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[Massively Reader's and Staff Choice Awards results for 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/massively-readers-and-staff-choice-awards-results-for-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/massively-readers-and-staff-choice-awards-results-for-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/massively-readers-and-staff-choice-awards-results-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not only are the results in for our 2009 Reader's Choice Awards, but we've also compiled our own list of winners according to what we at Massively think should win in each category.

This year's vote turned into something quite interesting, we must admit. Instead of being a direct "reader's choice", it seems to be much more of a popularity contest among the fans of the largest games. This made many of you quite angry when Runes of Magic dominated every category literally overnight. Some studios created contests to get their players to vote in the poll, most added a link to the awards on Twitter or Facebook, but the Runes of Magic team did everything from front page placement of the awards link to regular in-game announcements prompting fans to vote. Now that's how you win a vote. Especially when you have millions of players.

Hand-in-hand with this, there have been reports of exploits on the polls involving a simple cookie clearing (although the site designers promise that an exploit through clearing cookies alone is not possible). Even if we assume that the exploit is true, this whole thing shows who has the fans that are most dedicated to supporting their favorite game. There's nothing wrong with that.

So we're still going to show you the results as voted by the fans, and the results of our own staff poll. Follow along after the jump for the complete run-down.

Continue reading Massively Reader's and Staff Choice Awards results for 2009

MassivelyMassively Reader's and Staff Choice Awards results for 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092010end-of-the-yearfeaturedmassively-metaopinionpollsreaders-choice-awardsvotesFri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's End-of-the-Year Reader's Choice Awards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/massivelys-end-of-the-year-readers-choice-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/massivelys-end-of-the-year-readers-choice-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/massivelys-end-of-the-year-readers-choice-awards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The end of 2009 is almost upon us, and Arthur C. Clarke's dreams are all about to come true in less than a month. It's been an interesting year for MMOs, including everything from Tabula Rasa's official closure to the launch of LotRO's second paid expansion. While it's inevitable that the Massively staff all have their own favorite games in several different categories, we figured it would be best to get the readers involved this year.

So we've compiled a series of polls (found after the jump) in which you can vote for your favorite games of 2009 in 10 different categories. The poll choices consist of some aspect of games or expansions that launched this year, so don't expect to see older games on these lists. With almost 50 online games launching in 2009, we chose to only include a maximum of 10 for each category.

At the end of the month, we'll compile the results into one post, letting everyone know what the Massively readers think is the best of the best (or worst). So you have plenty of time, but the deadline for votes is December 31st at 11:59pm EST!

Continue reading Massively's End-of-the-Year Reader's Choice Awards

MassivelyMassively's End-of-the-Year Reader's Choice Awards originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009awardsend-of-the-yearmassively-metareaders-choiceThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Changes in rules come to the Guild Wars tournament series]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/changes-in-rules-come-to-guild-wars-tournament-series/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/changes-in-rules-come-to-guild-wars-tournament-series/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/changes-in-rules-come-to-guild-wars-tournament-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Those of you who are highly interested in the competitive tournaments of Guild Wars might like to know that ArenaNet has recently posted a new version of the tournament series rules on their website.

The tournament series are the monthly tournaments that take place in Guild Wars between eight member guild teams as well as one versus one battles. The tournaments not only pay out with recognition as being one of the best players or being a member of one of the best guilds in the game, but also with tangible rewards from the Zaishen faction. Some of the rewards include titles as well as special emotes and potions.

The full list of rules can be found on the main Guild Wars site, under the competitive section. It's a long read, but a necessary one for anyone interested in participating in this year's tournament series.

MassivelyChanges in rules come to the Guild Wars tournament series originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v120098v8arenanetguild-warsguildsmonthlytournamenttournament-rulestournament-serieszaishenzaishen-tournamentTue, 24 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at the MMO coming attractions in 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/a-look-at-the-mmo-coming-attractions-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/a-look-at-the-mmo-coming-attractions-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/a-look-at-the-mmo-coming-attractions-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Now that we're comfortably settling in to our new digs at casa de 2009, it seems like the best time to reflect on what we have to look forward to in the coming year. Eurogamer has done the dirty work for us, as they've compiled a handy article detailing the coming attractions.

All Points Bulletin tops their list as the star attraction, citing enthusiasm for the GTA-style action and depth of customization. SOE's The Agency and Free Realms, along with Cryptic's Champions Online and NetDevil's Jumpgate Evolution round out the remaining top spots on this list, for varying reasons. Some honorable mentions include Aion, Darkfall, EVE's Walking in Stations expansion, Earthrise, Global Agenda and many more expected to see the light of day this year or next. Will all of these games actually make it to a 2009 release, or will 2010 truly be the year of epic MMO launches?

MassivelyA look at the MMO coming attractions in 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009aionall-points-bulletinapbchampions-onlinedarkfallearthriseeurogamereve-onlinefree-realmsglobal-agendajumpgate-evolutionthe-agencyupcomingupcoming-releasesFri, 16 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars announces plans for 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/guild-wars-announces-plans-for-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/guild-wars-announces-plans-for-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/guild-wars-announces-plans-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The team at Guild Wars has just released their newest developer update, which explains ArenaNet's plans with the game throughout 2009. This was something that was alluded to in community manager Regina Buenaobra's wiki journal last week, and speculated upon in the major Guild Wars forums. Now the word is out, and it seems promising for the majority of Guild Wars fans.

First off, the team plans to restructure their content updates and be more open about what they're working on. Their Live Team is expanding and their new goal is to release new content in "fewer yet more substantial updates". So what can we expect in the coming months? In April, a few new features will be implemented for players, including increases to account-based storage, improvements to character-based storage and account-based changes to the Hall of Monuments.

Be sure to read the entire dev update for complete information on the new direction of Guild Wars in 2009.

MassivelyGuild Wars announces plans for 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009arenanetcontentguild-warsnc-westncsoftplansstorageThu, 15 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AAA MMO developers offer up their 2009 resolutions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/aaa-mmo-developers-offer-up-their-2009-resolutions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/aaa-mmo-developers-offer-up-their-2009-resolutions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/aaa-mmo-developers-offer-up-their-2009-resolutions/#commentsFiled under: , ,


So far this year we've talked about some resolutions for game developers that touch on World of Warcraft, and some player-offered resolutions for the developers of Warhammer Online. MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John one-upped both by tracking down developers from most of the AAA MMO studios to ask about their upcoming year. She spoke with some big names you've no doubt seen many times on Massively, the likes of Jeffrey Steefel, Josh Drescher, Matt Miller, and Craig Morrison.

Their resolutions are great, on a number of levels. Some, such as Morrison's hopes for Age of Conan, are bold proclamations of their future plans. Others, like Miller's proclamation that City of Heroes will continue to be seen as the best super-hero MMO, reflect the ways the industry will be changing this year. Our favorite is probably Noah Ward's lookahead to EVE's 2009, a massive statement of purpose for the coming few months. He concludes, "I predict that in 2009 we will finally see the day where there are more EVE subscribers than Icelandic citizens. There will be more 'pew pew' than ever before." Read through to the article for the full resolution buffet.

MassivelyAAA MMO developers offer up their 2009 resolutions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009age-of-conanbreakingccpcity-of-heroeseve-onlinefuncomlord-of-the-rings-onlinemmo-developersmythic-entertainmentnew-yearresolutionsturbinewarwarhammer-onlineFri, 09 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Happy new year!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/the-daily-grind-happy-new-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/the-daily-grind-happy-new-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/the-daily-grind-happy-new-year/#commentsFiled under: ,


Another twelve months have gone by, the earth has revolved around the sun once more, and a brand new year stretches out before us. And while the rest of the world may be thinking up new year's resolutions of a more practical nature, this is Massively and you can't expect a conversation with us not to involve MMOs. So what are your MMO resolutions for 2009? Planning on playing less? Playing more? Diversifying your MMO portfolio? Leveling an alt of each class? For our part, we plan on playing as much of as many games as possible -- or to the extent we can get away with telling our significant others, friends, family, and household pets that, though it may look like we're killing giant lizards, we're actually working. Have any resolutions for 2009 you'd like to share?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Happy new year! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009new-yearnew-yearsnew-years-resolutionsresolutionstdgThu, 01 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott wants to get back into fantasy gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/richard-garriott-wants-to-get-back-into-fantasy-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/richard-garriott-wants-to-get-back-into-fantasy-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/richard-garriott-wants-to-get-back-into-fantasy-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The impending closure and lack of expected success from Tabula Rasa is not going to deter Richard Garriott from giving the online gaming business another shot. In a recent interview with the BBC, Garriott expressed his intentions to get back into MMO business. "After 25 years at Origin, the last thing I wanted to make was yet another medieval fantasy game," he said. "Now, after a very interesting break, I'm keen to get back into the fray and work on a new game. Probably medieval fantasy and probably online; there's something very powerful about getting people together."

Also in this interview is a bit of insight from Warhammer Online's Paul Barnett into what 2009 may bring. "I expect to see some large studios go under and some big name titles fail," Barnett predicts. Whether this next year will see a fantasy MMO announcement from Garriott or Barnett's prediction of failure come true, you can't deny that it's an exciting time in the world of MMOs.

[Via Wired]

MassivelyRichard Garriott wants to get back into fantasy gaming originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009fantasygenrencsoftpaul-barnettrichard-garriottwarhammer-onlinewiredWed, 31 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What MMOs are you looking forward to in 2009?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/28/the-daily-grind-what-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/28/the-daily-grind-what-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/28/the-daily-grind-what-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Yesterday, Kyle gave us his impressions of the most anticipated games for 2009. This watch list was based not-only on games that are set to release within the year, but also games that are set to be announced in 2009. This list includes everything from DCUO and The Agency to the speculation of a City of Heroes 2 announcement. The comments were heated, so we thought we'd pose the question officially here for our readers.

What is your most anticipated game or game announcement for 2009? What games do you dream about? Do you think Red 5 Studios will reveal their stealth project? Will Darkfall finally be your holy grail? Do you think Guild Wars 2 will finally get a release date by the end of the year? Let us know!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What MMOs are you looking forward to in 2009? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009anticipateddarkfalldcuoguild-wars-2red-5-studiosthe-daily-grindthe-digital-continuumSun, 28 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Looking towards 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/the-daily-grind-looking-towards-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/the-daily-grind-looking-towards-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/the-daily-grind-looking-towards-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This year's joyous non-denominational festive season (to borrow a phrase from our own Tateru) has come to a close -- and there's probably more than one unfortunate reader out there who has trudged into the office today. (To those readers, we offer our greatest sympathies. At least the greatest sympathies we're capable of offering while grinding the rest of the way to level 80.) But as 2008 winds down towards the new year, we have a question to pose you, whether you find yourself at home, at work, or anywhere in between: with this year mostly behind us, what are you looking forward to in the future? We have an array of exciting games on the horizon: SWTOR, DCUO, and STO just to name a few of the easily acronymized options. Are you looking forward to any juicy new releases in the next year or is your new year's wish something that's not on our radar?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Looking towards 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009new-yearnew-yearspredictionstdgFri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 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