test exactly how fast she can level there in one hour. Starting with a nothing but a few buffs on a never-before used hero or villain and a clear inventory (no, really!), she'll take on Midtown and soak up all the XP and loot she can. Join us live at 3:00 p.m. to see how far she flies up the leveling ladder.

    Game: Marvel Heroes
    Host: MJ Guthrie
    Date: Monday, January 2nd, 2015
    Time: 3:00 p.m. EST

    Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

    Continue reading The Stream Team: Making the most of Marvel Heroes Midtown Madness

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    The Stream Team: Making the most of Marvel Heroes Midtown Madness originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    actionaction-mmof2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmenthow-fast-can-she-golevel-challengelivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemassively-metamassively-tvmidtown-madnessMJ-Guthrie-livestreammuomv-tvmvtvsecret-identitystreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamsuperherosuperheroesthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvMon, 02 Feb 2015 15:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Crowfall details starting, finishing, and resetting by Hunger]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/crowfall-details-starting-finishing-and-resetting-by-hunger/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/crowfall-details-starting-finishing-and-resetting-by-hunger/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/crowfall-details-starting-finishing-and-resetting-by-hunger/#commentsStarting from square twelve over and over, in short. The latest development blog from Crowfall establishes a problem. The nature of any sort of permanent game is to fall into stagnation. Eventually, the most powerful players control everything and there's no room for new people to come in. You want room for new people to come in. But you also want to have long-term effects to what takes place in the game rather than just resetting everything as the game approaches a static state. What's to be done? According to the aforementioned development blog, you reset... but by pieces.

    At the center of Crowfall's design lies a cycle of birth, corruption, and demise. Characters remain, but as they participate in individual campaigns of the game there's space for players to make a lasting impact on the game world. But the continual destruction of each campaign as certain players "win" ensures that there's always space for something new to happen, that no one ever becomes unassailable in every sense. Take a look at the full post for a clearer picture of how the game intends to keep players engaged by periodically wiping the board clear of pieces.

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    Crowfall details starting, finishing, and resetting by Hunger originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Source: Hunger Week: It's About Time
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    artcraftconceptscrowfallgame-conceptgame-designgame-mechanicsgame-resetgordon-waltonhungerj-todd-colemannewsnews-itemsplay-2-crushpreviewpreviewspvpresetserver-resetshadowbanetodd-colemaneMon, 02 Feb 2015 14:30:00 EST    <![CDATA[Personal information compromised on Raptr]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/personal-information-compromised-on-raptr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/personal-information-compromised-on-raptr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/personal-information-compromised-on-raptr/#commentsApparently the company should have spent more mony on securty like every other online servce. Dropping vowels is fun! Good news, Raptr users! Your personal information has been compromised! Wait, did that read "good news"? It's bad. It's pretty bad. Yes, in yet another hack of personal information of online services Raptr wound up being hacked, resulting in a stolen names, hashed passwords, and email addresses. Founder and CEO Dennis Fong noted that the two-factor authentication used for Raptr Rewards was not compromised, so users will be unlikely to see anything lost from their reward points.

    Fong appears confident that the risk for users is fairly minimal, but as with any security breach he advises users to change passwords and check accounts for anything using the same username, email, and/or password. Standard operating procedure, really. No word has been released on how many accounts may have been compromised, but to be on the safe side you should change your logins and such across the board if you're a Raptr user.

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    Personal information compromised on Raptr originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: Gamesindustry.biz
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    breachculturehackhackershackspersonal-informationraptrsecuritysecurity-breachsecurity-informationMon, 02 Feb 2015 14:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Neverwinter details the Oathbound Paladin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/neverwinter-details-the-oathbound-paladin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/neverwinter-details-the-oathbound-paladin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/neverwinter-details-the-oathbound-paladin/#commentsThe grace, the power, the devotion, the relentless use of Detect Evil. Paladins are sort of a thing in any setting you claim to name. The very name conjures images of a fiercely devout warrior with heavy armor, heavy weaponry, and boundless dedication to a cause. Neverwinter's next class, the Oathbound Paladin, is certainly meant to play off of that image. It's a class that can specialize in tanking or healing based on the Paragon path it chooses, and it mechanically centers around helping allies without thought for itself.

    The central mechanic of the Oathbound Paladin is Divine Call, an ability that gathers energy passively and through certain Paladin actions. When used, it can taunt foes or offer big area healing. The more regular abilities for the class allow it to aura-buff the party, place damage shields on fellow party members, and absorb damage only to unleash it upon enemies shortly thereafter. Find out more about the class with the official preview.

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    Neverwinter details the Oathbound Paladin originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Source: Oathbound Paladin
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    action-mmoclassclass-mechanicsclassescrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsneverwinternew-classnew-classesnewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwespecializationsupdateupdatesMon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Smedley announces SOE is no more, becomes Daybreak Game Company]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/#comments
    In a surprising move, CEO John Smedley just announced on Reddit that Sony Online Entertainment is leaving behind its Sony roots and becoming Daybreak Game Company after being acquired by the investment firm Columbus Nova. This change allows the company to publish online games on multiple gaming platforms, including the XBox. Smedley also assured players via Twitter that all of the games in the company's portfolio are staying and will continue to be a part of the new company. Here's the full announcement plastered on the official forums of each of the company's games:
    Dear Players, Partners and Friends,

    Today, we are pleased to announce that we have been acquired by Columbus Nova, an investment management firm well known for its success with its existing portfolio of technology, media and entertainment focused companies. This means that effective immediately SOE will operate as an independent game development studio where we will continue to focus on creating exceptional online games for players around the world, and now as a multi-platform gaming company. Yes, that means PlayStation and Xbox, mobile and more!

    As part of this transition, SOE will now become Daybreak Game Company. This name embodies who we are as an organization, and is a nod to the passion and dedication of our employees and players. It is also representative of our vision to approach each new day as an opportunity to move gaming forward.

    So what exactly does this mean for you? It will be business as usual and all SOE games will continue on their current path of development and operation. In fact, we expect to have even more resources available to us as a result of this acquisition. It also means new exciting developments for our existing IP and games as we can now fully embrace the multi-platform world we are living in.

    Our games and players are the heart and soul of our organization, and we are committed to maintaining our portfolio of online games and pushing the limits of where we can take online gaming together.

    Thank you for your continued support. See you in game!

    The Team at Daybreak

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    Smedley announces SOE is no more, becomes Daybreak Game Company originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Source: Reddit announcement
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    acquisitionclassic-mmoColumbus-NovaconsoleconsolesDaybreak-Game-Companydc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodragondragonsdragons-propheteqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playh1z1housinginfernuminfernum-productionsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsopen-pvpplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3post-apocpost-apocalypsepsps1ps2ps3pvprunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fishootersmedsoeSOE-is-no-moresonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroeszombiesMon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Alas, and so we go]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/flameseeker-chronicles-alas-and-so-we-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/flameseeker-chronicles-alas-and-so-we-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/flameseeker-chronicles-alas-and-so-we-go/#commentsChange is inevitable. But it SUCKS. Everyone heard the earth-shattering roar that shook Tyria this past weekend, right? No, it wasn't another Elder Dragon awakening; I'm talking about the fan response to ArenaNet's presentation at PAX South in which CEO Mike O'Brien and Lead Developer Colin Johanson revealed what Heart of Thorns means for Guild Wars 2. Yes, Virginia: It's an expansion pack.

    The irony is a little too much, to be honest. Heart of Thorns is the most exciting thing to happen to GW2 since launch, but I won't be able to cover it in this column. I'm going to get all maudlin if I dwell on that, so let's cap things off by talking about the game. And since I want to end my last FSC on a happy note, I'm going to talk about all of the things I'm tremendously excited for in HoT. Once more past the cut, dear friends!

    Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Alas, and so we go

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    Flameseeker Chronicles: Alas, and so we go originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    anetarenanetauf-wiedersehenbuy-to-playfantasyfarewellfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesgoodbyeguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2heart-of-thornsncsoftopinionso longMon, 02 Feb 2015 12:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Crowfall's Gordon Walton on how Trammel impacted classic Ultima Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/crowfalls-gordon-walton-on-how-trammel-impacted-classic-ultima/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/crowfalls-gordon-walton-on-how-trammel-impacted-classic-ultima/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/crowfalls-gordon-walton-on-how-trammel-impacted-classic-ultima/#commentsuo With Ultima Online's second expansion in 2000 (yes, 2000) came a copy of the world, a facet called Trammel where non-consensual PvP was forbidden. Ever since, the current and former UO community has debated whether this was a brilliant or terrible move. Now we have the word from former Executive Producer Gordon Walton, who discussed Trammel on the Crowfall forums.

    "I regret some (but not all) of the outcome," Walton began, going on to explain that the rampant PvP was driving away over 70% of new players to UO. The creation of Trammel doubled the playerbase, but he said that it disenfranchised the hardcore PvPers who now had to prey on each other instead of PvEers.

    "I also learned from my UO experience that it's really hard to change a brand," he wrote. "Inherent in the UO brand was the fact it was a gritty, hard core world of danger. We were not successful in bringing back the (literally) hundreds of thousands of players who had quit due to the unbridled PvP in the world (~5% of former customers came back to try the new UO, but very few of them stayed). We discovered that people didn't just quit UO, they divorced it in a very emotional way. But we did keep more of the new players that came in by a large margin, significantly more than than the PvP players we lost."

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    Crowfall's Gordon Walton on how Trammel impacted classic Ultima Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink 
  • Via: Reddit  | 
  • Source: Crowfall Forum #1, Crowfall Forum #2
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    broadswordbroadsword-online-gamesclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasyGordon-Waltonlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentsandboxtrammelultimaultima onlineuoMon, 02 Feb 2015 11:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Mog Log Extra: End of an era]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-mog-log-extra-end-of-an-era/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-mog-log-extra-end-of-an-era/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-mog-log-extra-end-of-an-era/#commentsTell us why, given life, we are meant to die? By now you know.

    I wrote my first column of The Mog Log almost exactly five years ago. I've been writing it for the entirety of Final Fantasy XIV's run now. I've been talking about the online Final Fantasy games since before I was married, and it's been a wonderful experience. I had every intention of continuing to do so for another decade. As long as there was a place to talk about it here, I was going to make use of it.

    This isn't just a farewell for the column; it's a farewell for something that's made up a huge portion of my life and changed my life in huge ways. As the fall comes to Eorzea, it also comes to us, and I wanted -- insisted -- that I would at least get to have one final chance to say goodbye. So let's take one last look together before we say farewell.

    Continue reading The Mog Log Extra: End of an era

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    The Mog Log Extra: End of an era originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    answersconsoleconsolesfantasyfarewellfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinalfinal-columnfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfinalitygoodbyemog-logopinionretrospectivesquaresquare-enixsquenixsunsetthe-mog-logMon, 02 Feb 2015 10:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Ascent: The Space Game now has cloaking devices]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/ascent-the-space-game-now-has-cloaking-devices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/ascent-the-space-game-now-has-cloaking-devices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/ascent-the-space-game-now-has-cloaking-devices/#commentsIt'll be hard to spot, because it'll be wearing a hat. Do you want to show off your ship while you're flying in Ascent: The Space Game? Because you shouldn't. People seeing your ship is the first step to people being able to shoot at your ship. Why not keep your ship cloaked at all times so that no one can see you and you can shoot them first? Seems logical. And you can do just that now with the new Kickstarter rewards being shown off in a video from the developers.

    The video also shows off the Bowhead ship and the Hawk fighter, all of which are indisputably in space. It's the name of the game. You can check out all of this in action in the video just past the break.

    Continue reading Ascent: The Space Game now has cloaking devices

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    Ascent: The Space Game now has cloaking devices originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Source: Kickstarter
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    ascentascent-the-space-gamecrowdfundingcrowdfunding-rewardsfluffy-kitten-studioskickstarterkickstarter-rewardsnewsnews-itemsthe-space-gameupdateupdatesvideovideosMon, 02 Feb 2015 09:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does aggravation make you fight better in MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-daily-grind-does-aggravation-make-you-fight-better-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-daily-grind-does-aggravation-make-you-fight-better-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/the-daily-grind-does-aggravation-make-you-fight-better-in-mmos/#comments I've got to admit, after this week (and you know what kind of week it was) I was actually looking forward to a fight when I logged into H1Z1 for some post-apocalyptic adventure. I was anticipating duking it out with some ferocious zombies, not to mention more than willing to engage in some PvP. And if you know me, you know I am not usually thirsty for player blood. Of course I wasn't about to initiate a fight, but with my elevated aggravation levels I was hoping someone would start something so I could just lay into him with all my hatchet-wielding might.

    Interestingly, I noticed that because my mindset switched from always-defensive mode to a little more offensive, my awareness, my reflexes, skills, and (dare I say) enjoyment of a battle was more pronounced. So tell me, Massively readers, do you fight better -- be it mobs or people -- when you are just a little bit miffed?

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

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    The Daily Grind: Does aggravation make you fight better in MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    aggravationdaily-grindopiniontdgthe-daily-grindMon, 02 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[MMO Week in Review: No one wants to say goodbye]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/mmo-week-in-review-no-one-wants-to-say-goodbye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/mmo-week-in-review-no-one-wants-to-say-goodbye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/mmo-week-in-review-no-one-wants-to-say-goodbye/#commentsThe last moments before the fall of Dalamud. At the end of every week, we've been rounding up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then presenting them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

    This is our final week to say goodbye. We have nothing but thanks and praise for our readers, even the trolls. We have a lot of memories we've shared over the years. And we know that you guys have lots of memories of the site that you've been reading for the past several years.

    But as Freddy Mercury said, the show must go on. So jump on past the break one last time to hear all about the other top MMO stories of the week.

    Continue reading MMO Week in Review: No one wants to say goodbye

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    MMO Week in Review: No one wants to say goodbye originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    joystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 01 Feb 2015 20:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The end of EVE Evolved]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/eve-evolved-the-end-of-eve-evolved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/eve-evolved-the-end-of-eve-evolved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/eve-evolved-the-end-of-eve-evolved/#comments¥ title image By now, you will have heard that Massively is being shut down along with Joystiq and countless other blogs run by AOL. That unfortunately means this will be my final article for Massively and marks an end to the nearly seven-year run of the EVE Evolved column, which now holds over 350 articles on topics ranging from ship fittings and opinion pieces to guides and expansion breakdowns. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your readership and to express just how much playing EVE Online and writing for you really have impacted my life.

    I've been asked by so many people over the years for tips on breaking into the games industry as a journalist or MMO blogger, but the truth is that I lucked into this gig. When a post on the EVE Online news page said that some site called Massively was hiring an EVE Online columnist, I almost didn't bother applying. I was a prolific forumgoer back then and had written some guides for EON Magazine and my own blog, but I wanted to get into game development and had very little confidence in my writing ability.

    What I didn't know then was that writing for Massively would help improve my writing skills immeasurably and even help give me the confidence to launch my own game development studio. Massively gave me a platform on which to talk about EVE Online and an eager audience to share my game experiences with, but it turned into something much more profound. There have been low points dealing with trolls and organised harassment and tough times with budget cuts, but there have also some incredible experiences like attending the EVE Online Fanfest, investigating monoclegate, watching CCP redeem itself in the eyes of players, and collaborating with some of the best writers in the games industry.

    In this final edition of EVE Evolved, I look back at the start of the EVE Evolved column, break down my top ten column articles of all time, and try to put into words how much this column has meant to me over the years.

    Continue reading EVE Evolved: The end of EVE Evolved

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    EVE Evolved: The end of EVE Evolved originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    brendan-drainccpccp-gamesclosurecolumnconsoledustdust-514endeoneon-magazineeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfly-safefpshistoryjames-eganjoystiqloremassively-metammofpsno-i-have-something-in-my-eyenyphuropinionopinion-pieceplaystationplaystation-3predestinationps3rantrantssandboxsavejoystiqsci-fishawn-schustershootershutdownsoapboxsunsetthe-soapboxtop-tenSun, 01 Feb 2015 18:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[EverQuest producer's letter looks to the year ahead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/everquest-producers-letter-looks-to-the-year-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/everquest-producers-letter-looks-to-the-year-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/everquest-producers-letter-looks-to-the-year-ahead/#commentsNew year, new-ish year, same diff. The luster on 2015 has come off at least a little bit by now, but that doesn't mean that it's too late for the EverQuest team to start looking to the year ahead, and it's going to be a big one for this classic MMO. The most recent producer's letter looks to the upcoming year, starting with Erollisi day to serve as a suspiciously similar substitute to Valentine's Day. You know how these things work.

    Moving along through the year, the development team is looking forward to celebrating the game's 16th anniversary, along with an improved looting system and a stream of steady updates to the game. There's a lot of life left in the original EQ, even with the next big installments of the series just around the corner. If you'd like to see what the next year will hold, read the full letter.

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    EverQuest producer's letter looks to the year ahead originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Via: ZAM  | 
  • Source: Great Start to a Great Year
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    eqeq1eventeventseverquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playin-game-eventsnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesplanspreviewpreviewsproducer-lettersoesonysony-online-entertainmentupdateupdatesSun, 01 Feb 2015 16:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[FACTIONS: Origins of Malu opening early access in 'a couple weeks']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/factions-origins-of-maul-opening-early-access-in-a-couple-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/factions-origins-of-maul-opening-early-access-in-a-couple-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/factions-origins-of-maul-opening-early-access-in-a-couple-week/#comments After Origins of Malu got the green light on Steam, developers went to work getting the sci-fantasy sandbox ready to release to players on that platform. All that work is about to come to fruition: Producer Michael Dunham told Massively that the early access release for the game's PvP build is only a couple of weeks away. FACTIONS: Origins of Malu is launching an invite-only closed release to ensure the systems are in check as far as user capacity, client integration, and the like today, February 1st, 2015; the EA will follow shortly after. Dunham anticipates early access to open before the 15th.

    To learn more about FACTIONS and future plans, read our exclusive interview with Dunham, then check out MassivelyTV on Monday, February 2nd, at 9:00 p.m. EST for a special Stream Team sneak peek of the game with devs.

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    FACTIONS: Origins of Malu opening early access in 'a couple weeks' originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Source: Early Access
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetaburning-dogburning-dog-mediaearly-accessfactionsFACTIONS-Origins-of-Malumichael-dunhamoomoriginsorigins-of-maluPvPsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisteamtestingSun, 01 Feb 2015 14:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[TUG's multiplayer has arrived]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/tugs-multiplayer-has-arrived/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/tugs-multiplayer-has-arrived/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/tugs-multiplayer-has-arrived/#commentsWhere else can you hunt cats inefficiently in a group? Aside from poorly planned trips to adoption centers. The team behind TUG is about to let you play in the sandbox with your friends. The most recent update on the game's Kickstarter page includes multiplayer support so that you can built shelters with all of your friends. Moreover, this update adds in non-blocky voxel support. You won't just build houses out of dirt blocks; you'll build smooth, sprawling mansions! Out of, um, dirt. That part needs a bit of an update.

    You can check out the video just past the break for a comprehensive look at all of the features being added with this next patch to the alpha client. There are also several bug fixes and usability improvements for the client, including tweaks to rid the game of issues with small rocks and seed growth and improvements to tool use factors. If you're an alpha tester, the game you're playing will be that much better after the patch.

    Continue reading TUG's multiplayer has arrived

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    TUG's multiplayer has arrived originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: Kickstarter update
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    crowdfundinggame-mechanicskickstartermultiplayermultiplayer-supportnerd-kingdomnewsnews-itemsnot-so-massivelypatchpatchessandboxthe-untitled-gametrailertrailerstugupdateupdatesvideovideosSun, 01 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Camelot Unchained offers a status update for the end of January]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/camelot-unchained-offers-a-status-update-for-the-end-of-january/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/camelot-unchained-offers-a-status-update-for-the-end-of-january/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/camelot-unchained-offers-a-status-update-for-the-end-of-january/#commentsA lady archer unlike any you've seen before, unless you've played Final Fantasy XIV. So, is Camelot Unchained going to have those alpha servers ready in February? That's a great question! No, really, it is; the most recent official development update makes it clear that even the staff is unsure whether they'll be ready to go, as the team is currently a bit short on programmers and is trying to make do. A lot of bugs have been fixed up and several of the items on the game's update checklist have been crossed off, though, and the team is confident that any delays will be for less than six months.

    The update post also contains new concept art for camouflaged archers as well as a mission statement regarding some of the systems that should be coming to the test version soon. If you can't wait to see the latest news on the game's progress, head along and check out the full update now.

    Filed under: , , , ,

    Camelot Unchained offers a status update for the end of January originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: Afternoon Update 1/30
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    alphaalphasbetabeta-testbetascamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedevelopment-updatemark-jacobsnewsnews-itemspvprvrtesttestingSun, 01 Feb 2015 12:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Pantheon removes its web store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/pantheon-removes-its-web-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/pantheon-removes-its-web-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/pantheon-removes-its-web-store/#commentsThere's not a lot of blood coming out of this stone. If you were waiting to grab something from the website store for Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, you are now officially too late. A forum post this week states that after internal developer discussion, the devs made the decision to remove the store in prep for a redesign of the interface and a re-evaluation of the various items up for sale.

    Any orders already placed via the store will still be honored, so you don't need to worry if you had purchased something just before the shutdown. The post also makes note that if the store is brought back, no items with any sort of statistics or concrete advantages will be sold there, although there are no hard and fast decisions about when or whether it will be brought back. Of course, it's probably a little early to be worrying about that anyhow, but points for thinking ahead.

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    Pantheon removes its web store originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Source: Pantheon Store has been removed
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    brad-mcquaidbusinessbusiness-modelscrowdfundingfantasyfundingkickstartermicrotransactionsnewsnews-itemspantheonpantheon-rise-of-the-fallenpantheon-rotfprotfrise-of-the-fallenrotfsalesalesstorevisionary-realmswebsite-storeSun, 01 Feb 2015 10:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Why do you love your favorite game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-love-your-favorite-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-love-your-favorite-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-love-your-favorite-game/#commentsI can also describe it in many sentences. Yes, we know what's coming. But we don't want the next few days to be a cavalcade of sorrow because this is a site and a community built around our shared love of MMOs. So let's spread some cheer today. Why do you love your favorite game?

    I make no secret about my affection for Final Fantasy XIV, obviously. It's a great game that fuses progress organically with stuff that you'd have fun doing anyway and gives you no shortage of freedom in what you want to do in the game. It's a great time.

    But my favorite game might not be yours. So let's share. No bashing, no whining, no complaining; let's make this a positive time for everyone. Why do you love your favorite game, be it a critical darling or a title you feel doesn't get nearly enough love?

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

    Filed under: , , ,

    The Daily Grind: Why do you love your favorite game? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    best-game-everdaily-grindenjoymentfavoritefavoritesfunhappinessjoyopiniontdgthe-daily-grindSun, 01 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[WildStar outlines its plans for the future of PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/wildstar-outlines-its-plans-for-the-future-of-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/wildstar-outlines-its-plans-for-the-future-of-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/wildstar-outlines-its-plans-for-the-future-of-pvp/#commentsHere comes the face smashing. Do you want to smash faces on Nexus? Do you not give the smallest toss about being able to unravel ancient mysteries so long as you can find the opposite faction and crack their collective skulls? Then good news, cupcake: WildStar still has PvP on its docket. A new post outlines the game's plans for PvP in 2015, starting with new daily and weekly PvP quests in the next major patch to the game.

    What else is coming in 2015? How about gear sets that can be purchased with gold, a removal of rating from higher-tier PvP sets, the end of season 1, and same-faction battlegrounds? Because those are all in the pipeline, along with bigger improvements for later in the year. If you just can't get enough of that factional warfare, check out the full post and get ready to carve up the other side.

    [Thanks to Cap for the tip!]

    Filed under: , , , , , , ,

    WildStar outlines its plans for the future of PvP originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: Future Plans for PvP
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    2015-planscarbinecarbine-studiosncsoftnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesplanspvppvp-mechanicspvp-patchroadmapsandparksci-fantasysci-fiupdateupdateswildstarwsSat, 31 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 331: The long goodbye]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/massively-speaking-episode-331-the-long-goodbye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/massively-speaking-episode-331-the-long-goodbye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/massively-speaking-episode-331-the-long-goodbye/#comments Recent events call for a total podcast party, dontcha think? Join us for one last episode (or is it?) as the entire crew recounts favorite Massively memories and says goodbye (for the moment!) to our wonderful listening audience.

    NSFW warning: The stinger on the end is not safe for work or children.

    Get all of our opinions and analysis on the most important stories of the past week right here on Massively Speaking, the industry's leading MMO podcast. And if you have a comment, question, or topic for the podcasters, send an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

    Get the podcast:
    [RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
    [MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
    [iTunes] Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.
    [Stitcher] Follow the podcast on Stitcher Radio.
    Listen here on the page:



    Read below the cut for the full show notes.

    Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 331: The long goodbye

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    Massively Speaking Episode 331: The long goodbye originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    brantbrianna-royceconconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpofeaturedhumorjustin-olivettimassively-event-coveragemassively-speakingopinionpaxpax-2015pax-southpax-south-2015penny-arcade-expopodcastpodcastingpodcastsSat, 31 Jan 2015 16:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 331Massively.com Staff01:19:03podcast    <![CDATA[Get organized with The Elder Scrolls Online's collections system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-elder-scrolls-online-outlines-the-details-of-collections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-elder-scrolls-online-outlines-the-details-of-collections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-elder-scrolls-online-outlines-the-details-of-collections/#commentsChase the shiny! So you have a whole lot of stuff in The Elder Scrolls Online. That's great. How are you going to organize it all? With a house? Don't be ridiculous; what you need is the new Collections feature going live in the game's next major update. A new development blog explains how the system will allow players to organize mounts, pets, and costumes through a few tabs and a handful of blood sacrifices. (Mostly the tabs.)

    Items that belong in Collections will automatically be moved over when Update 6 goes live, removing any need to worry about inventory space when you need to summon a mount or don a costume. Any new items will also be tossed right in your Collections if they fit the criteria. The Collections also allow you to see vanity pets that you haven't yet obtained, thus giving you all the more reason to hunt down those elusive little critters for your collection-related purposes.

    Filed under: , , , , , ,

    Get organized with The Elder Scrolls Online's collections system originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: Update 6 Guide: Collections
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    b2pbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftbuy-to-playconsoleelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineelder-scrolls-online-tamriel-unlimitedesoinventoryitemitemsmountmountsnewsnews-itemspatchpatchespetpetsplaystation-4ps4tamrieltamriel-unlimitedtestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-elder-scrolls-online-tamriel-unlimitedupdateupdatesvanityvanity-itemsxbonexbox-onezenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosSat, 31 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Stream Team: Popping back into The Repopulation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-stream-team-popping-back-into-the-repopulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-stream-team-popping-back-into-the-repopulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-stream-team-popping-back-into-the-repopulation/#comments Sandbox Saturday continues! Massively's MJ loves the freedom of this genre, and The Repopulation definitely has plenty of sand in its box. The hardest part is choosing what to do each time she logs in. Will MJ actually settle on a specific weapon type, or will she just dance the hour away? Maybe she'll grind up her storytelling skill! Heck, MJ might even finally leave the starter area! Join us live 2:00 p.m. for another romp through this sci-fi world.

    Game: The Repopulation
    Host: MJ Guthrie
    Date: Saturday, January 31st, 2015
    Time: 2:00 p.m. EST

    Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

    Continue reading The Stream Team: Popping back into The Repopulation

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    The Stream Team: Popping back into The Repopulation originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesbetalivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvrepopulationsandboxsci-fistreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-repopulationthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvSat, 31 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Stream Team: More Albion Online winter alpha adventures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-stream-team-more-albion-online-winter-alpha-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-stream-team-more-albion-online-winter-alpha-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/the-stream-team-more-albion-online-winter-alpha-adventures/#comments When you have a whole month of Albion Online alpha, you take advantage of it! Massively's MJ is jumping back in to pound rocks, chops trees, slice and dice heretics, and get ill at the sounds of skinning. What better way to spend a Saturday? Join us live at 12:00 p.m. for another look at this developing sandbox.

    Game: Albion Online
    Host: MJ Guthrie
    Date: Saturday, January 31st, 2015
    Time: 12:00 p.m. EST

    Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

    Continue reading The Stream Team: More Albion Online winter alpha adventures

    Filed under: , , , ,

    The Stream Team: More Albion Online winter alpha adventures originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    albionalbion-onlinealphalivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvsandboxsandbox-interactivestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvwinter-alpha-eventSat, 31 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Richardsson replacing Caron atop 40K Eternal Crusade]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/richardsson-replacing-caron-atop-40k-eternal-crusade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/richardsson-replacing-caron-atop-40k-eternal-crusade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/richardsson-replacing-caron-atop-40k-eternal-crusade/#comments Behaviour Interactive's Miguel Caron is leaving his post atop the Warhammer 40,000 Eternal Crusade dev team. MMOGames reports that Nathan Richardsson, familiar to MMO gamers from his stints on Defiance and as an executive producer for EVE Online, is succeeding Caron.

    War40k moderator Vigilia Mortis posted his farewell to Caron on Twitter yesterday, telling fans that the switch will be final around Valentine's day.

    Filed under: , , ,

    Richardsson replacing Caron atop 40K Eternal Crusade originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   | 
  • Source: MMOGames, Twitter
    •  | Email this | Comments]]>    eternal-crusademiguel-caronnathan-richardssonwar40kwarhammerWarhammer-40Kwarhammer-40k-eternal-crusadeSat, 31 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[WRUP: Trolls and all]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/wrup-trolls-and-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/wrup-trolls-and-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/31/wrup-trolls-and-all/#commentsOk, so I smudged the comments a bit Welcome back to Massively's What Are You Playing, the game in which we tell you what we're playing this weekend and you point out to me that it hasn't been six months yet. But what are you going to do about it -- fire me? Man, this kinda stuff still makes me grin, and I will miss you, my favorite trolls and all.

    Why are we still doing this? Because this is what we do.

    Continue reading WRUP: Trolls and all

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    WRUP: Trolls and all originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>    massively-metametaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 31 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST