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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Massively surveys WildStar's Scientist and Settler paths, the Esper class, and the crazy things Jeremy Gaffney says]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/massively-surveys-wildstars-scientist-and-settler-paths-the-es/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/massively-surveys-wildstars-scientist-and-settler-paths-the-es/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/massively-surveys-wildstars-scientist-and-settler-paths-the-es/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WildStar -- hells yeah
So who wants to hear some cool stuff about WildStar? Thought so!

Massively's Gavin Townsley recently attended a WildStar media event in San Francisco, at which he was treated to a hands-on look at the upcoming sci-fantasy MMORPG's Scientist path and Esper class. He also chatted with Carbine Studios executive producer Jeremy Gaffney, who pulls a Gaffney (I'm coining that) and can't resist leaking a bit of new info about tradeskills while filling Gavin in on how endgame will work, why we should play the Settler path, and whether talent trees are passé. If you think making 10 pairs of cotton space pants sounds boring, then yeah -- you're going to like what he's got to say.

Enjoy all three articles plus the brand-new path videos we've embedded past the cut!
Hands-on with WildStar's Scientist path and Esper class
There is something exciting about taking your first steps into the mysteries of a new planet. I was anxious to mingle with the locals, analyze artifacts, and even pick a few plants -- that is, until I saw a flower burst from the ground as a giant vine-like beast.
WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney on the Settler path
WildStar's Settlers don't just build bonfires for sappy Explorers to sing around; these titans of construction will save you time in dungeons, establish bigger outposts, and open up new realms of quests for everyone.
WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney on progression, tradeskills, and endgame
Jeremy Gaffney divulges the beautiful details on essential parts of the game: character progression, tradeskills that don't suck, and life in the elder game.

Continue reading Massively surveys WildStar's Scientist and Settler paths, the Esper class, and the crazy things Jeremy Gaffney says

MassivelyMassively surveys WildStar's Scientist and Settler paths, the Esper class, and the crazy things Jeremy Gaffney says originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioselder-gameendgameesperhands-onhousinginterviewinterviewsjeremy-gaffneyncsoftpathpathspreviewpreviewssandparksci-fantasysci-fiscientistsettlertrailertrailersvideovideoswildstarwsWed, 22 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Prophet blasts beta doors open on May 30th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dragons-prophet-blasts-beta-doors-open-on-may-30th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dragons-prophet-blasts-beta-doors-open-on-may-30th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dragons-prophet-blasts-beta-doors-open-on-may-30th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Dragon's Prophet blasts beta doors open on May 30th
If you've been waiting for your chance to capture and tame your very own dragons to ride, then grab your saddle and get ready to mount up because Dragon's Prophet flies into open beta next week. On May 30th, beta doors open to all dragon aficionados who want to enter the world of Auratia and tame, train, and fight alongside -- as well as against -- a variety of dragon-kind. As part of their bonus, founders will have access one day earlier on the 29th. Formal launch is expected later this year.

Players can also expect to hear more about the game; as of today, SOE has lifted the closed beta NDA. Current testers can now begin sharing tales of their adventures with family, friends, and random strangers in line at the supermarket. You can also watch some of those adventures this week on Massively TV, with a two-hour show today at 10 a.m. EDT and one featuring a special dev guest on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. EDT. And check out the video after the cut!

[Source: SOE press release]

Continue reading Dragon's Prophet blasts beta doors open on May 30th

MassivelyDragon's Prophet blasts beta doors open on May 30th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragondragonsdragons-prophethousinginfernuminfernum-productionsNDA-liftNDA-liftedopen-betarunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 1 appears to be going free-to-play... eventually]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/planetside-1-appears-to-be-going-free-to-play-eventually/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/planetside-1-appears-to-be-going-free-to-play-eventually/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/planetside-1-appears-to-be-going-free-to-play-eventually/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PS1
In a series of tweets earlier this evening, SOE's John Smedley hinted that classic PlanetSide 1 will at some future date be converted into a free-to-play MMO. He wrote,
We did a mass grant of anyone who has ever played ps1 or ps2 with free time in ps1. We weren't ready to announce it yet because the database grant is still ongoing and won't be done till tmw morning. So please if you didn't get flagged chill. We are trying to do something cool for everyone and we were going to tell people when it's done. But people saw it and others broadcast the info. Please don't complain :) we aren't raising your taxes we are making a game free. This also gives us more time to make it f2p. So enjoy starting tmw late morning.
This news comes just as PlanetSide 1 is celebrating its 10th birthday. Smedley's tweet refers to a new SOE promotion that will grant PlanetSide 2 players six free months of PS1 play.

MassivelyPlanetSide 1 appears to be going free-to-play... eventually originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmofpsmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2psps1ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentTue, 21 May 2013 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter returns with seven-hour rollback after exploit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/neverwinter-returns-with-seven-hour-rollback-after-exploit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/neverwinter-returns-with-seven-hour-rollback-after-exploit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/neverwinter-returns-with-seven-hour-rollback-after-exploit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neverwinter returns with sevenhour rollback after exploit
Over the weekend, a massive exploit plagued Perfect World Entertainment's Neverwinter beta as players discovered a way to make billions off of the auction house and Astral Diamond Exchange.

After initially closing the economy to explore the company's options, PWE decided to do a seven-hour rollback of the servers that affects the progress made between 8:20 a.m. EDT (5:20 a.m. PDT) and 3:20 p.m. EDT (12:20 p.m. PDT) yesterday for all players.

"Rest assured, the issue has been corrected and we have taken appropriate action against all players who took advantage of the bug, including but not limited to enforcing permanent bans," the announcement reads.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this one in!]

MassivelyNeverwinter returns with seven-hour rollback after exploit originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndexploitsf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerollbackMon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploits plague Neverwinter economy, PWE responds [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/exploits-plague-neverwinter-economy-cryptic-responds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/exploits-plague-neverwinter-economy-cryptic-responds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/exploits-plague-neverwinter-economy-cryptic-responds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Neverwinter
Multiple Massively sources and forum users are reporting that a serious auction hall exploit involving negative bids has turned the fledgling economy of Neverwinter on its head. Perfect World/Cryptic appear to be locking down forum threads on the topic and have posted the following in response to the exploits:
We currently are in the process of taking action against a subset of accounts that were confirmed to have utilized exploits that affected the game balance or economy. These accounts may be banned, temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of exploit utilization. Anyone who is affected by this will receive notification via email. [...] Thank you for your patience and support while we continue to do everything in our power to ensure that Neverwinter remains a fair and balanced game experience.
The post also encourages anyone banned unfairly to contact customer support for resolution. A followup post by a Cryptic moderator from last night tells players that "there are no plans for another wipe at this time." And a message on the Neverwinter's German-language Facebook page suggests that the Neverwinter Gateway has been taken offline while the issue is investigated. We'll keep you posted as the story develops. [Thanks to Dan, J, Ehra, David, Dixa, Mike, xpac, Jan, and Zaph for the tips!]

[Update: Cryptic has posted a new response to the latest exploit: "The Astral Diamond Exchange and the Auction House have been temporarily taken offline to resolve a high priority bug. At this time we are still investigating the details regarding the issue and will post more information as the situation progresses. As the issue involves in-game currency, we understand that there may be questions regarding the follow up actions needed to ensure that the economy remains fair and balanced. At this time we are still in the process of collecting the data, but plan to share details regarding follow up actions once the investigation concludes. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we continually smooth out issues during open beta."]

MassivelyExploits plague Neverwinter economy, PWE responds [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobugbugscrypticcryptic-studiosdndeconomyexploitexploitsf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweSun, 19 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion hit with another round of layoffs [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/trion-reportedly-undergoing-massive-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/trion-reportedly-undergoing-massive-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/trion-reportedly-undergoing-massive-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: ,

Trion reportedly undergoing 'massive' layoffs
IGN is reporting "massive" layoffs at Trion. Though the website doesn't cite any sources, it suggests that "well over half the company has been let go," and it also says that those affected may include as much as 80% of the company. An undisclosed IGN source says that "employees are being escorted out of the building and that senior leaders from various Trion teams may not receive severance due to 'undelivered services.'" [These claims have since been rebutted by a Trion Worlds representative, who told Massively directly that while there were indeed layoffs, the 80% number originally suggested by IGN was "grossly exaggerated." She further clarified that no one was escorted out of the building or denied severance as IGN's unnamed source alleged. Additionally, developers emphasized during today's official stream that the RIFT team is not affected by the layoffs.]

Trion recently announced a free-to-play offering for its RIFT MMORPG. It also launched Defiance earlier this year and partnered with Korea's XLGAMES to bring the company's ArcheAge sandbox MMO to western audiences.

Trion also provided the following official statement.
To best position Trion in a rapidly changing industry, we have reorganized our teams and are expanding our free to play offering. With Defiance, we delivered a great game that more than one million gamers registered to play and continue to enjoy. As we progress from launch to ongoing development of the game, we are adjusting our staffing levels to deliver new content and improved features. RIFT, and our other titles in development, were unaffected by these changes. We are very much looking forward to the free to play release of RIFT and are excited by the other new titles currently in development.
[Thank you to everyone who helped us develop this story.]

MassivelyTrion hit with another round of layoffs [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinglayoffstriontrion-layoffsFri, 17 May 2013 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet ceases Guild Wars 1 live development, automates game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ArenaNet ceases Guild Wars live development, automates game
Guild Wars 1 has seen the end of an era of live development today, as ArenaNet stated that it is switching the game over to automation. The studio said that players should not expect any further content other than the systems being put into place to keep the game running on auto-pilot for the foreseeable future.

"Over time, our focus has shifted to updates that not only help maintain Guild Wars but help the game maintain itself," ArenaNet posted. "With this focus in mind, we'll no longer be releasing any new content for the live game except in support of automation. Our goal is to get the game to a place where it can continue to run and be available to all of our fans. We have a lot of love for Guild Wars -- it's the game that made us what we are today -- and we want to continue sharing it with everyone!"

Tournaments, events, and birthday prizes will be moved over to automation during this transition. The studio said that automating the game will keep it running longer and that it will keep a live team on Guild Wars to handle critical fixes and troubleshooting.

MassivelyArenaNet ceases Guild Wars 1 live development, automates game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetautomatingautomationbirthday-prizesbreakingfantasyguild-warsgwlive-developmentlive-teammaintenance-modencsofttournamentsweekend-eventsFri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2
"This is going to be the best game most of us have built in our lives," Carbine Studios Executive Producer Jeremy Gaffney said bluntly.

The game in question, of course, is WildStar, and it represents Gaffney's 10th or so trip through the beta development chute on the way to release. There's an undeniable note of pride and calm confidence in his voice as he talks about the baby that's growing inside Carbine's womb right now, and he was definitely not shy in opening up about all of the decisions and work the team's made as WildStar heads into its second trimester... er, closed beta test.

Before that, however, Gaffney provided a recap of the first closed beta test. He said that it was pretty limited, with only 2,000 players testing out the lowbie Exile zones. The team moved some of the elder game content down in level so that people could test it out, and developers spent some time doing impromptu Q&A sessions with players in the field. As a result, Carbine is ready to shift over to the Dominion side and greatly expand the beta in size and content. Read on for the full scoop on what the next step will entail.

Continue reading Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2

MassivelyUnicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsbetabeta-testbeta-testingcarbinecarbine-studioscb2closed-betaclosed-beta-2dominiondungeonfeaturedhousinghoustoninterviewinterviewsjeremy-gaffneymodsncsoftplayer-housingpreviewpreviewssandparksci-fantasysci-fitestingwildstarwsWed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's DUST 514 launch impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Dropship and merc troops
Playing EVE on my couch is bizarre. I know, technically it's called DUST 514, but let's be serious. DUST is basically the beginnings of a massive EVE Online expansion if you subscribe to the notion that EVE is a virtual world as opposed to merely a strategy game featuring internet spaceships and internet drama.

I've played EVE in some strange places prior to this. In an airport terminal, for example. On my toilet, even (yes, nature occasionally calls in the middle of a fleet fight and thank God for laptops). But DUST marks the first -- OK, technically the second -- time I've ever played in New Eden with a controller.

Continue reading Massively's DUST 514 launch impressions

MassivelyMassively's DUST 514 launch impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoleconsolesdustdust-514dust-514-impressionsdust-514-reviewdust-hands-ondust-impressionsdust-revieweveeve-onlinefeaturedfpsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpspc-master-raceplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlineWed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

RIFT announces freetoplay,
Trion Worlds has just announced that fantasy MMO RIFT will be headed free-to-play on June 12th. Though former studio reps were once adamant that the game would remain a subscription MMO, the team has apparently decided it can better compete in a F2P world by being F2P. The hybrid model will include an optional sub with fully free content like dungeons and questing; consumables, cosmetics, and even gear will make up the cash shop.

We asked Creative Director Bill Fisher to explain the whys and wherefores of this decision. Check out our interview after the jump!

[Updated: The official site has also posted a handy chart to show you what you're getting at different tiers.]

Continue reading RIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps'

MassivelyRIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-fisherconquestempyreal-assaultf2pfantasyfree-to-playhybridinterviewinterviewspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsTue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year
A recent earnings report suggests that NCsoft's sales have slipped from Q4 2012 to Q1 2013, although the studio is quick to point out that the showing was "solid" particularly when compared to sales from a year ago. While sales were down 35% and net income was down 49% from the last quarter, sales were up 31% and net income was up 322% year-over-year.

Guild Wars 2 accounted for 21% of sales in the first quarter, in addition to Blade and Soul's 9%, Aion's 16%, and the usual Lineage cavalcade (Lineage 1 represented 38% of sales alone with its subscriptions).

While 64% of NCsoft's sales were in Korea, only 13% were in North America and 8% in Europe. The decrease in NA and EU contributions was due to "the reduction in Guild Wars 2 package sales," according to the report. All of NCsoft's subsidiaries posted drops in sales from last quarter except for NC Taiwan.

[Update: Also of note in the earnings call is the news that NCsoft's Nah Seong Chan says the company is "preparing an expansion pack" but has yet to decide when it might launch. Very interesting news indeed as ArenaNet said as recently as March that it was not working on an expansion. Thanks to Mike and Robert for the tips!]

MassivelyNCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1q-2013aionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulbuy-to-playclassic-mmoearnings-reportf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2l1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaq1-2013truly-freeSun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Defiance renewed for a second season]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-renewed-for-a-second-season/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-renewed-for-a-second-season/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-renewed-for-a-second-season/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Defiance renewed for a second season
Even with Syfy doing a happy dance over Defiance's premiere numbers, there's been a cloud of doubt hovering over the show's survival. Because, well, this is Syfy. We've never quite forgiven the channel for canceling Farscape in favor of Octosharkasaurus vs. Mecha-Piranhadon. But it looks as though the MMO's sibling has received an extension of life, as Syfy renewed it for a second season.

Syfy President of Original Content Mark Stern had these words of encouragement at the news: "Bringing the rich world of Defiance to life has been an incredible team effort. We couldn't ask for better partners than Kevin Murphy, his amazing cast and crew, and Trion Worlds. We can't wait to see where they take us in the second season."

The press release says that the demographics for the show have remained impressive for the network, that over a million registered players have enjoyed the multi-platform MMO, and that the Trion-Syfy collaboration will continue into the second season.

MassivelyDefiance renewed for a second season originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfalldefiancemark-sternmmo-shooterpvprenewedsci-fisecond-seasonseriesshootersyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxFri, 10 May 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft loses over a million subs since February, now down to 8.3 million]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscription-numbers-drop-by-1-3-million/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscription-numbers-drop-by-1-3-million/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscription-numbers-drop-by-1-3-million/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

World of Warcraft's Algalon
The world's most popular MMO has gotten a bit less popular in the last few months, it would seem. During today's quarterly investor call, Activision-Blizzard announced that World of Warcraft's subscriber numbers are down to 8.3 million. While that's still nothing to thumb your nose at, it does represent a significant decline from the 9.6 million subscribers the game was reported to have last February.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft loses over a million subs since February, now down to 8.3 million originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So now kitties get to double their lightsabers.
Following the free-to-play announcement, many gamers were quick to mark Star Wars: The Old Republic as a broken shell of a game, with its business model conversion serving as the last gasp of a game in danger of imminent shutdown. The facts do not support that particular viewpoint. According to the most recent Electronic Arts earning call, the game has more than doubled its revenue since the conversion in November of last year.

EA president Frank Gibeau stated in the most recent earnings call that the game's subscriber numbers have remained stable, with more than 1.7 million new players joining the game via the free option. He also restated that the game is aiming to keep up a content delivery schedule around every six weeks. So if you were getting a bit nervous about the long-term viability of SWTOR, it looks like you can rest a bit more easily.

MassivelyFree-to-play model more than doubled the revenue of Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingbusiness-modelseaearningelectronic-artsf2pfrank-gibeaufree-to-playfree-to-play-conversionslucasartsprofitsrevenuesci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsusbcriptionsswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: New Aion RvR Guardian General event starts May 8th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/massively-exclusive-new-aion-rvr-guardian-general-event-starts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/massively-exclusive-new-aion-rvr-guardian-general-event-starts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/massively-exclusive-new-aion-rvr-guardian-general-event-starts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive New Aion RvR Guardian General event starts May 8th
As the clock ticks down to the June release of Aion's big 4.0 update, NCsoft is ramping up the event machine. First up: an all-new RvR event dubbed the Guardian General Showdown. Running from May 8th, 2013, through May 22nd, 2013, this event will take place in Jotun Square in Silentera Canyon (necessitating that Daevas be level 50 and over to participate). There, each faction will fight to defeat the Guardian General of the enemy while simultaneously protecting its own.

The Guardian Generals -- Furious Dux for the Elyos and Furious Stalari for the Asmodians -- will spawn support mobs to join in the fray every 30 seconds. Once one general is defeated, both (and all accompanying mobs) will disappear and the 12-hour countdown to repawn begins. The league that contributes the most to defeating the other faction's Guardian General first will earn the Guardian General's Treasure Chest, which will provide every member with one mithril medal, one special manastone box (grade II), and one major ancient crown.

[Source: NCsoft press release]

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: New Aion RvR Guardian General event starts May 8th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionexclusivef2pfantasyfree-to-playGuardian-General-ShowdownGuardian-General-Showdown-EventMassively-exclusivemassively-exclusive-newsncsoftPvPRvR-eventtruly-freeMon, 06 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Darkness 'years away' from launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/world-of-darkness-years-away-from-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/world-of-darkness-years-away-from-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/world-of-darkness-years-away-from-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

World of Darkness still has years of development ahead of it
If you are hanging your hopes and dreams on World of Darkness coming along to rescue you from the humdrum of life and your precious mortality, well... be prepared to settle in for a good long wait. Executive Producer Chris McDonough said in an interview that the title is still in pre-production and that players shouldn't expect to see it for a few years yet. However, CCP did show a few technical videos to the press to assure folks that the game is still alive.

McDonough did have good news to share, however. World of Darkness has a 70-person crew that is currently building the framework for the title, and according to the producer, they are "making phenomenal progress." The team plans to host the entire game on a single server where active combat and politicking between vampires will be the crux of the content.

"We're making sure this is a next-generation MMO. It's very focused on movement and motion and capturing what it's like to be a vampire," he said. "People ask about our high level designs for World of Darkness, and we've called this a vampire simulator. What's it like to be a vampire. Not a superhero, but a super-powered individual. The way the characters move around the city feels very vampiric."

MassivelyWorld of Darkness 'years away' from launch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabetaccpccp-gamesChris-McDonoughfantasygothichorrormasqueradepre-productionsupernaturalvampirevampireswhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessMon, 06 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained secures an additional $3 million in funding [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained Kickstarter logo
Last night, Camelot Unchained surpassed its $2 million Kickstarter goal, but if you've been following the Kickstarter for the last month, you know that reaching $2 million means a lot more than reaching $2 million. As originally promised when the Kickstarter launched, the game will now receive an additional $3 million in funding, $2 million of which comes from City State co-founder and MMO industry veteran Mark Jacobs. The remainder comes courtesy of unnamed investors.

"The last 30 days have been an incredible journey," Jacobs said via press release. "We believed there's an audience for a highly focused game like ours, which has now been proven. What we didn't expect was how our community would come together so quickly and avidly. Not only is our average pledge off the chart, our backers have been just as intensely supportive in other ways, from providing immense amounts of helpful feedback to translating information into four languages (German, French, Japanese and Korean), and more."

Camelot Unchained will use a proprietary engine optimized for large-scale battles and already battle-tested to the tune of 200-plus frames per second while displaying 1,000 simultaneous characters rendered with 12,000 polygons. The three-faction PvP-focused fantasy MMO also boasts a building-block crafting system that will allow players to construct individual cells and larger segments before assembling them "in nearly limitless ways."

[Source: City State press release]

[Update: We've clarified that the additional funding was promised as a Kickstarter goal from the start.]

MassivelyCamelot Unchained secures an additional $3 million in funding [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcamelot-unchained-craftingcamelot-unchained-fundingcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcraftingcsefundingkickstartermark-jacobspvprvrThu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal
Oh ye of little faith. Of course Camelot Unchained got funded. Niche MMOs with die-hard fanbases never say die, even when they're up against an 11th hour Kickstarter goal that looked mighty challenging just yesterday.

And that's pretty much all we have to tell you at the moment. Other than the fact that Massively's Kickstarter watchers can officially get back to work. We'll bring you more details about the newly greenlit project as soon as they become available.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsemark-jacobspvprvrWed, 01 May 2013 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: It's time for some retribution in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/flameseeker-chronicles-its-time-for-some-retribution-in-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/flameseeker-chronicles-its-time-for-some-retribution-in-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/flameseeker-chronicles-its-time-for-some-retribution-in-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles It's time for some retribution
Another patch day is upon us. Among other things, Guild Wars 2's Flame and Frost: Retribution is bringing in a new living story dungeon and some much-needed structured PvP improvements. Over the weekend, members of the press were invited to preview some of the incoming content. I'd like to talk about it with you, so be warned that there are spoilers for the living story dungeon ahead.

Something that I found particularly interesting about all of this is that the Molten Weapons Facilities dungeon is going to be available for less than two weeks. The dungeon is due to exit on May 12th. I had expected it to be time-limited, of course, but I think I was expecting a little more time than that. Anyway, let's dive right into it.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: It's time for some retribution in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: It's time for some retribution in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playcustom-arenasdungeonfantasyfeaturedflame-and-frostflame-and-frost-retributionflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2hands-onliving-storyncsoftopinionpatchpatchespreviewpreviewsretributionspectator-modespvptrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 30 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual world economist says Guild Wars 2's pre-endgame economy 'broken']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/virtual-world-economist-says-guild-wars-2s-pre-endgame-economy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/virtual-world-economist-says-guild-wars-2s-pre-endgame-economy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/virtual-world-economist-says-guild-wars-2s-pre-endgame-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Guild Wars 2
Ever since Guild Wars 2 went live back in August of last year, the state of the game's economy has... fluctuated wildly, let's say. But now, about eight months down the line, how is the economy holding up? Virtual world economist Ramin Shokrizade (the same fellow who wrote about using EVE Online to predict the real-world recession) has published a new piece on Gamasutra that takes an in-depth look at the economy of Guild Wars 2 as it stands today.

The article is too detailed to summarize here, but one thing worth taking away is Shokrizade's observation that, "with the exception of craft materials, [Guild Wars 2's] pre-endgame item economy is broken." He elaborates that, for example, a level 39 green-quality chestpiece regularly sells on the auction house for around 112 copper -- a scant 1 copper more than vendors pay for the same item. He concludes that GW2's pre-endgame economy is "one of the worst [he has] studied in the last 14 years." Eesh. He also takes an in-depth look at the role crafting plays in the economy and the effects of the in-game economy on cash-shop purchases. The full piece is a bit long but certainly worth the time for anyone interested in the intricacies of virtual economies or Guild Wars 2 players in general.

MassivelyVirtual world economist says Guild Wars 2's pre-endgame economy 'broken' originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playeconomicseconomyfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftramin-shokrizadeMon, 29 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 launches on May 14]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/dust-514-launches-on-may-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/dust-514-launches-on-may-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/dust-514-launches-on-may-14/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 launches on May 14
CCP Games has just announced at this weekend's EVE Fanfest that the wait for DUST 514 will soon be over: DUST 514 is launching on May 14th.

The free-to-play PlayStation 3 shooter is built to connect with CCP's sci-fi MMORPG sandbox, EVE Online; players in one game can directly influence the players in the other.

"Gamers can look forward to an ever-progressing game, built on the experience CCP has gathered over the past decade, as new features and upgrades are rolled out for years to come," declares the press release posted today. Massively published a hands-on with the game in January.

[Source: CCP press release]

Gallery: DUST 514

Continue reading DUST 514 launches on May 14

MassivelyDUST 514 launches on May 14 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfestfpsgalleriesgalleryicelandlaunchlaunch-datemassively-event-coveragemmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3rekyjaviksandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsshooterSat, 27 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed
Moments ago at EVE Online's tenth anniversary Fanfest, CCP revealed plans for its Second Decade Collector's Edition box. EVE never really had a proper collector's edition, and the tenth anniversary of the game is the perfect opportunity to release one. The box will come with an awesome physical Rifter model that doubles as a USB hub, a CD of the tenth anniversary EVE symphony from this year's Fanfest, and a series of codes to redeem to cosmetic items in EVE Online and DUST 514. The box is due for release in October 2013 and on the EVE store and Amazon and can be pre-purhased right now for $149.99 (€149.99 for those in Europe).

Cosmetic upgrades for EVE include a new golden pod skin that applies permanently to one character, some new bloodline-based in-game clothing, and several collector's edition ships. Players will get a five-run blueprint copy of the tenth anniversary Gnosis battlecruiser and a re-skinned red Tash-Murkon Magnate, and pre-purchasers will get a bonus Nefnatar Thrasher. DUST 514 items include a set of permanant Amarr templar drop suits and weapons with the same stats as normal items but lower skill requirements.

Continue reading EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed

MassivelyEVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-modelsamarranniversarybreakingcollectors-editiondecadedropsuitsdustdust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eve-symphonyeventevent-coveragefanfestgnosisicelandmassively-event-coverageNefnatarnefnatar-thrasherorchestrarekyjavikriftersecond-decadesymphonytash-murkontash-murkon-magnatetemplartemplar-dropsuitthrasherusbusb-hubSat, 27 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

World of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013
When the World of Darkness MMO was first announced in November 2006, it was just an idea and we knew that it wouldn't be released any time soon. The chance to play a sandbox game set in the Vampire: The Masquerade universe nevertheless made fans of the series go nuts, but now over six years later we haven't seen much progress on the game. At EVE Fanfest 2013 today, CCP laid the current state of development bare for all to see and showed some plans for the coming year. There are now 70 people on the WoD team, and they've spent the past week working on everything from art tools and server infrastructure to vampire powers and social options.


"You're a powerful, immortal lord of the night. You don't want to stitch a shirt."
Development plans for 2013 include working on out-of-game web-based social tools, clothing systems, and PvE game environments. There are also plans to work on item creation, but direct crafting is probably not on the cards. As the presenter put it, "You're a powerful, immortal lord of the night. You don't want to stitch a shirt." Though the game is still in the pre-production stage, CCP was keen to show off the tools it's made to speed up the development process. "Some of these videos are a bit dry and technical," joked the presenter, but it came across as more real and honest than another trailer or musings on theoretical gameplay.

Continue reading World of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013

MassivelyWorld of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdevelopmentDirectX-11dx11eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfestgame-developmentgraphicsicelandmassively-event-coveragerekyjaviksandboxvampirevampire-the-masqueradewodworld-of-darknessworld-of-darkness-onlineFri, 26 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Fanfest 2013 day one roundup DUST 514, wormholes, lowsec PvP and Retribution
The 10th anniversary EVE Online Fanfest is beyond massive, with over 1,400 players piling into Reykjavik's Harpa building for three days of intense internet spaceshippery. Players fly from across the world to meet their corpmates and chat with other players as passionate about EVE as they are. CCP runs a packed schedule of game design presentations, reveals, and roundtable discussions with players, but for many attendees, the event is about being a part of a tight-knit community that usually exists only inside a game server.

CCP made the bold statement to the press team this morning that its goal is "to create virtual worlds more meaningful than real life," and with so many people flying across the world to meet other players face to face, I'd say the studio has succeeded. Today saw talks on EVE's hugely successful Retribution expansion, ship rebalancing, map generation in DUST 514, and lowsec PvP, and of course, we attended the DUST 514 keynote speech. There were also some hilarious shenanigans with the wormhole roundtable room filling to bursting and a guest science lecture on the possibility of faster than light travel in real life.

Continue reading EVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfestfeaturedfpsgraphicsicelandinternet-spaceshipslowsecmassively-event-coveragemmofpsnewspiracypirateplanetary-interactionplaystationplaystation-3previewpreviewsps3pvprekyjaviksandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlineterritorial-controlvideovideoswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesThu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA suffers additional layoffs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-goes-through-additional-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-goes-through-additional-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-goes-through-additional-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA goes through additional layoffs
Citing a reorganization to focus on new technologies and mobile development, EA announced that it has let another round of its employees go. No firm numbers or estimates on how many were fired have been officially released, however.

The publisher released the following statement on its blog:
In recent weeks, EA has aligned all elements of its organizational structure behind priorities in new technologies and mobile. This has led to some difficult decisions to reduce the workforce in some locations. We are extremely grateful for the contributions made by each of our employees - those that are leaving EA will be missed by their colleagues and friends.

These are hard but essential changes as we focus on delivering great games and showing players around the world why to spend their time with us.
A Gamasutra source said that the EA Partners publishing label has been abolished in the reorganization, although the games it was handling are still in the works.

MassivelyEA suffers additional layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnerselectronic-artsfiringlayofflayoffsmmo-industrymobilepink-slipsThu, 25 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Helms Deep expansion coming this Fall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/lotros-helms-deep-expansion-coming-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/lotros-helms-deep-expansion-coming-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/lotros-helms-deep-expansion-coming-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

LotRO's Helms Deep expansion coming this Fall
Lord of the Rings Online's fifth expansion has been announced, and Middle-earth explorers will travel to Helm's Deep sometime in the Fall of 2013. Turbine is raising the game's level cap to 95, while the epic storyline will continue through the western plains of Rohan and allow players to directly participate in the battle at Helm's Deep.

Additionally, Turbine's press release mentions new skills and "completely updated class specializations," as well as locations including Edoras, Dunharrow, and the fortress of the Hornburg.

[Source: Turbine press release]

MassivelyLotRO's Helms Deep expansion coming this Fall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingf2pfantasyforth-eorlingasfree-to-playhelms-deephelms-deep-expansionhornburglord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-expansionturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 24 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Storybricks team announces EverQuest Next collaboration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/storybricks-team-announces-everquest-next-collaboration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/storybricks-team-announces-everquest-next-collaboration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/storybricks-team-announces-everquest-next-collaboration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EverQuest Next collaborating with Storybricks
What's the Storybricks team been up to lately? Oh, nothing much. A few tweaks here, an idea or two there, and a whole lot of vacationing in Norrath. What's that, you say? It turns out that Namaste Entertainment has been teaming up with SOE to work on EverQuest Next, of all things.

"After several months of working together with Sony Online," the team posted, "we can finally reveal that we are collaborating on EverQuest Next. EQNext is 'the biggest sandbox ever designed' and we are extremely happy to be working on the most innovative MMORPG under development."

The post couldn't go into specifics about the project, but it did say that the team is doing "remarkable things" with the game.

MassivelyStorybricks team announces EverQuest Next collaboration originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIartificial-intelligencebrian-greenbrian-psychochild-greencollaborationdynamic-AIeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasynamastenamaste-entertainmentpsychochildsandboxsandboxessoesony-online-entertainmentStorybricksTue, 23 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: April's Guild Wars 2 patch brings custom arenas, spectator mode, and a living story dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/flameseeker-chronicles-aprils-guild-wars-2-patch-brings-custom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/flameseeker-chronicles-aprils-guild-wars-2-patch-brings-custom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/flameseeker-chronicles-aprils-guild-wars-2-patch-brings-custom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

It's time for some retribution.
It is time to start talking about Guild Wars 2's April update for reals. I've got some serious knowledge to drop on you regarding the Flame and Frost: Retribution update, so let's get right to it.

Retribution will be the final installment of the Flame and Frost living story arc. To tie everything off, we're getting a new story dungeon that'll take us deep underground into the Molten Weapon Facilities. Structured PvP is getting some love in the form of custom PvP arenas and spectator mode. Guilds are getting more missions and new rewards. The gem store will be getting new stuff.

Let's dive in and look at some specifics, shall we?

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: April's Guild Wars 2 patch brings custom arenas, spectator mode, and a living story dungeon

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: April's Guild Wars 2 patch brings custom arenas, spectator mode, and a living story dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-patcharenanetbrahambuy-to-playcustom-arenasfantasyfeaturedflame-and-frostflame-and-frost-retributionflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2living-storyncsoftopinionpatchpreviewpreviewspvpretributionroxspectator-modespvpupdateTue, 23 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Building the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained's housing, building, and mining revealed
The Camelot Unchained team has just released a new video dev blog for Kickstarter backers outlining some fairly ambitious plans for mining and construction in the upcoming PvE-free sandbox. The system will involve combinations of custom and prefab cells in which players so inclined can build up the empires and trading posts and fortifications of their dreams. And in a nod to games like Minecraft, the construction mechanics are built on a foundation of supplies procured through co-op mining gameplay.

Ahead of the reveal, we asked City State Entertainment's Mark Jacobs a few questions about the systems he's proposing, from the influence of Mojang's popular sandbox to whether mining will become my new part-time job. Read on for the complete interview!

[Update: As of Monday, CSE has also released the document form of the housing plans.]

Continue reading Building the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated]

MassivelyBuilding the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintsbuildersbuildingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcellscity-statecity-state-entertainmentconstructioncsefeaturedgriefinghousinginterviewinterviewsmaintenancemark-jacobsmineminecraftminesminingprefabpvprentrvrscuttlingstructuresupkeepSat, 20 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day three and recap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-three-and-recap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-three-and-recap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-three-and-recap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day three and recap
So yesterday I kinda rambled on at length about why I'm loving Darkfall Unholy Wars. I'm not really apologizing; after all, this is my launch week diary! Today, though, I figured I might tone it down a bit and just hit the highlights of my day three play experience. After that, I'll recap and give you some final thoughts on Darkfall as it stands in April 2013.

Continue reading Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day three and recap

MassivelyMassively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day three and recap originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-craftingdarkfall-impressionsdarkfall-launch-diarydarkfall-launch-weekdarkfall-pvedarkfall-reviewdarkfall-unholy-warsdffantasyfeaturedopen-pvppvepvpsandboxsmartphoneunholy-warsunholy-wars-launchFri, 19 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively's Darkfall launch week diary Day two
I'm doing Darkfall Unholy Wars wrong.

See, I'm one of those sandbox carebears who could not care less about PvP. I'll attempt to defend myself if attacked, and I'll add another body to the zerg if I'm in a clan or whatever, but I don't seek out conflict with other players. I mention this because that attitude obviously informs everything I write about Darkfall, which, at its core, is a great big high fantasy murder simulator.

Yes, the game has crafting, harvesting, player housing, and better PvE than it's given credit for, but on some level all of this stuff exists to power the FFA PvP meatgrinder that in turn attempts to satiate the bloodlust of Aventurine's target demographic.

And would you believe that despite that, Darkfall is still one of this carebear's favorite MMORPGs?

Continue reading Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day two

MassivelyMassively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinecarebeardarkfalldarkfall-launchdarkfall-launch-diarydarkfall-unholy-warsdffantasyfeaturedhands-onimmersionlaunch-diaryopen-pvppvepvpsandboxunholy-warsunholy-wars-launchThu, 18 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Darkfall Unholy Wars loading screen art
Darkfall Unholy Wars' April 2013 launch was quite a bit like Darkfall's February 2009 launch. For me, at any rate. One crucial difference was that this time I was actually able to purchase Aventurine's fantasy sandbox title even though I wasn't able to log into it.

Four years ago, finding a digital copy of Darkfall was damn near impossible. Fast forward to the present and AV has improved its billing apparatus but certainly not its delivery mechanism. After nearly three hours, DFUW's patcher managed to pull down 90 MB out of 6487. I switched to the torrent download, and while it was faster, I still had to leave it overnight. So technically this is day two impressions even though it's day one for yours truly.

Continue reading Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one

MassivelyMassively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-diarydarkfall-first-impressionsdarkfall-hands-ondarkfall-impressionsdarkfall-launchdarkfall-launch-diarydarkfall-launch-weekdarkfall-unholy-warsdarkfall-unholy-wars-launchdfexpansionfantasyfeaturedhands-oninventorylaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopen-pvppvpsandboxunholy-warsWed, 17 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter's Rothe Valley]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/massively-exclusive-neverwinters-rothe-valley/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/massively-exclusive-neverwinters-rothe-valley/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/massively-exclusive-neverwinters-rothe-valley/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Neverwinter's Rothe Valley
With Neverwinter's open beta right around the corner, now is the time to get a good feel for this game world. Cryptic's released a new video and screenshots on a new region called Rothe Valley. It's a peaceful farming community that's come under attack by evil Drow who have enslaved the people. The spider-queen Lolth is behind it all, and players who want to help out the farmers will be entering her dark domain for a counter-attack.

Get your first look at Rothe Valley in the gallery below and in the video after the jump.

Gallery: Neverwinter: Rothe Valley

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter's Rothe Valley

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Neverwinter's Rothe Valley originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobetacrypticcryptic-studiosdndexclusivef2pfantasyfree-to-playgallerylolthneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerothe-valleyscreenshotstrailervideoMon, 15 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Your guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/some-assembly-required-your-guide-to-mmo-sandboxes-in-2013-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Massively's guide to sandboxes
Welcome to Massively's guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond. I've collected the essential details on all the major sandbox titles releasing this year and in the near future in one easy-to-reference article. If you're wondering whether ArcheAge forces you to PvP, or if you can't tell The Repopulation from Origins of Malu, this is your post.

I'll be updating it as game features are added, removed, or revealed, so be sure to use the comments to let me know if I've overlooked a particularly noteworthy item. Finally, I want to point out that this isn't an exhaustive list because of the sheer number of sandbox projects ongoing. For now, I'm choosing to focus on the ones that will be playable in 2013/2014 as well as the projects that have a big-name developer attached.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Your guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Your guide to MMO sandboxes in 2013 and beyond originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013-sandbox-guide2013-sandboxesaaabove-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesaction-mmoage-of-wulinage-of-wushuagonarche-agearcheageasiaavataraventurinecarbinecarbine-studioschinachinesechinese-mmochris-robertscloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamescrowdfundingcrypticcryptic-studiosdangerousdarkfalldavid-brabendfdndeliteelite-dangerouseqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgame-mechanicsgpotatogvginternet-spaceshipinternet-spaceshipskickstarterkidnappinglord-britishmartial-artsmassivelys-sandbox-guideming-dynastyncsoftneverwinteropen-pvpopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvppwerepopulationrichard-garriottsandboxsandbox-guidesandparksarsci-fantasysci-fishroudshroud-of-the-avatarsnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesome-assembly-requiredsony-online-entertainmentSOTAspacespaceshipspaceshipsstar-citizenthe-repopulationwildstarwswushuwuxiaxl-gamesxlgamesFri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar begins beta testing [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/wildstar-begins-beta-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/wildstar-begins-beta-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/wildstar-begins-beta-testing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WildStar begins beta testing
Saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words," the WildStar team has posted a picture of the team with the caption of "IT HAS BEGUN" in obvious reference to beta testing.

Yesterday, the team foreshadowed the onset of testing by tweeting, "We had Chinese food for lunch today, and our fortune cookie read: The person that keeps an eye on their spam filter will surely be rewarded."

Players interested in participating in WildStar's beta can sign up on the official site.

Update: A representative of Carbine Studios emailed us saying, "We have already seen a phenomenal response from our fans and are looking to continually add thousands of players throughout closed beta test 1 to come check out the great content we've been talking about for months. Our closed beta testing process is not a typical weekend event, but instead it will last for several weeks, giving players ample time to come in and check out the factions, races and classes they may choose to play when WildStar launches later this year."

MassivelyWildStar begins beta testing [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-has-begunbeta-testingcarbinecarbine-studiosclosed-betait-has-begunncsoftndasandparksci-fantasysci-fiwildstarwildstar-wednesdaywsWed, 10 Apr 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Wushu launch day roundup [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/age-of-wushu-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/age-of-wushu-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/age-of-wushu-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Age of Wushu launch day roundup
Don't let the delicate beauty of Age of Wushu's looks fool you: This is one savage MMO. We've been tracking the progress of Snail Games' localization and tweaks for Western audiences for months now (as well as voting the game our most anticipated of last year's E3 awards), and the day of its launch is finally here.

Age of Wushu is a free-to-play martial arts sandbox that's set in a semi-historical China. On top of several schools of fighting styles, the MMO includes unconventional features such as kidnapping, offline professions, crafting battles, and weddings.

Check out Massively's extensive coverage of Age of Wushu after the jump and stay tuned for Patrick's impressions of the launch!

[Update]: Snail has released an Age of Wushu launch trailer, viewable after the break.

Continue reading Age of Wushu launch day roundup [Updated]

MassivelyAge of Wushu launch day roundup [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinage-of-wushuasiachinachinesechinese-mmogpotatoguidegvgkidnappinglaunchlaunch-guidelaunch-roundupmartial-artsming-dynastypvpreleaserelease-guideround-uproundupsandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usawushuwuxiaWed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Defiance launch week diary: Recap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-recap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-recap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-recap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Defiance - Major arkfall
By popular forum-rager demand, I present to you Massively's "real" Defiance launch week impressions. I guess some folks aren't satisfied with the general contentment expressed in the diaries I posted Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and they need a chance to vent. So for those people: Defiance is the worst launch ever! It's worse than Anarchy Online! My pet peeves from alpha/beta haven't been fixed, and worse yet, Trion has not called me personally to apologize! Boo-hoooooooo!

Oh, you did actually come here to read some day four Defiance impressions? Good. Today's entry is going to be a recap of sorts because my brief play session last night was likely my last until the TV show's debut.

I feel sorta bad typing that because ultimately I want to like Defiance more than I do, not because I spent 60 bucks on it but because I think Trion has the makings of a title with some staying power. After 20 hours of play, though, I feel as if I've seen enough until the game matures a little bit. No forum rage required.

Continue reading Massively's Defiance launch week diary: Recap

MassivelyMassively's Defiance launch week diary: Recap originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallconsole-mmoconsolesdefiancedefiance-first-impressionsdefiance-launchdefiance-launch-diarydefiance-reviewmmo-shooterpc-master-racepvpsci-fishootersyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxFri, 05 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Defiance launch week diary: Day three]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-day-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-day-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-day-three/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Defiance - Cass' truck
You know what? Defiance's PvP is pretty enjoyable. Most of that enjoyment stems from my ability to actually kill people, contrary to typical MMO themeparks where I stand no chance against gear grinders and theorycrafters who have bested me before I even manage to tab target them.

Here you have to aim, dodge, roll, reload, and do all that crazy skill-based stuff that shooters make you do, and while my K/D ratio is reminding me of the fact that I'm getting old and slow, it's still been a blast. Last night I dipped my toes into something called Shadow War, which is Defiance's answer to open world PvP.

Continue reading Massively's Defiance launch week diary: Day three

MassivelyMassively's Defiance launch week diary: Day three originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfalldefiancedefiance-launchdefiance-launch-diarydefiance-pvpdefiance-shadow-warfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunchesmmo-shooterpvpsci-fishadow-warshootersyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxThu, 04 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney shutters LucasArts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-shutters-lucasarts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-shutters-lucasarts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-shutters-lucasarts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Disney shutters LucasArts
Following Disney's acquisition of Star Wars and its related companies and properties, gaming fans have wondered what might happen to developer LucasArts. Out of all of the possible scenarios, the worst has happened: Disney has stopped development in the studio and laid off its employees.

From the official Disney statement:
"After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games. As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."
Massively conveys its sympathies to those affected by the decision. There's no word yet how this might affect Star Wars: The Old Republic, if at all.

MassivelyDisney shutters LucasArts originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingclosecloseddisneyeaelectronic-artsf2pfiredfiringsfree-to-playlayofflayoffslucaslucasartspink-slipssci-fishutterstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorWed, 03 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Defiance launch week diary: Day two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/massivelys-defiance-launch-week-diary-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Defiance - ATV lens flare
Welcome to day two of Massively's Defiance launch week diary. I've put a little over seven hours into Trion's MMO shooter thus far, so that zomg-it's-a-new-game! glow has worn off and I'm able to see things more objectively (i.e., find things to criticize). That said, I'm still having a good bit of fun, so join me after the cut to find out why.

Continue reading Massively's Defiance launch week diary: Day two

MassivelyMassively's Defiance launch week diary: Day two originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfalldefiancedefiance-diarydefiance-impressionsdefiance-launchdefiance-launch-diarydefiance-pvedefiance-reviewfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunchesmmo-shooterpvesci-fishootersyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvWed, 03 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST