Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MMO subscription dollars in decline for the first time since 2002]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/mmo-subscription-dollars-in-decline-for-the-first-time-since-200/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/mmo-subscription-dollars-in-decline-for-the-first-time-since-200/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/mmo-subscription-dollars-in-decline-for-the-first-time-since-200/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Money and lots of it
With all of the free-to-play MMOs coming onto the market and the F2P conversion of formerly subscription-only titles, it should come as no surprise that the subscription model is losing its grip on the industry. Eurogamer reports that starting in 2010, the money brought in from MMO subscriptions has actually gone into decline for the first time ever since analysts began tracking it in 2002.

2010's subscription revenue added up to $1.58 billion, a respectable amount but still 5% less than 2009. 2009 saw a 10% bump in subscriptions, and 2008 witnessed 21.6% growth. Connect the dots, and subscription revenue has most likely peaked and begun a downhill slide. Analysts predict that by 2015, revenue from subs will be as low as $1.33 billion. However, with the popularity of RIFT this year and the coming storm of Star Wars: The Old Republic, the subscription model may see a resurgence.

On the flip side, microtransactions from F2P models are rising exponentially, jumping 24% from 2009 to 2010 to account for $1.13 billion. With the two models combined, the industry saw a very modest 5% increase last year in revenue.

Screen Digest analyst Piers Harding-Rolls sees the writing on the wall: "The focus of many PC game operators has clearly shifted to micro-transaction‐based models -- in part due to competition in the subscription market especially in the high‐end MMOG segment, but also because of the flexibility micro-transactions offer operators in monetising gamers."

MassivelyMMO subscription dollars in decline for the first time since 2002 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002200820092010analysisanalysteconomyeurogamerf2pfree-to-playmicrotransactionsPiers-Harding-Rollsprofitrevenueriftscreen-digeststar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubssubscriptionsubscriptionsswtorthe-old-republictorThu, 15 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at the most significant MMO trends of 2008]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/a-look-at-the-most-significant-mmo-trends-of-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/a-look-at-the-most-significant-mmo-trends-of-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/a-look-at-the-most-significant-mmo-trends-of-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As we get more involved in what makes an MMO player tick, development studios are trying their hardest to keep up with the trends. Ten years ago, we were happy to have any environment in which to socialize and experience a gaming world with our friends, or meet other gamers with the same interests. Now though, if a lightsaber looks "too big", there will be riots in the streets... or at least the forums.

Over at Gamasutra, our own Michael Zenke takes a look at the hottest MMO trends in 2008, and what we should watch in regards to how they'll evolve into 2009. Some of these include microtransactions in the West, user-created content and the fact that the Triple A fantasy genre has been solved. Check out the entire article, and whether you agree or disagree, let us know what you think in the comments below.

MassivelyA look at the most significant MMO trends of 2008 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008gamasutramicrotransactionsmiddlewaremmo-trendsnewssandboxtrendstriple-aWed, 24 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Looking back while moving foward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/the-digital-continuum-looking-back-while-moving-foward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/the-digital-continuum-looking-back-while-moving-foward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/the-digital-continuum-looking-back-while-moving-foward/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This last year has seen a lot of things happen in our beloved MMO-world. Things like the launch of Pirates of the Burning Sea and Age of Conan delays seem long lost in the fog of summer and winter. It was all buried underneath the revelations of DC Universe Online and Star Wars: The Old Republic. And the noise created by the build up to Warhammer Online's launch seemed squelched by the silent wall that was the Wrath of the Lich King launch. It was all a gust of insanity that blew through our brains, creating ebbs and tides in our attention and interest faster than any of us probably thought possible. And just when we all thought it was over, Atari bought Cryptic.

But it seems safe to leave our homes and wonder about the great precipice of 2009. At least until the next massive storm rolls in and knocks an oak tree into our recently mended skulls.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Looking back while moving foward

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Looking back while moving foward originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20082009age-of-conanaocatariblizzardchampions-onlinecrypticeverquest-2featuredfree-realmsfuncomjgejoystiqfeaturesjumpgate-evolutionlego-universencsoftnetdevilpirates-of-the-burning-seapotbssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicthe-agencythe-digital-continuumworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingSat, 20 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New batch of LotRO calendar wallpapers sneaks peak at Book 14]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/new-batch-of-lotro-calendar-wallpapers-sneaks-peak-at-book-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/new-batch-of-lotro-calendar-wallpapers-sneaks-peak-at-book-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/new-batch-of-lotro-calendar-wallpapers-sneaks-peak-at-book-14/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For some time now, Turbine has been releasing very pleasing wallpaper calendars based on The Lord of the Rings Online. The wallpapers feature well-framed screenshots from the game, accompanied by three small calendar pages -- one for each month in the quarter.

The last batch will soon expire, as its wallpapers only track up through the end of June. Fear not, though; the Q3 2008 calendars are here! There are three different versions -- one of which depicts the Ring-forge of Eriagon, an area that will go into the game in Book 14.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Wallpapers

LotRO WallpaperLotRO WallpaperLotRO WallpaperLotRO WallpaperLotRO Wallpaper

MassivelyNew batch of LotRO calendar wallpapers sneaks peak at Book 14 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008augustbook-14calendarjulylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroq3screenshotsseptemberturbinewallpaperWed, 25 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan leads the pack in Golden Joystick nominations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/age-of-conan-leads-the-pack-in-golden-joystick-nominations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/age-of-conan-leads-the-pack-in-golden-joystick-nominations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/age-of-conan-leads-the-pack-in-golden-joystick-nominations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Each year, a group of gaming media outlets (including CVG, GamesRadar, and several others) puts on the Golden Joystick Awards. The nominees are chosen by -- well, we don't know who -- but the winners are selected by popular vote. Yesterday, the short list (or the nominee list, if you prefer) went live, and voting began.

EVE Online, World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, The Lord of the Rings Online, and Age of Conan are all nominated in the "Best Online Game" category. World of Warcraft's Wrath of the Lich King expansion even broke out of the genre by receiving a nomination for the "One to Watch" award. However, the big MMO on the list this year is Age of Conan. It has additionally been nominated for PC Game of the Year and Ultimate Game of the Year.

If you want to be part of the process, go pick your favorite MMO from the list for the Best Online Game award, and if Wrath of the Lich King or Age of Conan strike your individual fancy, vote for them in their other categories as well. Or you could just not vote for any MMOs at all. Your choice.

MassivelyAge of Conan leads the pack in Golden Joystick nominations originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200826th-annualage-of-conanaocawardsblizzardccpeveeve-onlinefuncomgolden-joystick-awardsgolden-joystick-awards-2008golden-joystickslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroncsoftnominatedturbineworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 18 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft Prez Chris Chung talks shop with GI and 1UP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/ncsoft-prez-chris-chung-talks-shop-with-gi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/ncsoft-prez-chris-chung-talks-shop-with-gi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/ncsoft-prez-chris-chung-talks-shop-with-gi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Game Informer and 1UP both recently had the privilege of sitting down with NCSoft President Chris Chung to talk about what direction he plans to take the company in 2008. Some of the things that Chung spoke about (and there was much overlap between the two interviews) were reminiscent of the comments that Richard Garriott made in his speech at George Washington University late last year. Garriott had talked about how NCsoft was looking to make their stable of MMOs more integrated with one another so that as players tire of one game and move onto another (a phenomenon referred to as "churn" within the industry), they can ensure that it will be another of their products.

He also spoke briefly about NCsoft's current approach to console games, and he sounded considerably more tentative on the subject than we had originally been led to believe. He was complimentary of Sony's network model, and stated that he believed it was more in line with their policies than the competition. If we had to speculate, this would seem to indicate that Microsoft's Xbox Live service, which not only requires propriety features be included but also requires a subscription fee, was not their cup of tea. 1UP was more direct about this line of questioning, going so far as to ask out-right if City of Heroes was making its way to consoles. Chung refused to give a direct answer, but he didn't deny anything either, which is intriguing. It's an interesting interview, and sheds the NCsoft President (who only officially stepped into the role two weeks ago) in a favorable light.

MassivelyNCsoft Prez Chris Chung talks shop with GI and 1UP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up2008chris-chungconsolesgame-informerinterviewncsoftps3richard-garriottFri, 18 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2008: The year of the MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/2008-the-year-of-the-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/2008-the-year-of-the-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/2008-the-year-of-the-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This funny little bestseller list comes to us from Brenden over at Another Here. He takes it as a sign that MMOs are far from dead, but I'll say the same thing a different way: MMOs are more alive than ever. As great a year in gaming that 2007 was, 2008 is going to be that much better, and there is no doubt at all that MMOs are going to play a handy role in all the great gaming we'll see this year.

And which MMOs matter now? Ancient Gaming Noob just saw this list (which we looked at a while ago), and which looks as definitive as any in determining the most-loved MMOs of all time. WoW is number one (duh), but look how high DAoC has come on the list-- does that mean the hype behind WAR is worth it? Planetside is another one that seems higher than it should be, and it seems that if another MMO can tap into that action-in-a-persistent-world feel that Planetside has, it'll do just as well.

Whether 2008 ends up being the year of the MMO or not, it's going to be a good one. Buckle your seatbelts.

Massively2008: The year of the MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008ancient-gaming-noobbestsellersdark-age-of-camelotgamestopplanetsideworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 16 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: More MMOs on cell phones in 2008]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/analyst-more-mmos-on-cell-phones-in-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/analyst-more-mmos-on-cell-phones-in-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/analyst-more-mmos-on-cell-phones-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


If there's one trend so far in 2008, it's mobile MMOs. Last year, we heard about both a Japanese game and a mobile platform, and already this year, John Carmack has says he wants to do an MMO on-the-go. And now, analyst and VC Baris Karadogan says MMObile games are only going to get bigger.

And not just in terms of games you play on the phone. He does say that casual phone games will become more social, but he also says that huge MMOs like World of Warcraft will attempt to develop casual, mobile versions that can be "played" from a phone, and have an effect in the game itself. As in, you'll play a quick casual game on your phone, and how you do on that game will give you XP or skill points or even some extra cash in the online game.

I doubt Blizzard will be the first to jump on such a bandwagon-- their history is releasing polished games on established platforms, not breaking new ground. But it's easy to see how a smaller, up-and-coming, very API friendly game might try to duck into the mobile software space, and put together a model for how MMObile or MMO-to-go games might work.

MassivelyAnalyst: More MMOs on cell phones in 2008 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008analystcell-phonesinnovationmmo-to-gommobilemobilespeculationtrendworld-of-warcraftMon, 07 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: The MMOs of the new year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/the-daily-grind-the-mmos-of-the-new-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/the-daily-grind-the-mmos-of-the-new-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/the-daily-grind-the-mmos-of-the-new-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In case you haven't noticed -- perhaps you're just reviving from extended new years' festivities -- we've reached 2008! We've got a lot to look forward for MMOs in the new year with Wrath of the Lich King (or at least World of Warcraft fans hope so), Pirates of the Burning Sea, Age of Conan, Guild Wars 2, Huxley, Mythos, Warhammer Online, The Agency... and quite a few more. So today I'm wondering -- which game are you most looking forward to in the new year? What have you already pre-ordered and can't wait to play?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: The MMOs of the new year originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008featuredmmommorpgwrath-of-the-lich-kingSat, 05 Jan 2008 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten Ton drops the Hammer on 2008]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/ten-ton-drops-the-hammer-on-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/ten-ton-drops-the-hammer-on-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/ten-ton-drops-the-hammer-on-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Almost all gaming sites this time of year weigh in with their predictions for what the new year will bring, but I particularly like what TenTonHammer has seen in their crystal ball. Plus, I just like saying "Ten Ton drops the Hammer." It's fun. Try it.

A few of their eight predictions hit close to home with me. In particular, their first prophecy regarding Jumpgate Evolution. I was a huge fan of NetDevil's now defunct MMO, Auto Assault. Not because their shop is only an hour north of me here in Colorado, or that I seemingly enjoy virtually everything NCsoft puts out, but because it was as close to a Mad Max movie as there was. I'm a post apocalyptic junkie. Sadly... it went the way of the Cuban Missile Crisis and died enigmatically. So I can't wait to see how they update their cult sci-fi game, and... well, see how it jumps out of the gate! Oy.

Next up, they forecast that Cryptic Studios will at long last release some information about Marvel Universe Online. If I was a gambler I might bet against this, but stranger things have happened. As an obsessed City of Heroes player (and confirmed alt-aholic), my love of the game grew from my passion for comic books. In particular, Marvel comic books. I want to see what the creators of my favorite spandex covered game can do with yet another spandex covered game that's different from the first one, and how are they going to get me to play that one just as much as this one. Confused? So is Britney, but she's doing fine. Sort of.

Anyway, be sure to check out Hammer's other prognostications and let us know what you think 2008 holds for this oh so massive industry!

MassivelyTen Ton drops the Hammer on 2008 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008Auto-AssaultCity-of-Heroescomic-booksCryptic-Studioscrystal-ballJumpgate-EvolutionMad-MaxMarvelMarvel-Universe-OnlineNCsoftNetDevilpredictionsTen-Ton-HammerTTHFri, 04 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Our 2008 Tabula Rasa wish list: it's sci-fi-tastic!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/our-2008-tabula-rasa-wish-list-its-sci-fi-tastic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/our-2008-tabula-rasa-wish-list-its-sci-fi-tastic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/our-2008-tabula-rasa-wish-list-its-sci-fi-tastic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The past year was a big one for Tabula Rasa and all who call it a virtual home. While most players only had a scant two months to enjoy the worlds that Richard Garriott and company created, the news came thick, and the time was exceedingly well spent. And Massively has been there from the beginning. From the end of beta event to the 24 hours of Tabula Rasa contests, from our visit to the NCsoft office to Richard Garriott's lecture at George Washington University, we've been all over Tabula Rasa like white on rice, and we plan to keep it that way.

Having said that, we have a few things we're looking forward to from the Destination Games crew for the year 2008, from the more mundane to the potentially fantastic. As much as we enjoy blasting the Bane in the game's current state, if we had our way, this wish list would be on the public test realm tomorrow.

Continue reading Our 2008 Tabula Rasa wish list: it's sci-fi-tastic!

MassivelyOur 2008 Tabula Rasa wish list: it's sci-fi-tastic! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008ariekiclassesdestination-gamesend-gamefeaturedforeansPAUpredictionsracestabula-rasatrFri, 04 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What will happen to Second Life in 2008?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/what-will-happen-to-second-life-in-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/what-will-happen-to-second-life-in-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/what-will-happen-to-second-life-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

Crystal BallI generally speaking suck at predictions, but there are some for Second Life that it will be interesting to see what comes through. I'm going to divide them into the technical, the social, competition and the external "big users" categories, basically because that is how they occurred to me.

This is obviously going to be quite long, so read on under the fold.

Continue reading What will happen to Second Life in 2008?

MassivelyWhat will happen to Second Life in 2008? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008Age-verificationbusinesseducationpjirapredictionsSecond-LifesocialThu, 03 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My 2008 MMO hopes and wishes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/my-2008-mmo-hopes-and-wishes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/my-2008-mmo-hopes-and-wishes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/my-2008-mmo-hopes-and-wishes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2007 was an incredible year for MMOs, with tons of updates to existing games and a benign rash of new titles as well. I'm not much for predictions, but I'll tell you what I'm hoping for in 2008, since you all asked so nicely:

Blizzard to out-Diablo Mythos with their new MMO -- Let's face it, playing Mythos is ten kinds of fun, and most of that fun revolves around the type of gameplay that the original Diablo invented, and Diablo II refined. Mythos currently fills the gaping void left behind by Blizzard's continuing not to update the Diablo universe with a new game, but wouldn't you like to see it done up properly?

Google to provide some real competition for Linden Lab -- Right now, Second Life is the only cat of its breed, and it's snoozing in the sun. The ability for users to create their own content is arguably SL's biggest draw, and it's fueled many careers, but the interface issues, rolling restarts, updates that fix things only to break other things, and age verification problems leave me wanting someone to learn from these mistakes and bring us something better. We know Google's working on something ... here's hoping it's a Third Life.

A new genre -- So far, we've had Fantasy MMOs rule the day, with Science Fiction a close second, and a hodgepodge of other titles kind of experimenting with concepts a little bit. And pirates. But I'm looking for something new. Something that combines my love of cryptography with Cthulhu, perhaps. Or something that lets me relive my days playing cops and robbers. Whatever it is, this is the year to strike!

Resolutions? Hmm. I guess I resolve to keep playing those smaller MMOs and telling you what I think of them, and trying not to be too dismissive of those I find lacking. Ooh, that's gonna be difficult -- I'm quite fond of the snark, I am. What are your New Year's MMO hopes and wishes?

MassivelyMy 2008 MMO hopes and wishes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20072008blizzardcthulhudiablofantasygenregooglelinden-labmythospiratesscience-fictionsecond-lifewishesWed, 02 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Predicting the MMO landscape in 2008]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/predicting-the-mmo-landscape-in-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/predicting-the-mmo-landscape-in-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/predicting-the-mmo-landscape-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It's that time of year again-- before 2008 starts, everyone and their brother is going to throw out some predictions about what will happen with MMOs this year. So here's a Massively roundup, and a little meta-analysis of what might happen in this Year of the Potato.
  • Let's start with our own Zenke-- he says Wrath won't make it out in 2008, The Agency and Warhammer will hit big, and Dark Age of Camelot and Vanguard are on their way out. He's also got Tabula Rasa sticking it out for the year, and claims that a major MMO (Age of Conan?) will be delayed past 2008.
  • Ancient Gaming Noob is next: he also says Wrath is shipping late, but goes against popular notions to say that Star Trek Online will be released to cheers from fans on all sides. He also says the biggest story of the year will be Age of Conan's "titties," and that will throw a scare into the "adult" MMO market. He also says, tongue firmly planted in cheek, that Bioware is not actually making an MMO, and the announcement of that will "only spur greater excitement and speculation as to what kind of MMO BioWare is making." Funny.
  • Keen of Keen and Graev expects Warhammer to go gangbusters, but also says Funcom will have trouble with the nudity in AoC, causing them to patch it out. He has Wrath "bombing," but at least he thinks it'll make it out.
Lots more predictions for 2008 (including our own) after the jump.

Continue reading Predicting the MMO landscape in 2008

MassivelyPredicting the MMO landscape in 2008 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008age-of-conanfeaturedguessingmassivelymetapredictionsroundupwarhammer-onlinewild-speculationwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 02 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Massively!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/25/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays-from-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/25/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays-from-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/25/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays-from-massively/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's Christmas Day, and so from all of us here at Massively, we'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas, a happy holidays, and a very happy New Year. It is a pleasure for us to put this site together for you every day, and so we'd like to thank you for choosing to visit us, and for all the support we've received so far.

Posting may be a little thin on the site today, as many of our writers are celebrating with their friends and families, but don't forget that there's lots of fun holiday content to look through from the past few weeks-- nearly every MMO game out there has some form of holiday cheer going on this week. We've also got a few holiday contests going on-- this is the latest sweepstakes, and there's a big postcard contest that you can check out.

Thanks again for all your support over the first few months of our existence, and you can definitely expect more great things from Massively in 2008-- there's a lot of terrific MMOs coming out next year, and we're going to be covering every single one. Have a happy and safe holiday season.

MassivelyMerry Christmas and happy holidays from Massively! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008christmashappy-holidaysholidaysholidazemassivelymassively-metaTue, 25 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO quarterly wallpapers available for January through March]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/23/lotro-quarterly-wallpapers-available-for-january-through-march/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/23/lotro-quarterly-wallpapers-available-for-january-through-march/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/23/lotro-quarterly-wallpapers-available-for-january-through-march/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We're approaching the end of December, and if you downloaded the Lord of the Rings Online calender wallpapers last quarter, then you may be worried about what you're going to do when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, rendering your wallpaper obsolete.

Thankfully, Turbine has come through for you once again, releasing 3 brand new wallpapers with overlaid calender for you to start the year off on the right foot. As with last time, the old wallpapers can now be downloaded sans calender, so that you can continue to enjoy the imagery without looking like a behind-the-times slacker.

We have added the new wallpapers to our LotRO wallpapers gallery, and you can download all wallpapers past and present in ultra-high quality at the official wallpaper page.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Wallpapers

LotRO WallpaperLotRO WallpaperLotRO WallpaperLotRO WallpaperLotRO Wallpaper

MassivelyLotRO quarterly wallpapers available for January through March originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008calendercalender-wallpaperfebruaryjanuarylotromarchquarterly-wallpaperturbinewallpaperSun, 23 Dec 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[What's your CoX toon's New Year's Resolution?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/whats-your-cox-toons-new-years-resolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/whats-your-cox-toons-new-years-resolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/whats-your-cox-toons-new-years-resolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ex Libris, the official forums Community Coordinator for City of Heroes & Villains, wants to know what players have planned for their favorite toons in the New Year.

What heroic feats will you attempt? Maybe trying to run all the Task Forces in record time? And what villainous deeds will you try and pull off? Perhaps trying to rob every bank in Paragon City - consecutively - is right up your alley.

But if you're anything like me (and if you are I'm so very sorry), you have as many alts as there are players in WoW. OK, maybe not that many... but you (and I) have a serious problem. Which toon do we actually dedicate playing for long enough to actually carry out those resoultions? Ya, I know! There could be worse problems to address. Whatever the case, the folks at NCsoft want to know. So whether you're a spandex clad do gooder or evil doer, check out the forums and post your character name along with the nefarious plans you have for 2008.

MassivelyWhat's your CoX toon's New Year's Resolution? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008city-of-heroescity-of-villainsforumsNCsoftnew-yearsresolutionsWed, 12 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Voodoo Extreme's MMO of the year poll]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/voodoo-extremes-mmo-of-the-year-poll/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/voodoo-extremes-mmo-of-the-year-poll/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/voodoo-extremes-mmo-of-the-year-poll/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Trevor quickly grew upset when he realized he'd lost his daggerIt's about the right time of year for it, and with perfect timing Voodoo Extreme has a poll up for (MMO)RPG Game of the Year.

Being in the same category as The Witcher & Mass Effect seems harsh for the MMOs listed, as some great titles went retail in 2007. Was Lord of the Rings Online really just this year? We've also had the first expansion to one of the biggest games of all time, and a minor explosion of Free-to-Play MMOs -- which of course won't feature in a commercial games poll, but they're still surging through the market even so.

Overall, 2007 has been a solid year for MMO fans. It may end up being remembered as the year of Halo 3, Assassin's Creed, and Bioshock -- but then 2008 may redress the balance somewhat.

Is there an MMO of the year for you, so far?

MassivelyVoodoo Extreme's MMO of the year poll originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20072008assassin's-creedbioshockfree-to-playhalo-3lord-of-the-rings-onlinemass-effectthe-burning-crusadethe-witchervoodoo-extremeTue, 27 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST