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[The Game Archaeologist: The return of Habitat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/04/the-game-archaeologist-the-return-of-habitat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/04/the-game-archaeologist-the-return-of-habitat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/04/the-game-archaeologist-the-return-of-habitat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

habitat
After over four years of writing for Massively, I've ceased to be surprised by how bizarre and unexpected this industry can be. However, if you had told me a few weeks ago that, of all things, Habitat would be coming back online, I would have laughed mightily in your face.

And yet, that's exactly what's happening. The Museum of Arts and Digital Entertainment has taken up the challenge to restore LucasFilm's Habitat to working condition and then, for the first time ever, open this original virtual world up to the internet to play. Museum staff, former Habitat devs, and volunteers have been wrestling with the old code and hardware to make this happen, and I can think of no better topic for this week's column than to look at how this 28-year-old game for the Commodore 64 will emerge blinking in the light of the modern era.

I reached out to MADE's director, Alex Handy, to chat about the project and get clarification concerning what steps will need to be taken between now and the moment the switch is thrown to power up Habitat.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: The return of Habitat

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: The return of Habitat originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-handyaolc64chip-morningstarclassicclassic-mmosclassicsClub-Caribecommodore-64disneyfeaturedfujitsugame-archaelogisthabitatlucasartslucasfilmlucasfilmslucasfilms-habitatmadenostalgiaopinionq-linkrandy-farmerthe-game-archaeologistthe-madethe-museum-of-arts-and-digital-entertainmentSat, 04 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Grand conspiracies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/22/ask-massively-grand-conspiracies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/22/ask-massively-grand-conspiracies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/22/ask-massively-grand-conspiracies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The first and last COD screen you'll probably ever see on Massively
Earlier this week, Massively's Mike Foster penned a Soapbox editorial that argued against obsessing over the definition of MMO to the exclusion of debating good game design. If you liked it, awesome. If you hated it, then take heart; next week, Brendan Drain will be arguing the flip-side of Mike's article.

That's what our Soapbox is all about: writers talking about game-related things they're interested in or passionate about. It's a soapbox mounted by a different author every week, not a notarized declaration of the site's purpose and intent. We've intentionally collected a team with diverse opinions, and we rarely all agree on every opinion published on the site, especially the Soapbox, and that's the whole point. If we all agreed, we'd be boring. Plus I'd never get to waste an afternoon debating video games with Eliot in chat, which is tremendous fun, incidentally, and I highly recommend it.

This week in Ask Massively, I want to address the conspiracy theory proposed in the wake of that Soapbox as well as a few other bits and bobs from our comments.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Grand conspiracies

MassivelyAsk Massively: Grand conspiracies originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnaolaol-seedask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelyeditorialsfeaturedfreelancerfreelancinghumorlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassively-metametaopinionseedsoapboxthe-soapboxThu, 22 Aug 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: GameLine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-game-archaeologist-gameline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-game-archaeologist-gameline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-game-archaeologist-gameline/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Gameline
Modern MMO gamers are blessed with plenty of conveniences that we take for granted. One such convenience is the ability to simply download any online game without having to deal with the hassle of DVDs or CDs (trust me, young people, one day your children will be dubious when you tell them how you'd have to swap in discs to load a game). Game trials, downloadable content, access to a large library of titles, and simply being online are facts of life for us, not cause for us to fall on our knees in total awe.

Before Steam was offering us loads of free-to-play MMOs, before Xbox Live Arcade was offering indie titles a platform for exposure, before CompuServe was making headway in online services, there was an odd artifact on the Atari 2600. Yes, that ancient console that has nary an "X" or "Play" in its name. The artifact was GameLine, and whether or not you've heard of it, it was one of the earliest pioneers of downloadable games services. When I found out about it, it just fascinated the crap out of me. I think it will impress you, too.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: GameLine

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: GameLine originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>america-onlineaolatariatari-2600bbsclassicclassic-mmosclassicsconsolecvcfeaturedgame-archaelogistgamelinehome-music-storemodemnostalgiaopinionquantum-computer-servicesquantum-linkthe-game-archaeologistthe-sourceWilliam-F-von-MeisterWilliam-von-MeisterSat, 09 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Origin stories of modern MMO studios
A good origin story always captivates me, especially when it gives me a new perspective on something I've come to appreciate over the years. I love looking back at actors' first few films or hearing about how, say, Atari and Microsoft got their start.

With MMO studios, these origin stories abound and are equally fascinating to me. For example, who would've known that the makers of a couple of SNES titles would one day be running the largest MMO in the world? Or what if few gaming hobbyists in the '80s hadn't created MUDs and then gone on to revolutionize online PvP play?

Today we're going to go back to the very beginning of several modern MMO studios to see when and how they came into being. Who knows... it might change how you see them forever.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aolatariAugustine-YipbiowareblizzardBrad-McQuaidclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdaocdark-age-of-camelotfeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistgenieGreg-Zeschukid4-onlinejohn-smedleymark-jacobsmicrosoftmythicnostalgiaopinionRay-Muzykasilicon-and-synapsesoesony-online-entertainmentSteve-Cloverthe-game-archaeologistverantverant-interactivewarcraftSat, 23 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What was the best MMO expansion of all time?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-best-mmo-expansion-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-best-mmo-expansion-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-best-mmo-expansion-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Daily Grind What was the best MMO expansion of all time
Whether or not the expansion model is here to stay or on the way out in the industry is a topic for another time. Instead, I want to talk about the best expansion of all time. AOL's Neverwinter Nights supposedly had an expansion in 1992, but the modern age of expansions didn't get going until 1998's Ultima Online: The Second Age. Since then we've seen scores of add-ons to our favorite MMOs. In 2012, we had nine major expansions enter the field (and we're not even counting content updates).

A great expansion significantly improves upon the game that came before. Perhaps it adds a wealth of new content, is just superbly done, or introduces a beloved feature to the game. For you, it could be the expansion in which you fell in love with a certain MMO.

Don't hold back here; if there ever was a time to step up and be bold, now is it. Let's fight it out in the comments over the best expansion that was, is, and ever will be!

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What was the best MMO expansion of all time? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aoldaily-grindexpansionexpansionsneverwinter-nightsopiniontdgthe-daily-grindthe-second-ageultima-onlineSun, 13 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Dark Sun Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-game-archaeologist-dark-sun-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-game-archaeologist-dark-sun-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-game-archaeologist-dark-sun-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dark Sun Online
Computer RPG players in the late '80s and early '90s were surely familiar with Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) and its now-infamous Gold Box series. The series, so named because of their distinctive gold packaging, ran on a solid engine that helped the company churn out over a dozen titles within a five-year span. From Dungeons & Dragons' Pool of Radiance to Buck Rogers: Countdown to Doomsday, these titles quickly became revered among the gaming community. I personally have very fond memories of playing both Buck Rogers titles, despite not having ever watched the show.

While the Gold Box series has not become as timeless or replayable as late '90s classics like Baldur's Gate and Fallout, they definitely had a huge impact on the PC scene and helped elevate the CRPG genre. Following the Gold Box engine, SSI went on to produce another engine that it used for a completely new series set in the D&D campaign setting of Dark Sun. Dark Sun: Shattered Lands (1993) and Dark Sun: Wake of the Ravager (1994) were both modest hits, and when it came time for a third game in the series, SSI decided to make the leap to the then-untested realm of online gaming.

What followed was a wild two-year experiment in MMOs that happened prior to the Ultima Online and EverQuest generation. While ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its potential or gaining a large audience, Dark Sun Online: Crimson Sands made a valiant attempt at achieving the inevitable future of gaming.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Dark Sun Online

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Dark Sun Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al-QadimAndre-VrignaudAOLathasattatt-interchangeBaldurs-GateBuck-Rogersbuck-rogers-countdown-to-doomsdayclassicclassic-mmosclassicsCompuServeCountdown-to-Doomsdaycrimson-sandsdark-sundark-sun-onlinedark-sun-online-crimson-sandsDark-Sun-Shattered-LandsDark-Sun-Wake-of-the-RavagerdnddosDungeons-and-DragonsFalloutfeaturedgame-archaelogistGameStormGEniegold-boxgold-box-enginehackhackinginterchangemudmushNeverwinter-NightsnostalgiaopinionPool-of-Radiancerich-donnellyrick-donnellyshattered-landsssistrategic-simulations-inctenthe-game-archaeologistThe-Shadow-of-YserbiusthunderscapeTotal-Entertainment-Networkwake-of-the-ravagerwindowswindows-95Word-of-Aden-ThunderscapeTue, 15 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Air Warrior
Most studios would be overjoyed to have pioneered one significant advancement in video game history, but then again, most studios aren't Kesmai. While it's not a household name today, it's reasonable to say that without the heavy lifting and backbreaking coding that this company shouldered in the '80s and '90s, the MMO genre would've turned out very different indeed.

Last week we met two enterprising designers, Kelton Flinn and John Taylor, who recognized that multiplayer was the name of the future and put their careers on the line to see an idea through to completion. That idea was Island of Kesmai, an ancestor of the modern MMO that used crude ASCII graphics and CompuServe's network to provide an interactive, cooperative online roleplaying experience. It wasn't the first MMO, but it was the first one published commercially, and sometimes that makes all the difference.

Flinn and Taylor's Kesmai didn't stop with being the first to bring MMOs to the big time, however. Flush with cash and success, Kesmai turned its attention to the next big multiplayer challenge: 3-D graphics and real-time combat. Unlike the fantasy land of Island of Kesmai, this title would take to the skies in aerial dogfighting and prove even more popular than the team's previous project.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to the second part of our interview with former Meridian 59 developer Brian "Psychochild" Green as he reminisces about running one of the oldest graphical MMOs in history. If you missed the first part, I heartily recommend you catch up on it before continuing further.

And now, for the exciting conclusion...

The Game Archaeologist: What's one of your favorite stories from your experience running Meridian 59?

Brian Green: One time I was at Dave & Busters restaurant one evening after a day at the Game Developer's Conference (GDC). I was chatting with Raph Koster about the conference, when from behind us someone says, "Oh my god, are you Psychochild?!?" Raph, who has always been more high profile than I am, gives a grin and leaves. Turns out they were fans of the game and bought me a drink as thanks.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist crosses Meridian 59: A chat with Brian Green (part 2)

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist crosses Meridian 59: A chat with Brian Green (part 2) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Really, I blame my parents for not being filthy rich. If they were, we could've afforded the $130/month unlimited subscription fee to the ImagiNation Network (INN) back in the early '90s. Just think! All of the gaming, the socializing, and the roleplaying that you could handle -- for such a low price! I mean, sure, there were hourly options, but who'd want to play for a mere five hours a month?

So instead of becoming part of a growing online community, I had to be content with my SNES and copy of Chrono Trigger -- hard times, indeed. Sometimes I think how my life would've been different if we had subscribed to Sierra's colorful online world, because I would've had a chance to get in on one of the first graphical MMOs: The Shadow of Yserbius.

It was a step forward in graphic quality from the text-only MUDs of the day but perhaps a step backward from the complexity that many MUDs brought to the table. Still, for a few shining years, it entranced thousands who lined up to delve dungeons deeply alongside their friends (and a couple of complete strangers with odor disorders).

Today we're going to take a quick peek at one of the first MMOs that stepped into the realm of lush color and animations and see what made The Shadow of Yserbius so enduring.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist sees The Shadow of Yserbius

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist sees The Shadow of Yserbius originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-d3-daolbarbarianchrono-triggerclericdeath-penaltydnddungeondungeon-crawlerdungeon-crawlingdungeons-and-dragonselvesEn-li-Kilfeaturedgremlinsguildguild-hallhalflingsimagination-networkinnknightmagemudmudsneverwinter-nightsorcsshadow-of-yserbiussierrasierra-onlinesnesThe-Fates-of-Twinionthe-ruins-of-cawdorthe-shadow-of-yserbiusthieftrollswarriorwizardyserbiusTue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: Your journeys, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-your-journeys-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-your-journeys-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-your-journeys-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is the end, my only friend, the end. Of our elaborate plans, the end. Of everything that MOOs, the end. No safety or aggro radius, the end.

Man, listening to The Doors early in the morning does not put you in a happy state of writing, let me tell you!

In any case, we've extended our MUD/MU* month here on the Game Archaeologist Channel to include a few more first-hand testimonies of Massively readers' favorite text-based MMOs. As much as anything else we've talked about in this column, it's vital that we not forget the roots from which our current MMOs were born nor neglect to take the opportunity to expose a whole new generation to a graphically simpler but textually richer experience.

So let's kick the tires and light the fires of nostalgia as we talk with five of the baddest MUDders you'll ever know!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: Your journeys, part 2

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: Your journeys, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earlier in the year when I started this column, I realized two things. First, I'd be giving myself as much as any of you a crash-course education in older MMOs, particularly with some of the more fringe titles that I'd never really explored up to this point. And second, it would be a challenge to find the right mix of elements to do these MMOs justice.

So before we look back at all the games this column covered in 2010, I'd like to ask each and every one of you to take a minute and drop a comment about what you'd like to see The Game Archaeologist do next. What titles would you love to see honored in 2011? What features are the most interesting to you -- dev interviews, player interviews, history overviews, photo galleries, first impression playthroughs, or links to community fansites and blogs? What could I add to make The Game Archaeologist even better?

I also want to take a minute to thank the readers, players and developers who have contributed to this column so far. While there are MMOs that get a lion's share of the press these days, we at Massively are committed to spotlighting as many of these games as possible, particularly if there's a passionate community and dev team behind them. I've loved hearing your stories and hope that in passing them along, perhaps we've opened a door or two to games that you might've never considered before.

So let's hop in our hot air balloon and soar over the year that was 2010!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the year that was 2010

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the year that was 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-Onlineaoaolbbsbulletin-board-systemdaocdark-age-of-camelotdnddoor-gamesdungeons-and-dragonseaea-mythicend-of-the-year-2010featuredfuncomgary-gygaxjagexjickkingdom-of-loathingmark-jacobsmr-skullheadmythicMythic-Entertainmentneverwinter-nightsnew-game-enhancementsngepvprichard-garriottrunescapesoestar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-game-archaeologistthe-simsthe-sims-onlinetsoturbineultima-onlineuowinter-holiday-2010wookiee-loveTue, 28 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Nights of Old Winter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-nights-of-old-winter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-nights-of-old-winter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-nights-of-old-winter/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Here's a question for you: How much do you really, really have to love a game to pay $8.00 an hour to play it? Considering how much we tend to whine about a flat $15/month fee, I'm guessing the answer is, "Only if it loved me long time."

And yet, in 1991 this wasn't considered crazy extortionist practices -- it was dubbed "Being a pioneer." While online RPGs were nothing new by then, nobody had tackled the jump from text-based RPGs (MUDs and BBS doors) to graphical games due to the technology (limited modem speeds and access) and funding involved. It took the efforts of a Superfriends-style team to make this happen with Neverwinter Nights: Stormfront Studios developed the game, TSR provided the Dungeons & Dragons license, SSI published it under its Gold Box series, and Aol handled the online operations.

Thus, 19 years ago -- six years before Ultima Online and 13 before World of Warcraft -- the first multiplayer graphical RPG went online and helped forge a path that would lead to where we are today. With only 50 to 500 players per server, Neverwinter Nights may not have been "massively," but it deserves a spot of honor as one of the key ancestors to the modern MMO.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Nights of Old Winter

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Nights of Old Winter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>america-onlineaolbbsbiowarebuck-rogerscrypticcryptic-studiosdon-daglowdual-classDungeons-and-Dragonsemmy-awardeverquestfeaturedforgotten-realmsgold-boxin-game-eventlord-nashermudmulticlassneverwinter-nightsneverwinter-nights-2neverwinter-nights-aolneverwinter-nights-mmoobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpool-of-radiancepvppvp-ladderssisteve-casestormfront-studiossuperfriendstabula-rasathe-game-archaeologisttsrultima-onlineworld-of-warcraftTue, 23 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Quest for Camelot: Interview with Mythic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-quest-for-camelot-interview-with/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-quest-for-camelot-interview-with/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-quest-for-camelot-interview-with/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After last week's expedition into the dark Dark Age of Camelot, the Game Archaeologist uncovered the mightiest weapon of them all: the Hammer of Nostalgia. The hammer may be battle-worn, but it has never seen better days. Everywhere it strikes, fond memories of epic keep battles surface, and former players feel compelled to sign up for another tour of duty.

The Game Archaeologist proceeded to take the hammer back to its makers, the sweat-stained smithies at Mythic Entertainment (now BioWare Mythic), to see whether they thought there was any magic left in the game. Two burly men put down their steel tools and stepped forward to testify, and their names were Colin of the Hicks and Jeff "Soulstriker" Hickman. The air became thick with memories as the duo recalled the early days of the hammer's history, when players were initially adding to its strength with each victory and each crushing defeat.

Pull up a stool to hear their tale, and when you are done, send in your own favorite DAoC memories (100 words max, please) to justin@massively.com for next week's column!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Quest for Camelot: Interview with Mythic

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Quest for Camelot: Interview with Mythic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albionalbsaolavalonbattlegroundsbioware-mythiccolin-hicksdaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkness-fallsea-mythicexpansionfeaturedfrontiersgalladoriagamestormhammer-of-nostalgiahiberniahibsjeff-hickmanlead-world-developerlive-eventsmidgardmidsmythicMythic-Entertainmentpvprvrshrouded-islesthe-game-archaeologistthe-holy-hand-grenade-of-antiochultima-onlineuowarwarhammer-onlineTue, 10 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Did LucasArts invent the avatar-based virtual world in 1985?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/did-lucasarts-invent-the-avatar-based-virtual-world-in-1985/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/did-lucasarts-invent-the-avatar-based-virtual-world-in-1985/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/did-lucasarts-invent-the-avatar-based-virtual-world-in-1985/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The computer gaming industry of the 1980s was akin to the automotive industry in the 1950s: experimental and courageous. LucasArts (through a branch known then as Lucasfilm Games) had the money to throw around in game development at the time. As we can read in a new book, one of their experiments was at least a decade ahead of its time.

This book, entitled Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts, chronicles the history of George Lucas' vision through more than just his films. A project entitled Habitat enabled Commodore 64 users to create an avatar and chat with other players in a simple virtual world via a modem. Despite the fact that this game never got off the ground, its ideas were still brand new to everyone. Why didn't the project ever see the light of day? There were several reasons, but mainly the fact that C64 users were paying CompuServe $12 an hour for network access back then. This innovation also pushed Commodore to invest in a new company called Quantum Computer Services to undercut CompuServe with rates "as low as" $3.60 an hour. Quantum Computer Services eventually changed their name to America Online. Sound interesting? There's much more to the story, as you can read over at GameSetWatch, or the book itself, found at Amazon.

MassivelyDid LucasArts invent the avatar-based virtual world in 1985? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1985aolavatarcommodore-64compuservelucasartsvirtual-worldThu, 22 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No more winter nights for Stormfront Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/no-more-winter-nights-for-stormfront-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/no-more-winter-nights-for-stormfront-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/no-more-winter-nights-for-stormfront-studios/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Bay Area game developer Stormfront Studios is closing its doors after 20 years of operation.

This is an unfortunate turn of events in the video game industry -- especially the MMO sector -- because in 1991 Stormfront produced the very first graphical online RPG, Neverwinter Nights. The company was helmed by Don Daglow, an esteemed developer who created arguably the first ever computer RPG. That game was called Dungeon, and it operated on the PDP-10 mainframe in the mid-late 1970s.

We're sad to see a studio of such pedigree go. We just waxed nostalgic about Neverwinter Nights on Monday, so we're a bit shocked to see the group behind it bite the dust. NWN was shut down long ago, but its influence -- and therefore, Stormfront's influence -- is undeniable. It was even even honored at the Tech & Engineering Emmy Awards in January. We wish Daglow and the other folks at Stormfront success in whatever lies ahead for each of them.

[Via Joystiq]

MassivelyNo more winter nights for Stormfront Studios originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOLclosingdon-daglowdungeonemmy-awardshistoryjoystiqneverwinter-nightsnext-gennostalgiapdp-10RPGstormfront-studiosWed, 02 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Visual History of MMORPGs, Part I]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/massivelys-visual-history-of-mmorpgs-part-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/massivelys-visual-history-of-mmorpgs-part-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/massivelys-visual-history-of-mmorpgs-part-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


The MMORPG genre has come so far in these past few decades, it's almost difficult to believe. The journey from text MUDs to America Online-based dungeon crawlers, and all the way up to Age of Conan and Warhammer Online has been a truly impressive one. We here at Massively would like to invite you to step into the time machine with us and take a visual tour of that journey. We're taking a close look at the most important titles in online role-playing game history!

What was the first MUD? Howabout the first 3D MMO? When did these games transition from niche curiosities to global, cultural phenomenons, and who's responsible? In this series, we'll tackle all those questions and more. Plus, we'll see just how far these fancy graphics have come over the years! Sound like fun? Jump into the gallery!

Gallery: Massively's Visual History of MMORPGs, Part I

MUDNeverwinter Nights (1991)The Shadow of Yserbius (1992)Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds (1996)Meridian 59 (1996)

MassivelyMassively's Visual History of MMORPGs, Part I originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3doaolfeaturedgalleryhistoryjoystiqfeatureslineagemeridian-59mmorpgmmorpgsMUDncsoftnear-death-studiosneverwinter-nightsnexonnexusoriginorigin-systemsscreenshotsshadow-of-yserbiussierrasierra-onlinethe-realmultima-onlineMon, 31 Mar 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Video game giants awarded at CES 2008]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/video-game-giants-awarded-at-ces-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/video-game-giants-awarded-at-ces-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/video-game-giants-awarded-at-ces-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Several video games and their respective creators were honored at the fifty-ninth Annual Technology and Engineering Emmy Awards at CES 2008 in Las Vegas. The awards spotlighted some of the most groundbreaking titles in development of massively multiplayer online graphical role playing games as well as user generated content or game mods.

The winners of the first category for development of MMORPGs were Sony Online Entertainment for Everquest (Laura Naviaux), Blizzard for World of Warcraft (Mike Morhaime) and AOL/Time Warner for Neverwinter Nights (Don Daglow).

And the winners of the second category for user generated content/game modification were EA for Pinball Construction (Bill Budge), Id Software for Quake (John Carmack) and Linden Lab for Second Life (Philip Rosedale).

Pictured from left to right: Daglow, Budge, Carmack, Naviaux, Rosedale, Morhaime

We really only have just one thing to mention. If you're the representative of a multi-billion-dollar international corporation like Activision Blizzard, shouldn't you consider something other than raiding your dad's closet for a 1970's brown polyester suit? Although, only really rich people can afford to look broke, because they buy good stuff and wear it forever. So when Mike got it, it was probably very chic... in the 70's.

MassivelyVideo game giants awarded at CES 2008 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aolaol-time-warnerawardawardsbill-budgeblizzardblizzard-activisioncesdon-dagloweverquestid-sofwarejohn-carmacklaura-naviauxlinden-labmike-morhaimeneverwinter-nightsphilip-rosedalesecond-lifesoesony-online-entertainmentworld-of-warcraftTue, 08 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AOL AWOL from SL]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/aol-awol-from-sl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/aol-awol-from-sl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/aol-awol-from-sl/#commentsFiled under: ,

AOL Pointe, AOL's installation in Second Life that was intended to be an ongoing experiment to define, measure and test methods of avatar engagement is, today, missing. Recently the island was closed to the public, and now it appears to have gone entirely.

The island which was created to be a living experiment was rather stillborn when (rumor has it) the division responsible for its creation, and to be responsible for its ongoing management were dropped from the AOL corporation right about the time that the site opened.

Continue reading AOL AWOL from SL

MassivelyAOL AWOL from SL originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aolaol-pointesecond-lifeTue, 04 Dec 2007 02:30:00 EST