Massively

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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Eerie comparisons between MMOs and real life surface]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/eerie-comparisons-between-mmos-and-real-life-surface/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/eerie-comparisons-between-mmos-and-real-life-surface/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/eerie-comparisons-between-mmos-and-real-life-surface/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, EVE Online, Culture, MMO Industry, Second Life, Miscellaneous

We all joke about how unrealistic MMOs are to our mundane, tax-filled lives, but Redcentric did a little digging to compare how virtual worlds and the real one stack up in various ways. Some of the results proved astounding.

With World of Warcraft, Redcentric noted that the population in both the game and the US military have about the same percentage of males (84% to 83%), while EVE Online's male population (96%) is more similar to that of the astronaut crowd (90%). The agency also noted how Second Life has 10 real-world embassies in it and that a previous ban of real-money trading in the game caused a very real financial crisis for a bank that wiped out $750,000.

So how do these three titles compare to real-world cities in regards to population? World of Warcraft at its peak was close to Moscow's population (11.5 million), while Second Life almost hit the levels of San Fransisco (825K) and EVE Online barely surpassed Edinburgh's 495,000.

Eerie comparisons between MMOs and real life surface originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Mar 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lactivisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentccpccp-gameschartsepiphanyeveeve-onlinefantasyinfographicinfographicsinternet-spaceshipslindenlinden-labreal-lifereal-worldredcentricsandboxsci-fisecond-lifeslspreadsheets-onlinestatsvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 07 Mar 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life CEO Rod Humble leaves Linden Lab]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/28/linden-lab-ceo-leaves-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/28/linden-lab-ceo-leaves-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/28/linden-lab-ceo-leaves-company/#commentsFiled under: MMO Industry, News Items, Second Life, Free-to-Play, Virtual Worlds, Miscellaneous

It will forever be a mystery how anyone could leave this behind.

Rod Humble, CEO of Linden Lab for the past three years, officially announced via Facebook that he has left the company. Humble has worked on both The Sims and EverQuest, pretty much exactly the two games that you would think could be mashed together into Second Life. Linden Lab has not issued a statement about Humble's replacement at this time.

In a statement on the move, Humble wished his former coworkers and customers the best of fortunes, stating that he was moving on to form a startup company to make "art, entertainment, and unusual things." Whether or not this will be another startup in the online gaming space or something entirely different remains to be seen.

Second Life CEO Rod Humble leaves Linden Lab originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lbusinessceodepartureindustry-figureslindenlinden-labmmo-industryreal-liferod-humblesandboxsecond-lifeslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsTue, 28 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Virtual world roundup for 2014 and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/some-assembly-required-virtual-world-roundup-for-2014-and-beyo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/some-assembly-required-virtual-world-roundup-for-2014-and-beyo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/some-assembly-required-virtual-world-roundup-for-2014-and-beyo/#commentsFiled under: Game Mechanics, Miscellaneous, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox

Some Assembly Required: Virtual world roundup for 2014 and beyond

Just over two years ago there was a great disturbance, as if millions (or so) of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. Yes, something terrible had happened: a beloved virtual world was destroyed. And that left a number of sandbox refugees looking for a new place to call home. At that time, Some Assembly Required offered a roundup of the then available virtual worlds that could possibly offer accommodation, depending on what qualities players most desired in their games.

But as things are wont to, they changed; a lot can happen in the MMOverse in 24 months, from additional features in existing games to new games to the loss of more worlds. So it's time to update this list of virtual worlds to reflect 2014 and beyond. Take a look and see what titles or titles-to-be have the sandbox features that best make a game a home for you.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Virtual world roundup for 2014 and beyond

Some Assembly Required: Virtual world roundup for 2014 and beyond originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jan 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2la-tale-in-the-desertabove-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesaction-mmoaeriaaeria-gamesage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedage-of-wulinage-of-wushuagonaionAlbionAlbion-Onlineall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedalphaalpha-testalpha-testinganarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedapbapb-reloadedapbrascensionasiaatitdavataraventurinebattle-of-the-immortalsbetabiowareblack-desertboibrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcamelotcamelot-unchainedcarbinecarbine-studiosccpccp-gameschampionschampions-onlinechampschinachinesechinese-mmochris-robertscity-statecity-state-entertainmentclassic-mmocloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamescocode-clubconanconsoleconsolescrimecrowdfundingcrypticcryptic-studioscsedaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalldarkfall-unholy-warsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodfdndDofusdragondragonsdragons-propheteaeden-eternalegenesisegyptelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq1eq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfactionfallen-earthfamilyfantasyfefeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfly-for-funflyfffpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefuncomg1game-mechanicsgameforgegameforge-berlingamersfirstgoblinworksgpotatogvghistoricalhorrorhousinghyboriainfernuminfernum-productionsinternet-spaceshipsjagexjagex-games-studiokickstarterkid-friendlykidnappingkidskids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentkoreakorean-mmolandmarklindenlinden-lablinuxlord-britishlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroLuna Onlinemabinogimacmark-jacobsmartial-artsming-dynastymmofpsmortal-onlinemythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftneverwinternexonnexon-americanotoriousnotorious-gamesopen-pvpopinionpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepcpearl-abyssperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpgcplanetsideplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplaystation-3playstation3pnppost-apocpost-apocalypticpsps1ps3pvppwereal-liferepopulationrichard-garriottriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararomrsrunes-of-magicrunescaperunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentrvrryzomsandboxsandparksarsci-fantasysci-fisecond-lifesecret-worldshroudshroud-of-the-avatarskill-basedslsnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesome-assembly-requiredsonysony-online-entertainmentSOTAspaceshipspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-citizenstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-vaultstarvaultstosubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroestaboreataletellingtelontestingthe-repopulationthe-secret-worldthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldstruly-freetswturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunchainedunholy-warsuovanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswar-of-the-immortalswastelandswildstarwinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedwinch-gate-property-lldwinchgatewizard101woiwswurmwurm-onlinewushuwuxiaxsyonFri, 03 Jan 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Colbert cracks ancient Second Life joke, picks on NSA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/colbert-cracks-ancient-second-life-joke-picks-on-nsa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/colbert-cracks-ancient-second-life-joke-picks-on-nsa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/colbert-cracks-ancient-second-life-joke-picks-on-nsa/#commentsFiled under: Culture, MMO Industry, News Items, Second Life, Virtual Worlds, Humor, Sandbox

Stephen Colbert

I guess we'll forgive Stephen Colbert for not realizing that the Second-Life-users-don't-have-a-first-life joke is older than he is. Mainly because the rest of his segment on Linden Labs' virtual world and its NSA-powered avatars is pretty funny.

Colbert follows up Comedy Central colleague Jon Stewart's riff on the NSA in World of Warcraft with a segment heavy on Second Life secret agents. Kotaku has the full story as well as a video embed.

Colbert cracks ancient Second Life joke, picks on NSA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Dec 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lcolbertlindenlinden-labnsansa-second-lifensa-world-of-warcraftreal-lifesandboxsecond-lifesecond-life-users-dont-have-a-first-lifeslspyingstephen-colbertvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsTue, 17 Dec 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NSA spies infiltrate MMOs to weed out terrorism]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/nsa-spies-infiltrate-mmos-to-weed-out-terrorism/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/nsa-spies-infiltrate-mmos-to-weed-out-terrorism/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/nsa-spies-infiltrate-mmos-to-weed-out-terrorism/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Miscellaneous

ProPublica in Second Life

News of our government spying on us is not actually news at this point, but recent reports suggest that governments are also spying on us in our online games. The reason? Suspected terrorism, of course!

Former National Security Agency contractor Edward J. Snowden, ProPublica, The Guardian, and The New York Times report today that American and British intelligence agencies have infiltrated Second Life, World of Warcraft, and Xbox Live to weed out militants that may use the games to communicate, move money, or plot attacks under fake identities.

So that noob in your PUG last night who just wouldn't heal the tank may have been a CIA agent getting paid ungodly amounts of money to level his Priest at the taxpayers' expense.

Most interestingly, Blizzard denies any knowledge of such activities: "We are unaware of any surveillance taking place," said a spokesman for Blizzard Entertainment. "If it was, it would have been done without our knowledge or permission."

[Source: ProPublica press release]

NSA spies infiltrate MMOs to weed out terrorism originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Dec 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lactivisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasygovernmentlindenlinden-labnsareal-lifesandboxsecond-lifeslspyingvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 09 Dec 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make My MMO: Crowdfunding November 17 - 30, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/30/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-november-17-30-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/30/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-november-17-30-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/30/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-november-17-30-2013/#commentsFiled under: MMO Industry, Massively Meta, Miscellaneous, Crowdfunding, Make My MMO

One thing gamers can definitely be thankful for this year is crowdfunding! Thanks to this phenomenon, we have many more options opening to us than ever before. And there are definitely some good gaming prospects on the horizon, even if news about all but one is seeming a bit scarce lately.

While it's true that a few funded projects tossed out a news morsel or two, two new campaigns replaced two unsuccessful ones (neither The Zodiac Project nor Omuni Online made their goals), newcomer The Mandate already made its goal, and another hopeful -- Ever, Jane -- has secured three-quarters of its goal with only a couple of days left, the majority of the spotlight has been stolen the upcoming space sim Star Citizen, which continues to blast the crowdfunding record to smithereens. If you missed any of the news, you can catch up on it all right here in Make My MMO.

Continue reading Make My MMO: Crowdfunding November 17 - 30, 2013

Make My MMO: Crowdfunding November 17 - 30, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Nov 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lavatarbusiness-modelscamelotcamelot-unchainedchris-robertscitadel-of-sorcerycity-of-heroescity-of-titanscity-statecity-state-entertainmentcloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamescohcotcrowdfundingcryptozoiccryptozoic-studioscsedangerousdavid-brabendivergence-onlineeliteelite-dangerousembers-of-caerusEpic-Spaceever-janeface-of-mankindfantasyfrontierfrontier-developmentsgoblinworkshexhex-shards-of-fateindieinternet-spaceshipinternet-spaceshipskickstarterkickstarterslife-is-feudallindenlinden-lablord-britishmake-my-mmomark-jacobsmissing-worldsmissing-worlds-mediammo-industrymmotcgneos-landOmuni-Onlinepathfinderpathfinder-onlinepledgepnppvpreal-liferichard-garriottrvrsandboxsandparksci-fisecond-lifeshroudshroud-of-the-avatarShroud-of-the-avatar-forsaken-virtuesslSOTAspaceSpace-Unfoldingspaceshipspaceshipsstar-citizenstarcraft-universesuperherosuperheroestake-my-moneytcgThe-MandateThe-Zodiac-Projecttrading-card-gamevirtual-worldvirtual-worldsSat, 30 Nov 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life's Linden Lab expands with digital distribution service]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/11/second-lifes-linden-lab-expands-with-digital-distribution-servi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/11/second-lifes-linden-lab-expands-with-digital-distribution-servi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/11/second-lifes-linden-lab-expands-with-digital-distribution-servi/#commentsFiled under: MMO Industry, Second Life, Free-to-Play, Miscellaneous

Second Life's Linden Lab expands with digital distribution service

Second Life's Linden Lab has announced this week that it has acquired the digital distribution service Desura.

What's Desura? Think of it as a lesser-known version of Steam, yet without the DRM headaches and more focused on player mods. So, not really like Steam.

Linden Lab's CEO, Rod Humble, is optimistic about Desura's offering to the 14-year-old virtual world company: "This acquisition gives us a global platform for serving creative developers of all kinds, and we're looking forward to growing both Desura's global community of gamers and its fantastic portfolio of thousands of games, mods, and other content. Our aim is to invest and support the Desura team in making it the most open and developer-friendly platform in the world."

Second Life's Linden Lab expands with digital distribution service originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2ldesuradigital-distributiondrmlindenlinden-labreal-lifesandboxsecond-lifeslsteamvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 11 Jul 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life readies for 10th anniversary, celebrates a million active users per month]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/second-life-readies-for-10th-anniversary-celebrates-a-million-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/second-life-readies-for-10th-anniversary-celebrates-a-million-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/20/second-life-readies-for-10th-anniversary-celebrates-a-million-a/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Real-Life, Business Models, MMO Industry, News Items, Second Life, Sandbox, Anniversaries

Second Life castle

Second Life hasn't gotten much respect in MMO circles since the genre went mainstream (yes, yes, get a first life, aren't you clever!). Still, Linden Lab's virtual world is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary on June 23rd, and it boasts user numbers that most MMOs can only dream about.

An anniversary infographic says that Second Life has amassed 36 million registered users as well as more than 400,000 new accounts per month. Oh, and don't forget "a million monthly active users," according to Linden CEO Rod Humble. Those users typically rack up 1.2 million virtual goods transactions per day and have accounted for $3.2 billion worth of transactions over the life of the game.

You can find more nifty stats like those on the the graphic after the break.

Continue reading Second Life readies for 10th anniversary, celebrates a million active users per month

Second Life readies for 10th anniversary, celebrates a million active users per month originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lanniversarylindenlinden-labreal-lifesandboxsecond-lifesecond-life-active-userssecond-life-anniversaryslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 20 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-stream-team-bleepity-bleep-edition-april-8-14-2013/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, The Stream Team

The Stream Team Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 14, 2013

It's definitely not a new thing. Throughout the ages, when intense frustration strikes, a colorful epithet can slip past the lips of even the most soft-spoken. Heck, at particularly annoying times, a full string of them has been known fly forth from the most unexpected sources. And we all know that there are plenty of frustration-inducing situations in gaming. So it's not hard to equate swearing with gaming, right?

Of course, we at Massively TV advocate a responsible use of language during our adventures. While there could be a time or a place for the universally known curses, we prefer bursts of creative language skills. And if there's one thing The Stream Team has, it's an abundance of creativity! We've learned it is possible to express frustration while avoiding the censors because censors are mean and carry big, painful sticks! Ouch.

Need proof? Pop into any of the shows scheduled this week or the reruns from last; watch how deftly (or not) our intrepid streamers react to curse-creating incidents. Hope as they might, nothing can go smoothly all the time... or for the very unlucky, at all! A perfect demonstration of this is highlighted in our newest section, a place devoted to showcasing a stream of the week. Catch MJ's colorful repurposing of the English language first-hand in Highlight Reels, then offer your most creative expression in the Outtakes.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013

The Stream Team: Bleepity bleep edition, April 8 - 14, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2la-mystical-landactionaction-mmoactivisionage-of-wulinage-of-wushuaionanetarenanetarkark-hunterarkfallascensionasiabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccpccp-gameschampionschampions-onlinechampschinachinesechinese-mmococonquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodefianceDinostormdotadota-2e-sporteaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiiesporteveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfuncomgpotatoguild-warsguild-wars-2gvggwgw2heroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhonhorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykidnappingkidskids-mmolindenlinden-lablivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslucasartsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmetaming-dynastymmo-shootermobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollps3pvppweraiderzreal-liferiftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrs2s2-gamessandboxScarlet-Bladesci-fantasysci-fisecond-lifesecret-worldshooterskill-basedslSmitesnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorsyfytanktanksthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthird-person-shooterthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptortpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstruly-freetswtvtwitchtwitch-tvVillagers-andheroesvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarwarcraftwargaming.networld-of-tanksworld-of-warcraftwotwowwushuwuxiaxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Fools vs. floppy ears edition, April 1 - 7, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/the-stream-team-fools-vs-floppy-ears-edition-april-1-7-201/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/the-stream-team-fools-vs-floppy-ears-edition-april-1-7-201/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/the-stream-team-fools-vs-floppy-ears-edition-april-1-7-201/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, The Stream Team

The Stream Team Fools vs floppy ears edition, April 1 7, 2013

Though infrequent, it does happen: Once in a while two holidays go toe to toe on the calendar. This year, it just so happens that April Fools' Day rides in on the tail of the Easter Bunny. So what do you do when these very different holidays bump up against each other? You do what any self-respecting Stream Team fan does: You watch more Massively TV! Of course, that's pretty much the answer to everything, isn't it?

Some day these two holidays might actually overlap. If that were the case, who do you think would come out on top in a brawl over celebration rights -- that floppy-eared frolicking rabbit known for leaving chocolate or the fool (with or without a bell-tipped hat) who delights in pranking and tricking? After watching Rise of the Guardians, I think my money is on the bunny. Worst case scenario is they team up together and we end up with trick chocolate.

While contemplating this match-up, join us for a week of intense livestreams with your favorite hosts, playing such classics as Fruit Ninja and Fruity Loops Studio.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Fools vs. floppy ears edition, April 1 - 7, 2013

The Stream Team: Fools vs. floppy ears edition, April 1 - 7, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lactionaction-mmoactivisionallodsallods-onlineanetApril-Foolsarcane-legendsarenanetastrum-nivalbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccpccp-gamesconquestconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodotadota-2e-sporteaEasterelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiiesporteveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfamilyfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playFruity-Loops-Studiofuncomgala-netgpotatoguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2heroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhonhorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykidskids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlindenlinden-lablivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslucasartsmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmassively-metamassively-tvmetamobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftnew-englandparadoxparadox-interactiveperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpermadeathplaystation-3playstation3pollps3pvppweraiderzreal-liferiftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrs2s2-gamessalemsandboxscarlet-bladesci-fantasysci-fisecond-lifesecret-worldsegaskill-basedslSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentspiral-knightsspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsteamstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthree-faction-pvpthree-ringsthree-rings-designthree-way-pvptortriontrion-worldstswtwitchtwitch-tvvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowMon, 01 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Female avatars are likely to be more exposed than their male counterparts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/#commentsFiled under: MMO Industry, Second Life, Virtual Worlds, Humor, Miscellaneous

I'll take three gallons of eyebleach, please. Do you also have a brain scrub I could borrow?

You really needed to be told this, right? You may not have been sure whether a lady-type avatar was more likely to be closer to naked than a manly-type avatar. If you were dying to know and really had no idea, there's an actual study now to get you all informed.

Anna M. Lomanowska and Matthieu J. Guitton went into Second Life and examined 404 (192 male and 212 female) avatars of the humanoid-but-not-furry type. They found that 57% of lady-type avatars had less than half of their skin covered, compared to only 10% of masculine-type avatars being similarly exposed. Lomanowska and Guitton were not privy to the actual sex of the folks controlling the avatars.

Do you feel enlightened?

Female avatars are likely to be more exposed than their male counterparts originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lavatarfashionlady-typelindenlinden-labreal-lifesandboxscientific-studysecond-lifesexismskinskin-exposureslstudyvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsyou-really-needed-a-study-to-come-to-this-conclusionSat, 29 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab preps four releases for November]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/#commentsFiled under: New Titles, Second Life, Browser, Mobile, Miscellaneous

Linden Lab preps four games for November

The boys and girls of Linden Lab are expanding their operation. Rapidly expanding, as it turns out. The Second Life studio announced that it has not one, not two, not three, but four titles scheduled for release in November.

We've already heard about the first, which is the Minecraft-wannabe Patterns, but the others are just now being revealed. The second is the iPad-only (for now) Creatorverse, which allows users to draw shapes, have them interact via physics, and then share them on the cloud. The final two are Dio, a room creator, and Versu, a storytelling toolset.

Linden Lab CEO Rod Humble affirmed that Second Life will remain important to the studio, but it will need to make room for all of the new children coming into the family.

Linden Lab preps four releases for November originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lcreatorversediolindenlinden-labminecraftpatternsreal-lifereleaserelease-windowrod-humblesandboxsecond-lifeslversuvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 11 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iran blocks Guild Wars, World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Dofus, Entropia Universe, Guild Wars, MMO Industry, Second Life, RuneScape, Guild Wars 2, Legal, Miscellaneous

Iran blocks Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft

Reports are coming in that Iran is moving to block access to several MMOs, including World of Warcraft and Guild Wars. This comes following a conference by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance earlier this month. At the conference, the Islamic Revolution Game Designers Community was formed and decided to ban games that promote superstition, mythology, violence, and revealing clothing.

Following the decision, the government started cracking down on various services and MMOs, such as Battle.net's library and ArenaNet's Guild Wars series. Other games targeted include RuneScape, Second Life, Dofus, Evony, and Entropia Universe.

It's unclear to what extent the government is attempting to enforce these bans, and Iranian players are looking into workaround solutions to access their MMOs. It's interesting to note that Blizzard does not authorize downloads of its products or services in Iran.

Iran blocks Guild Wars, World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lactivisionanetarenanetbanbattle.netblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblockbrowserbrowser-basedcensoredcensureclassic-mmodiablo-3diablo-iiidofusentropia-universeevonyf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2iranIslamic-Revolution-Game-Designers-Communityjagexjagex-games-studiolindenlinden-labMinistry-of-Culture-and-Islamic-Guidancencsoftreal-lifersrunescapesandboxsecond-lifeslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 23 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life used to teach relaxation techniques]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/#commentsFiled under: Culture, MMO Industry, News Items, Second Life, Virtual Worlds, Miscellaneous

Second Life - happy avatars

Who says Second Life's best days are behind it? Not Medical News Today, which reports that the long-running virtual world from Linden Lab has been successfully used to teach relaxation techniques. Massachusetts General Hospital researchers recently conducted a study that concluded that online worlds like Second Life can be useful in "teaching a mind/body approach that includes the relaxation response."

The study found that by doing away with the limitations of face-to-face meetings (and easing the minds of participants who are uncomfortable in real-world group settings), virtual worlds can foster more relaxing and healthy experiences. The study featured 24 individuals who were divided into three groups and subjected to eight weeks of online sessions in Second Life.

Researchers found that participants "showed reductions in depression- and anxiety-related symptoms," though it's also important to note that participants had prior experiences with virtual worlds.

Second Life used to teach relaxation techniques originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2llindenlinden-labmassachusetts-general-hospitalmedical-news-todayreal-lifesandboxsecond-lifesecond-life-relaxation-researchsecond-life-researchsecond-life-studyslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsWed, 04 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab's Second Life 'extremely profitable,' company looking to expand]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/#commentsFiled under: MMO Industry, News Items, Second Life, Virtual Worlds, Miscellaneous

Second Life - hot air balloon at sunset

Second Life has dropped out of the limelight in recent years, but if a new piece at GamesIndustry.biz is on the mark, the long-running virtual world may be primed for something of a renaissance.

Former Linden Lab CEO Mark Kingdon vacated the throne in June 2010, and veteran developer Rod Humble took over at the beginning of 2011. Since then, the EverQuest and The Sims veteran has been working hard to bring a bit of structure to Second Life's virtual sprawl, and in the process, reinvigorate what was one of the first MMORPG media darlings.

"I was taken aback by just how big Second Life was," Humble says. "To be honest, it had fallen off my radar until I got the call offering me the position. And I looked at their numbers; this is a world that has got 1 million people logging in every month, generating well in excess of $75 million a year -- it's extremely profitable."

Humble spent much of 2011 refining the product, and everything from the sign-up process to the UI to world transportation received some attention. The result was a 40 percent uptick in new users, and now Humble is bent on expanding Linden Lab's offerings beyond Second Life. "Linden Lab has been very successful with one innovative product, but I want to stretch the company out again, to make it a really exciting place where people can't wait to find out about the next unusual title we're going to release," he said.

Linden Lab's Second Life 'extremely profitable,' company looking to expand originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2llindenlinden-labreal-liferod-humblesandboxsecond-lifeslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 15 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/#commentsFiled under: Real-Life, Video, Business Models, Culture, Opinion, Second Life, Free-to-Play, Virtual Worlds, Free for All, Sandbox

Second Life documentary screenshot

So I was working on this week's Free for All last night when a buddy of mine asked me if I had seen a certain older Second Life documentary. I didn't think I had before, but it turns out that my usual record of consuming everything MMO still stands, and it was fun to re-watch the older documentary again for several reasons.

One of the most important things I noticed about the film was just how universal to MMO gaming the documentary was. The issues it brought up are still issues, the problems with virtual worlds are still problems, and the fact that any technology older than six months looks laughable on film is still true. It was also encouraging to see how well Second Life has aged since 2007, but it's slightly depressing to see just how horrible MMO documentaries can be at showing the entire picture.

Continue reading Free for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths

Free for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2Lbeau-hindmanBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentdocumentariesdocumentaryf2pfeaturedfour-cornersfree-for-allfree-to-playftplinden-labphilip-rosedalesandboxsecond-lifeSLvideovideosvirtual-sexvirtual-worldsWorld-of-Warcraftwowyou-only-live-twiceWed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Giving it away for free edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/the-mmo-report-giving-it-away-for-free-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/the-mmo-report-giving-it-away-for-free-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/the-mmo-report-giving-it-away-for-free-edition/#commentsFiled under: Video, News Items, Opinion, Humor, The MMO Report, Miscellaneous

The MMO Report

Today on The MMO Report, Casey chronicles DC Universe Online's F2P growing pains ("It's almost like they're giving it away for free," he says cheekily) before moving on to the Total Recall MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic's server types, Guild Wars 2's pet system, and the bizarre addition of Second Life to the FBI's watch list for criminal gangs and drug traffickers. "Way to give criminal organizations a wonderful idea, FBI," jokes The Beard.

This episode also sees the return of Uncle Casey's mailbag and a new contest to devise an MMO Report-themed drinking game. Winners will receive (what else?) World of Warcraft-themed MEGA Bloks.

Casey ends the show on a Skyrim note: "For some reason, I am always drawn to the most useless skills and end up creating a character that's only good at talking to people and getting lower prices on things but not so great at killing things." Sounds like some of my toons!

Hit the break for the full episode!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Giving it away for free edition

The MMO Report: Giving it away for free edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2Lanetarenanetbiowarecasey-schreinerdc-universe-onlinedcuodrinking-gameeaElectronic-Artsfbiguild-wars-2gw2linden-labmega-bloksmmo-reportncsoftnewssecond-lifesee-virtual-worldsskyrimSLsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-mmo-reporttotal-recalltotal-recall-mmototal-recall-remakeuncle-caseys-mailbagvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 10 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/#commentsFiled under: Business Models, Culture, Opinion, Second Life, Free-to-Play, Humor, Free for All

Recently I've taken a great interest in Second Life. For the record, I've been interested in the game -- er, world -- for the past seven years. More specifically, my seventh "birthday" is coming up on May 26th, 2011, meaning that I have been exploring, building, discussing and watching Second Life for a long, long time. I truly enjoy wandering into groups of other players who seem to think that my fairly basic avatar means that I am either new or ignorant about the game. I love telling them that I have been playing a long time, probably longer than they have. I'm actually proud of it.

Still, in spite of my history with the game, I do miss major developments. I am not consumed with the politics and goings on at Linden Lab (maker of Second Life). So when I heard about the changes that were being made concerning adult content, I sort of tuned it out and continued to play off and on. I typically disliked -- no, hated is a better word -- the adult content I came across in Second Life, so I simply avoided it.

If there is one thing I am asked about Second Life, it's "aren't there orgies going on all the time?" Seriously. I get asked about orgies more than anything. I wanted to go over the official rules to reassure those curious and wary potential players that they will not be shot in the face with a sex toy -- unless they want to be.

Click past the cut and let's discuss.

Continue reading Free for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life

Free for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2ladultadult-contentadult-migrationadult-mmobeau-hindmancybercyber-sexf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftplinden-labLLmaturesecond-lifezindraWed, 25 May 2011 15:00:00 EST