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[CCP still iterating on EVE's bipedal gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/ccp-still-iterating-on-eves-bipedal-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/ccp-still-iterating-on-eves-bipedal-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/ccp-still-iterating-on-eves-bipedal-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

CCP still iterating on EVE's Incarna gameplay
EVE Online's bipedal avatar gameplay has a long history. What started as simply "walking in stations" morphed into a concept called Ambulation before finally seeing the light of day during 2011's Incarna expansion.

Internet spaceship fans revolted, though, and CCP was forced to shelve its goals for fleshing out the New Eden universe. Apparently the mothballing was temporary, as CCP's Ned Coker recently explained to PCGamesN. "Incarna and avatar gameplay is definitely not shelved indefinitely, it's just not being worked on actively in full production right now," he said.

EVE devs are tinkering with new Incarna prototypes that feature more actual gameplay as opposed to the single-player sitting-on-your-couch-and-surfing-the-market experience offered by the current captain's quarters implementation. Coker says that one of the prototypes involves deep space dead ship discovery wherein players will leave their pods and explore dangerous bits of wreckage.

MassivelyCCP still iterating on EVE's bipedal gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationcaptains-quartersccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineincarnainternet-spaceshipssandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinewalking-in-stationsMon, 08 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online: Crucible forges a new game today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/eve-online-crucible-forges-a-new-game-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/eve-online-crucible-forges-a-new-game-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/eve-online-crucible-forges-a-new-game-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online
Crucible is an apt name for EVE Online's 15th expansion, considering that the game, its developers, and its players have gone through a severe testing this year in many respects. CCP is hoping that Crucible will be better received than its previous expansion, Incarna, and is hyping it as "EVE reforged."

Today Crucible is coming to the game as a free expansion following a period of extended downtime. It's very much a "kitchen sink" update, with major improvements and reworkings of game systems. These include items as big as improved space visuals and dilating time to allow for large fleet battles to touches as small as contrails, an improved font, and new Captains Quarters. New ships in the expansion are a given, but ground-bound pilots might be attracted to opening up their very own customs offices to tax planetary businesses.

There are so many additions and changes, in fact, that it's almost futile to try to crush them into a couple paragraphs, so while you're waiting for the game to come back up, make sure to check out the patch notes, the EVE Online: Crucible website, and our own Brendan Drain's thoughts for more info.

MassivelyEVE Online: Crucible forges a new game today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-quartersccpccp-gamescruciblecustoms-officecustoms-officeseveeve-onlineexpansionfontfontskitchen-sinklaunchpatch-notestime-dialationTue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Looking forward to the winter expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/eve-evolved-looking-forward-to-the-winter-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/eve-evolved-looking-forward-to-the-winter-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/eve-evolved-looking-forward-to-the-winter-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Since EVE Online's release in 2003, CCP Games has been the center of one of the most interesting success stories in the games industry. Produced by a tiny indie development studio on a frozen volcanic rock, EVE was the perfect example of how to do things right. The game's publishing deal with Simon & Schuster allowed CCP to buy back the rights to the game several months after its initial release. With no publisher taking a cut of the profits, CCP ploughed subscriptions back into the game's development and grew the development team organically. As a one-game company, CCP worked closely with players to make EVE the best game possible for its loyal playerbase.

In a recent letter to the players, CCP CEO Hilmar laments that somewhere along the line, things changed for the worse. The CCP of today bears little resemblance to the "little indie studio that could" of 2003, not just housing over 600 employees in offices around the world but also developing upcoming MMOs DUST 514 and World of Darkness. Resources are spread thin, and EVE Online has suffered for it. Last month I looked back at the blockbuster Apocrypha expansion and asked why every expansion since then has cut down on the in-space development players want. Hilmar's letter and its accompanying devblog answered that question this week with a solid plan for iteration on flying in space features during the winter development period.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look forward to the winter expansion and explain why each of the issues being tackled in the coming expansion is a big deal to players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Looking forward to the winter expansion

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Looking forward to the winter expansion originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-shipsbalanceblastersCaptains-quartersccpccp-eveccp-gamesestablishmentseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfaction-warfarefactional-warfarefeaturedfonthilmarincarnalagmmo-industrymothershipmothershipsnerfnullsecomg-a-new-fontopinionpvepvpship-spinningsovereigntysupercapital-nerfsupercarriersupercarrierstime-dilationtitantitanswarfarewinteryaySun, 09 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games CEO issues letter of apology to EVE Online players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/ccp-games-ceo-issues-letter-of-apology-to-eve-online-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/ccp-games-ceo-issues-letter-of-apology-to-eve-online-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/ccp-games-ceo-issues-letter-of-apology-to-eve-online-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
Just over three months ago, fans of EVE Online looked on in disbelief as the game they loved faced its biggest crisis of confidence since 2007's T20 developer scandal. The long-awaited Incarna expansion was pushed live with no multiplayer environments and only one race of captain's quarters. Players were forced to use the feature every time they docked, and it seemed that its only purpose was as a display case for overpriced cash-shop clothing. While players debated the controversial cash shop prices, a leaked company newsletter titled "Greed is Good" and a leaked memo from CCP Games CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson threw additional fuel on the flames.

In a letter to the EVE Online community today, Hilmar delivered a humble apology for everything that happened. "The estrangement from CCP that many of you have been feeling of late is my fault, and for that I am truly sorry," he began. "In short, my zeal for pushing EVE to her true potential made me lose sight of doing the simple things right. I was impatient when I should have been cautious, defiant when I should have been conciliatory and arrogant when I should have been humble."

The letter goes on to tackle everything from the removal of ship spinning and the release of the captain's quarters as a full expansion to CCP's plans for the future. In an accompanying devblog, CCP Zulu provided an impressive list of in-space features aimed for the winter development period. The list includes the long-awaited hybrid weapon balance changes, assault ship bonus reworks, capital ship rebalancing, and even iteration on faction warfare.

MassivelyCCP Games CEO issues letter of apology to EVE Online players originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apologyarnar-gylfasonCaptains-quartersccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-zulucommunicationeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsexpectation-managementfearlesshilmarhilmar-peturssonhilmar-veigar-peturssonincarnaleakleaked-memomacrotransactionsMicrotransactionsmiscommunicationmonoclemonocle-gatemonoclegatenewsnewsletternexnoble-exchangewinterWed, 05 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE adds more racial captain's quarters to test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/eve-adds-more-racial-captains-quarters-to-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/eve-adds-more-racial-captains-quarters-to-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/eve-adds-more-racial-captains-quarters-to-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Gallente captain's quarters
Those of you chafing under the constraints of the Minmatar captain's quarters released earlier this summer as part of EVE Online's Incarna expansion have reason to celebrate. The other three racially themed quarters have just been deployed to Singularity (that's the test server, for you EVE newbs).

When we say racially themed, we don't mean like an Al Sharpton monologue but rather like the Gallente, Caldari, and Amarr races who, along with the Minmatar, make up EVE's four playable factions. A new dev blog hits the highlights of each CQ, and each one boasts a visual aesthetic that mirrors its race.

Gallente quarters, for example, are "are slick and streamlined -- comfort through elegant design. The mirror is also prominent, since the Gallenteans are known to spend a lot of time in front of it." The Minmatar pad has also been tweaked, and you can read all the details at the official EVE website. Before you go, check out the preview video after the cut.

[Update: CCP has also uploaded a video explaining the new time dilation feature.]

Continue reading EVE adds more racial captain's quarters to test server

MassivelyEVE adds more racial captain's quarters to test server originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrcaldaricaptains-quartersccpccp-gamescqeveeve-onlinegallenteincarnaminmatarsci-fiscifisingularitytest-servertrailervideoFri, 30 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Custom video content available in EVE's captain's quarters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/custom-video-content-available-in-eves-captains-quarters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/custom-video-content-available-in-eves-captains-quarters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/custom-video-content-available-in-eves-captains-quarters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - Player watching SWTOR in captain's quarters
Chances are you haven't really fantasized about kicking back in your captain's quarters and watching a movie or three. After all, EVE Online is about blowing people up -- or preferably, scamming them and then blowing them up, amirite? Similarly, hanging out in the game's Incarna interiors is for imaginative carebears and inept internet spaceship pilots, according to some.

Nevertheless, CCP has released a new dev blog detailing how you can go about customizing the infinite video loop that currently runs on your CQ's widescreen television. It involves converting your videos to the .BIK format and sticking them into the appropriate folder, and CCP Optimal outlines the technical details at the official EVE Online website.

MassivelyCustom video content available in EVE's captain's quarters originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bikbink-videocaptains-quartersccpccp-gamesccp-optimaleveeve-onlinehacksin-game-videoincarnamoviestelevisionvideovideo-formattingMon, 26 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP working on EVE ship spinning patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/ccp-working-on-eve-ship-spinning-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/ccp-working-on-eve-ship-spinning-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/ccp-working-on-eve-ship-spinning-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Hulk ship spinning
Incarna haters rejoice! OK, maybe rejoice is too strong a word, but surely the return of ship spinning is worth a smile or two, amirite?

Today's second piece of EVE Online news comes courtesy of Torfi Frans Olafsson's latest blog post. In it, he mentions how CCP is rethinking its captain's quarters design and working toward reimplementing the ability for bored pod pilots to rotate their cameras around their active ship while docked. The ability disappeared with the introduction of full-body avatars in last summer's Incarna expansion, and Olafsson says that soon "you will simply be able to board and unboard your ship, toggling between captain's quarters and ship spinning mode."

Incarna's hefty graphical requirements have also inconvenienced players logging in via "craptop" portable computers that lack gaming-quality hardware, and the post says that fixes for this are on the way as well. Finally, there are a few blurbs about improvements to captain's quarters shaders and new turret graphics. Read all about it at the official EVE website.

MassivelyCCP working on EVE ship spinning patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-quartersccpccp-gamesdev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlineincarnanew-edensandboxsci-fishadersship-spinningtorfi-frans-olafssonturretsMon, 19 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP releases EVE's emergency CSM meeting minutes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/ccp-releases-eves-emergency-csm-meeting-minutes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/ccp-releases-eves-emergency-csm-meeting-minutes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/ccp-releases-eves-emergency-csm-meeting-minutes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - internet spaceship
There's no drama like internet spaceship drama, and the boohoos stemming from last summer's EVE Online Incarna expansion -- and the associated monoclegate controversy -- continue to make waves.

CCP has finally gotten around to releasing the minutes from the "emergency" Council of Stellar Management meeting that took place in Iceland from June 30th through July 1st. According to CCP Xhagen, the lengthy delay was due to the fact that "it takes time to create a document that everyone can accept. It is important to keep in mind that CSM meeting minutes are not released unless both CCP and the CSM give their approval."

The document summarizes the discussions and presents the brouhaha surrounding captain's quarters performance, the Noble Exchange, and CCP's future plans for virtual goods from the perspective of both devs and player representatives. The PDF ultimately serves as a useful summary of EVE's latest drama explosion, and you can read it in its entirety by following the link below.

MassivelyCCP releases EVE's emergency CSM meeting minutes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boohoocaptains-quarterscash-shopccpccp-gamesccp-xhagencouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdramaemergencyeveeve-onlinehtfuincarnamonoclemonocle-gatemonoclegatenew-edennoble-exchangesandboxsci-fivirtual-goodsFri, 09 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Incarna patch 1.1 coming September 1st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/eve-online-incarna-patch-1-1-coming-september-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/eve-online-incarna-patch-1-1-coming-september-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/eve-online-incarna-patch-1-1-coming-september-1st/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EVE Online
It's been a couple of months since EVE Online released Incarna, and players have been itching for the next step on their galactic grand conquest tour. Happily, this Thursday will see the game move forward with Incarna's 1.1 patch, a smaller-sized update that will usher in a whole new era of EVE player socializing.

With the patch comes an update to EVE Gate, with nifty features like activity notifications to keep you abreast of the news and personalized backgrounds. The forums are getting an overhaul as well and will include search options, the ability to "like" posts, utilize quick replies, and other essential tools. The soon-to-be old forums will be locked and archived for future posterity.

While 1.1 players won't be able to leave their captain's quarters just yet, the screens and menus in the room are being spruced up and a few other bugs quashed. Other features included in the patch are customizable API keys, the ability for third-party applications to access contract updates, and numerous tiny (but important!) fixes to the game.

MassivelyEVE Online Incarna patch 1.1 coming September 1st originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.1apicaptains-quartersccpcustomizable-api-keyseveeve-forumseve-gateeve-onlineforumsincarnaincarna-1.1patchpatch-1.1updateMon, 29 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE dev blog talks Incarna 1.1, additional captain's quarters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/eve-dev-blog-talks-incarna-1-1-additional-captains-quarters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/eve-dev-blog-talks-incarna-1-1-additional-captains-quarters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/eve-dev-blog-talks-incarna-1-1-additional-captains-quarters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - captain's quarters
So what's the story with the next iteration of EVE Online's Incarna expansion? The newest CCP dev blog has your answer, and that answer is basically "more captain's quarters." You may recall that EVE's ambulatory makeover launched earlier this summer to a chorus of boohoos from the game's gangster elite, but CCP is nonetheless pressing on with its nefarious agenda to make New Eden into more of a sandbox.

CCP Fallout says that the devs are continuing to "improve the Minmatar CQ while pushing forward with the development of the remaining racial quarters, as well as working apace on establishments."

Incarna 1.1 will show the fruits of these labors in terms of the existing avatar environment, while the remaining quarters and establishments should make their way to the Tranquility test server "later this year."

MassivelyEVE dev blog talks Incarna 1.1, additional captain's quarters originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boohoocaptains-quartersccpccp-falloutccp-gamesdev-blogdev-diaryestablishmentseveeve-onlineexpansionsincarnaincarna-1.1internet-spaceshipsnew-edenpatchesplaying-dress-upsandboxspace-station-establishmentsFri, 19 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Will the door open?': CCP opens up about the future of EVE's avatars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/will-the-door-open-ccp-opens-up-about-the-future-of-eves-av/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/will-the-door-open-ccp-opens-up-about-the-future-of-eves-av/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/will-the-door-open-ccp-opens-up-about-the-future-of-eves-av/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tactical Gamers has a lot of nice things to say about EVE Online's latest expansion, Incarna, but more than just fawning over the truly revolutionary ability to make avatars who walk around in a room, the site roped in two of the game's leads, CCP Soundwave and CCP Flying Scotsman, to jaw about the latest and greatest in the game.

The first, and probably biggest, question for the devs was, "Will the captain's quarters doors ever open to allow avatars to interact with other players?" The devs confirmed that, yes, such a day is coming and will take place over a series of phases. The first stage is to include what CCP is calling "Establishments" in which players can mingle and take part in "various activities."

Interestingly enough, the topic of emotes is a divisive subject among the CCP staff, with some arguing for their inclusion and others fearful that emotes will turn EVE into World of Warcraft, what with the dancing Elves on mailboxes and all. Emotes will be eventually added, but they will have "meaning" behind them.

For more on Incarna, super-capitals and the future of the game, give this interview a listen!

Massively'Will the door open?': CCP opens up about the future of EVE's avatars originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-quartersccpccp-flying-scotsmanccp-soundwavecustomizationdancing-elveselvesemotesestablishmentseveeve-onlineincarnasuper-capitalssuper-capssuper-carrierstactical-gamerswalking-in-stationsworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 18 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online press conference answers vital questions, transcript inside]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/eve-online-press-conference-answers-vital-questions-transcript/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/eve-online-press-conference-answers-vital-questions-transcript/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/eve-online-press-conference-answers-vital-questions-transcript/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

After what should have been the celebrated release of the long-awaited Incarna expansion last week, the EVE Online community erupted into flames. The controversy began when players realised that the vanity clothing items in the game's new cash shop were ridiculously overpriced. The $68 monocle became a centerpiece that the media latched onto, in the same way that World of Warcraft made the headlines when Blizzard had the audacity to sell a $25 mount.

The story should have ended there as a piece about a crazy Icelandic game company selling virtual clothing for more than real clothing. Unfortunately, some conveniently timed leaks from inside CCP caused this simple issue to escalate to the point of panic, causing in-game riots and a significant number of subscription cancellations. The company's silence on the simple question of whether non-vanity microtransactions would be introduced was seen as an admission that gameplay-affecting items would end up in the cash shop.

CCP flew the Council of Stellar Management, EVE's democratically-elected player representative body, out to Iceland for an emergency meeting last week. The result of the meeting was a joint statement between CCP and the CSM addressing all of the major concerns players had. Last night, CCP ran two press conferences over Skype to give EVE fansites and the gaming media a chance to ask additional questions that weren't covered in the official statement. Skip past the cut for our in-depth three-page transcript from the gaming media press conference, including answers to several pressing questions sent in by Massively readers and some great issues raised by other participating members of the press. Comments can be posted on page 3.

Continue reading EVE Online press conference answers vital questions, transcript inside

MassivelyEVE Online press conference answers vital questions, transcript inside originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingCaptains-quartersccpccp-eveccp-gamescommunicationcontroversycqeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-radioexpansionexpansionsexpectation-managementfearlessfeaturedincarnainterviewleakleaked-memomacrotransactionsmeetingMicrotransactionsmiscommunicationmmo-industrymonoclemonocle-gatemonoclegatenewsnewsletternexnoble-exchangepresspress-conferencesci-fitranscriptWed, 06 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The day that EVE Online died]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/eve-evolved-the-day-that-eve-online-died/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/eve-evolved-the-day-that-eve-online-died/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/eve-evolved-the-day-that-eve-online-died/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

I think it's safe to say that this week has been an unmitigated disaster for CCP Games. Following last week's $99 license fee fiasco for third-party developers, CCP Zulu managed to claw back some player support with a segment addressing the issue during the alliance tournament. This week CCP followed up with the release of Incarna 1.0 and its long-awaited captain's quarters. Players logged in to walk around their private rooms and check out the various cosmetic items available for purchase in the new microtransaction store.

It didn't take long for people to realise that something was fundamentally wrong with the prices on the Noble Exchange. At around $40 for a basic shirt, $25 for boots, and $70 or more for the fabled monocle, items in the Noble Exchange were priced higher than their-real life counterparts. As players made some noise about the ridiculous prices, an internal CCP newsletter all about the company's microtransaction plans was purportedly leaked. In it, plans to sell ships, ammo, and faction standings for cash were revealed, plans that strictly contradict previous promises on gameplay-affecting microtransactions. Shortly afterward, all hell broke loose as a private internal memo from CCP CEO Hilmar was leaked to the press.

In the past few days, I've been contacted by dozens (if not hundreds) of concerned EVE players who are afraid that the game they love is coming to an end. I've even been in contact with an insider who is scared of the risks CCP is taking with the jobs of over 600 employees in four countries, scared enough to leak internal documents and emails. In this week's colossal EVE Evolved, I delve into EVE's latest controversy and shed some light on the biggest community flashpoint since the T20 developer corruption scandal.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The day that EVE Online died

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The day that EVE Online died originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluescreenCaptains-quartersccpccp-eveccp-gamescommunicationcqcrasheveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-gateeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-radioexpansionexpansionsexpectation-managementfearlessfeaturedgpuincarnaleakleaked-memomacrotransactionsMicrotransactionsmiscommunicationmonoclemonocle-gatemonoclegatenewsnewsletternexnoble-exchangepredictably-irrationalprice-anchorradiosystem-requirementsSun, 26 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's Incarna 1.0 coming Tuesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/eve-onlines-incarna-1-0-coming-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/eve-onlines-incarna-1-0-coming-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/eve-onlines-incarna-1-0-coming-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's almost Incarna time for residents of CCP's New Eden, and EVE Online's website has been updated with a brief blurb warning users to prepare for some extended downtime on patch day.

The update process is scheduled to last for 14 hours on Tuesday, June 21st, so make sure you've got some long-haul skills in your training queue this Monday. Incarna version 1.0 is bringing the much-ballyhooed captain's quarters patch to EVE, and it represents the first step towards fully functional space station interiors. The update will also feature a new tutorial experience (though the familiar voice of Aura isn't going anywhere) as well as new agent finder and corporation recruitment tools.

CCP says that full patch notes are in the works, and in the meantime, you can join the forum discussion at the official EVE website.

MassivelyEVE Online's Incarna 1.0 coming Tuesday originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-finderambulationcaptains-quartersccpccp-gamescorporation-recruitmenteveeve-onlineexpansionsincarnaincarna-1.0internet-spaceshipspatch-daypatchessandboxsci-fiupdatewalking-in-stationsFri, 17 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE captain's quarters coming June 21st, CCP shows off new video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/eve-captains-quarters-coming-june-21st-ccp-shows-off-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/eve-captains-quarters-coming-june-21st-ccp-shows-off-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/eve-captains-quarters-coming-june-21st-ccp-shows-off-new-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The times they are a-changin' in EVE Online, and CCP has officially set a date for the first salvo in a planned update campaign that will remake the face of the long-running sci-fi sandbox title. Incarna, CCP's integration of 3-D avatars into the game's ship-based environment, has been hinted at for so long that it's somewhat shocking to see an actual date bandied about.

That date is June 21st, and it will bring about the official deployment of Incarna's first phase to EVE's live server. CCP Zulu has all the details in a new EVE dev blog, and there's also a new video clip featuring an extensive tour inside a prototype captain's quarters zone as well as voiceover commentary.

"This is only the first step of many that continues EVE Online's progress towards the ultimate, immersive science fiction world. It unlocks a whole new experience for those already contributing to EVE's social and political fabric and provides a fresh beginning for those curious about becoming part of the deep universe that holds it," Zulu explains. View the video after the cut and head to the official EVE website for more details.

Continue reading EVE captain's quarters coming June 21st, CCP shows off new video

MassivelyEVE captain's quarters coming June 21st, CCP shows off new video originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationcaptains-quartersccpccp-gamesccp-zulueveeve-onlineincarnapatchessandboxsci-fitrailerupdatesvideowalking-in-stationsWed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP releases EVE captain's quarters screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ccp-releases-eve-captains-quarters-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ccp-releases-eve-captains-quarters-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ccp-releases-eve-captains-quarters-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Incarna! Captain's quarters! Screenshots!

And there was much rejoicing, at least from those EVE Online players who recognize the game's need to move beyond spaceship avatars to further its quest for total sandbox domination. In service of that end, CCP has released a gaggle of images from its forthcoming Incarna update, which will bring quite a bit of newfangled gee-whiz to the worlds of New Eden.

Interested captains should plot a course for EVE's Facebook portal, as it features several interior shots showing both full-body avatars and the various high-tech interfaces that CCP will be making available to pod pilots later this summer.

MassivelyCCP releases EVE captain's quarters screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationcaptains-quartersccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineincarnapatchessandboxsci-fiupdateswalking-in-stationswoooWed, 18 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minmatar captain's quarters coming to EVE Online test server this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/minmatar-captains-quarters-coming-to-eve-online-test-server-thi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/minmatar-captains-quarters-coming-to-eve-online-test-server-thi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/minmatar-captains-quarters-coming-to-eve-online-test-server-thi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Get ready, capsuleers. Captain's quarters are coming, and sooner than you might expect. CCP Tanis breaks the news that a rough version of the Minmatar captain's quarters will be making an appearance on the Duality test server this Thursday, April 21st.

That's right: Two days hence, all you Brutors, Sebiestors, and Vherokiors will finally be able to walk around on your own two legs inside of the EVE Online client. CCP's newest dev blog cautions that the test environment is a true work-in-progress, and Tanis states that "we're still at the chisel-in-hand-in-front-of-a-marble-form stage."

Why make the environment available to the public at this point? CCP is mainly looking to gather feedback and general impressions on usability, since the captain's quarters interface is eventually slated to replace the current in-game hangar view. The test run will also feature new in-station and crash course tutorials as well as interfaces for planetary interaction, corporation management, avatar re-customization, and ship fitting.

In other EVE Online news, the new Council of Stellar Management held its first fireside chat a few days ago, and an audio recording of the broadcast is now available for download on the official EVE forums.

MassivelyMinmatar captain's quarters coming to EVE Online test server this week originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationaudiocaptains-quartersccpccp-gamesccp-taniscouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdev-blogdev-diarydualityeveeve-onlinefeedbackfireside-chatincarnainterfaceminmatarsandboxsci-fitest-environmenttest-serverwalking-in-stationswooooooTue, 19 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Incarna and the captain's quarters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/eve-evolved-incarna-and-the-captains-quarters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/eve-evolved-incarna-and-the-captains-quarters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/eve-evolved-incarna-and-the-captains-quarters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When we first heard about Incarna, it was as "Walking in Stations" back in 2006. At the 2006 EVE Online Fanfest, details of the ambitious project were released to excited fans, which was followed by a lengthy devblog from CCP t0rfifrans on what would be involved. The sheer scope of Walking in Stations seemed immense, but in-engine screenshots of what came to be known as "Ambulation Man" created a sense that a lot of work had already been done on it. Over the years following that announcement, we saw snippets of information and work-in-progress screenshots from various prototypes. Players saw those prototypes as the current state of the feature in development, and it became reasonable to expect a release in the near future.

Miscommunication

In reality, CCP's insistence on doing the feature right has caused several prototypes to be completely scrapped. Walking in Stations became Ambulation, and we were shown a full work-in-progress demo of a character walking around in a bar and playing a minigame. That prototype was similarly scrapped, being reborn as Incarna at the 2009 Fanfest. In developing each of these prototypes, CCP quickly discovered that the underlying technology to do it the way the team wanted to simply didn't exist.

In this opinion piece, I look at the summer expansion's planned captain's quarters event and what it could mean for EVE Online.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Incarna and the captain's quarters

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Incarna and the captain's quarters originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsCaptains-quartersccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-soundwaveccp-t0rfifranseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedincarnanew-player-experiencenew-playersopinionSun, 27 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest 2011: Closing ceremony video cluster shows off the future of the sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/eve-fanfest-2011-closing-ceremony-video-cluster-shows-off-the-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/eve-fanfest-2011-closing-ceremony-video-cluster-shows-off-the-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/eve-fanfest-2011-closing-ceremony-video-cluster-shows-off-the-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lots of super-cool stuff is coming out of this week's EVE Fanfest, much of it making sci-fi sandbox fanboys (and girls) weak in the knees. Possibly the slickest thing to date is a new video dubbed A Future Vision, in which CCP tips its hand for tying together the whole of New Eden across multiple gaming platforms.

The clip is just under three minutes in length and shows off the integration of EVE Online's internet spaceships with DUST 514's ground-based mercs, war machines, and morally grey mayhem. While the footage is scripted and hand-made for the trailer, it was produced using CCP's proprietary Carbon graphics engine toolset (and is intended to represent what players will see and do in future versions of the EVE universe).

A Future Vision is necessarily focused on expanding New Eden beyond ships, wormholes, and star gates, but CCP isn't neglecting its bread and butter either, as evidenced by an additional new trailer featuring turret upgrades to existing ships, as well as one featuring new nebula graphics.

Check in with Massively all weekend as Brendan Drain, our resident EVE expert, weighs in on A Future Vision as well as all the exciting tidbits from EVE Fanfest 2011. In the meantime, you can view the trailers after the cut.

Continue reading EVE Fanfest 2011: Closing ceremony video cluster shows off the future of the sandbox

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2011: Closing ceremony video cluster shows off the future of the sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-future-visionbreakingcaptains-quartersccpccp-gamesdust-514eveeve-a-future-visioneve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2011eve-onlinefanfestfanfest-2011incarnanew-edensandboxtrailersvideozomgSat, 26 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

It's day two of CCP's enormous party at the top of the world, and Massively is right here to find out what the future holds for EVE Online. In yesterday's day 1 roundup, we covered a fantastic presentation on Incursion by CCP Soundwave, an enlightening question-and-answer session with EVE's Council of Stellar Management, and the hilarious (but absolutely not work-safe) alliance leader panel. Today has been similarly packed with activity. We've seen some great presentations on what's to come in the summer expansion, and the keynote speech discussed some very exciting developments due to hit EVE in the near future.

Highlights of today included a video of Incarna's "captain's quarters" that we'll be getting as part of the summer expansion, details of massive server upgrades heading to Tranquility, and details of some awesome quality-of-life changes coming soon thanks to Team Best Friends Forever. There was so much awesome information to share that we unfortunately had to miss the chessboxing match to get it out in a timely manner. We missed Icelandic game developers punching each other in the face to write this up, so I hope you find it interesting!

Read on for a roundup of what happened today at the EVE Fanfest, along with detailed explanations of a few personal highlights from today's festivities and what we can expect to come later.

Continue reading EVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 2

MassivelyEVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arnar-gylfasonavatarscaptains-quartersccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-zulucustomisationeveeve-ccpeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2011eve-mmorpgeve-onlineeventevent-coverageeventsfanfestfanfest-2011featuredgalleryhilmar-peturssonincarnakeynotemmo-industrypiercingsscarstattoosFri, 25 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP taking the first steps into EVE's Incarna]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/ccp-taking-the-first-steps-into-eves-incarna/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/ccp-taking-the-first-steps-into-eves-incarna/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/ccp-taking-the-first-steps-into-eves-incarna/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In the minds of some EVE Online players, Incarna occupies shelf space with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and new episodes of Firefly. However, according to a new dev blog from CCP Chilled, players will indeed have the ability to pop out of their pods and flop around on an in-game couch before long. The best part for those who love testing: it should be on Singularity before FanFest. This will give players a chance to check it out -- and prepare questions for the devs -- before the party at the top of the world begins. For those who don't care for monkeying with the test server, we could see the changes go live on Tranquility by summer.

The upcoming deployment will add Captain's Quarters to EVE Online for new players and vets alike. When docked at a station, players will show up on a balcony connected to their quarters and be able to look up at the grandeur and majesty (or duct-tape and bondo) of their ships. All the normal functionality of docking will be present, and the developers have stated that there won't be any major differences in terms of docking time. For those curious about this first step towards Incarna, be sure to pop over to the CCP blog and check out the meaty details of the post.

MassivelyCCP taking the first steps into EVE's Incarna originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Captains-quartersccpCcp-chilledccp-gamesDev-diaryeveeve-onlineExpansionincarnawalking-in-stationsThu, 17 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST