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 Daily Grind: Are we ever going to get over our disdain for browser MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/the-daily-grind-are-we-ever-going-to-get-over-our-disdain-for-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/the-daily-grind-are-we-ever-going-to-get-over-our-disdain-for-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/the-daily-grind-are-we-ever-going-to-get-over-our-disdain-for-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Glitch
Go into any WildStar discussion and you'll see people decrying the graphics as too cutesy, and that's WildStar -- a robust AAA MMORPG with a custom client that taxes even a strong gaming PC. For browser games, that stigma is even worse. Either the graphics are too cutesy or people convince themselves that no game in a browser can ever rise above social spamalots like FarmVille.

It's silly since so many deep and detailed MMOs have browser clients or exist only in a browser. Glitch may have been superficially cutesy and may have been Flash-bound, but it was a serious sandbox with incredible exploration, clever questing, an impressive crafting system, skill-based advancement, and a unique and completely customizable housing system with loads of player-generated content. And for all that, a lot of people, even sandbox fans, refused to even try it because it was lodged firmly inside Chrome or Firefox.

Are we ever going to get over our disdain for browser MMOs? Can we judge games based on their content and not on stereotypes about their delivery?

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: Are we ever going to get over our disdain for browser MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgbrowserbrowser-mmoschromedaily-grindfirefoxglitchgraphicsopinionrunescapesandboxtdgthe-daily-grindwildstarTue, 25 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Google's new Chromecast shows screen size does not matter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/26/mmobility-googles-new-chromecast-shows-screen-size-does-not-ma/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/26/mmobility-googles-new-chromecast-shows-screen-size-does-not-ma/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/26/mmobility-googles-new-chromecast-shows-screen-size-does-not-ma/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chromecast screenshot
If you missed Google's latest press conference, go check it out here or spy on my own cute self as I attempt to explain what was covered during the event. Either way, it was a nice chance to see how dedicated Google is to the mobile lifestyle. I'd argue that this "mobile" lifestyle that I continue to love will not be referred as "mobile" soon as more and more people adopt portable computers as mainstay devices, but for now we'll keep the moniker.

Despite the fantastic new Nexus 7, the real announcement for me was the unveiling of the Chromecast, a simple HDMI dongle that plugs into your television and allows the wireless broadcast of all sorts of web content. Why is this a cool idea, and how isn't it just something that we're already able to do? I'll give my take on it but would love to hear from my readers as well.

Continue reading MMObility: Google's new Chromecast shows screen size does not matter

MassivelyMMObility: Google's new Chromecast shows screen size does not matter originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Jul 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedchromeChromecastfeaturedgoogleHDMImmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonesmartphonestreamingstreaming-contentFri, 26 Jul 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - The Pixel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-the-pixel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-the-pixel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-the-pixel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Two Google Pixels image
If you caught my first Chromebook All In One project, you'll be familiar with the details of the series. If not, allow me to fill you in. Essentially I took a wonderful little device, the Samsung Series 3 Chromebook, which utilizes an Exynos-based processor, and I used it for most of my work-related activities for weeks. It proved a capable device but couldn't play everything or do everything as easily as I would have liked. For $249 US, however, it's not a bad deal. I still use the light notebook every single day. It's easily my favorite device in the house alongside my Nexus 7 tablet.

But now, it's time for an upgrade. This time I will be looking at the Google Pixel, a hotrod of a Chromebook that Google is using to show just how the OS can work on a premium build. It boasts a core i5 processor, 4 gigs of DDR3 RAM, a 32 or 64 gig SSD and an incredible screen. At 2560 x 1700, 239 PPI, 400 nit brightness, and 4.3 million pixels, it is the best-looking thing I've ever computed on. The touchscreen is great for some gaming, and the build quality is top-notch.

So why does it matter? Why would an MMO fan want or need a device that cost at least $1,299.00 and that runs only the Chrome OS? I'll try to figure that out over the next few weeks.

[Update: The loaner model is actually the 4G LTE model, not the $1299 US WiFi-only.]

Continue reading MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - The Pixel

MassivelyMMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - The Pixel originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-one-projectbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedchromechromebookchromebook-pixelDoctor-who-worlds-in-timefeaturedgoogle-chromebookmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepixelsmartphoneFri, 07 Jun 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Arcane Legends officially announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/arcane-legends-officially-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/arcane-legends-officially-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/arcane-legends-officially-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Arcane Legends
While we knew it was coming, it is still nice to get official confirmation: Spacetime Studios has announced Arcane Legends, its latest MMO for iOS, Android, and Chrome.

With Arcane Legends, Spacetime Studios is going back to its fantasy roots. Instead of Pocket Legends' more traditional MMO combat, however, Arcane Legends will feature action combat full of combos and button-mashing. During the combat, a rage meter will allow players to activate powerful abilities when it's completely full.

The three classes announced for the game are the Warrior, Rogue, and Sorcerer. Arcane Legends will support both co-op and PvP gameplay.

CEO Gary Gattis thinks that Arcane Legends is different enough from previous Spacetime endeavors to justify its development: "With every Legends title we are focused on bringing something distinct to cross-platform gaming. With Arcane Legends we set out to create an action RPG with a clever and funny story, meaningful multiplayer gameplay and above all furious fast-paced tactical combat."

Massively will be getting its first look at Arcane Legends at E3 next month.

MassivelyArcane Legends officially announced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combataction-rpgAndroidarcane-legendsChromecoope3e3-2012fantasyGary-GattisiOSpocket-legendspvpRogueSorcererspacetimespacetime-studiosWarriorTue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Legends launches on Apple devices, hits 500K players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dark Legends
The tortured souls of the underworld Apple users have twiddled their thumbs and sharpened their canines for over a month now, a month that Android and Chrome users have played Dark Legends to their hearts' content. After that long wait, iOS owners can stop penning brooding poetry on Livejournal and start playing the game proper: Spacetime Studios has released Dark Legends on the App Store.

Apple users can now joining the 500,000-plus Dark Legends community by simply downloading the game from the store and getting their vamp on. Edward-wannabes have a daunting task in front of them, however, as all of the darker fantasy forces are out to be a serious pain in their neck.

Dark Legends follows in the wake of Spacetime's enormously popular Pocket Legends and Star Legends. It's available as a free download with optional in-app purchases and can be played over wifi, edge, 3G, and 4G networks.

Our own Beau is livestreaming Dark Legends today on Massively TV, so be sure to see what he thinks of the game!

[Source: Spacetime Studios press release]

MassivelyDark Legends launches on Apple devices, hits 500K players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeappleapple-app-storechromedark-legendsdraculaedwardf2pfree-to-playiosipadiphoneipod-touchitouchlaunchmobilemobile-mmoobscure-livejournal-referencepocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvampireMon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Legends aims to make your vampire sparkle with a weapon giveaway]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/dark-legends-aims-to-make-your-vampire-sparkle-with-a-pair-of-ma/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/dark-legends-aims-to-make-your-vampire-sparkle-with-a-pair-of-ma/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/dark-legends-aims-to-make-your-vampire-sparkle-with-a-pair-of-ma/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Dark LegendsWe posted yesterday that Dark Legends, the latest in a line of F2P mobile and browser-friendly MMOs from Spacetime Studios, is now officially up and running on Android systems and Chrome browsers. Today, Spacetime has a present for all you would-be vampires out there: a pair of rockin' weapons called Devastation Maces.

To grab yours, start up the game and either log into your existing account or create a new one. Make sure you're playing the character whom you want to receive the weapons because you can only grab these once per account! Zip through the tutorial missions and then head to the Spacetime Nexus from the main lobby screen. There, on the bottom right of your screen, you'll see a button for enterting a promo code. Enter the code massively20120410 and find your maces waiting for you in your character's inventory.

The code has unlimited uses, so everyone who wants one can use it, but do note that it will expire eventually, so snag that gift sooner rather than later. Many thanks to Spacetime Studios -- have fun!

MassivelyDark Legends aims to make your vampire sparkle with a weapon giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchromecontestcontestsdark-legendsgiveawaygiveawayshorrormobile-mmospacetimespacetime-studiosvampiresThu, 12 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The year in mobile]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/mmobility-the-year-in-mobile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/mmobility-the-year-in-mobile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/mmobility-the-year-in-mobile/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

What a year, huh? We gamers have seen a lot of changes, but especially in the mobile market. New devices came and went, technologies spread out even further in the world, and MMO gaming established itself on the smallest screens possible. Of course, the mobile market is not as large as the standard MMO market, but it is definitely growing. As more devices appear, more players come to fill up the games.

Our phones are not what they used to be, even five years ago. They are now truly tiny and powerful computing devices that are always connected. A player can literally live all of his digital life on one small device. If we look at the laptop and netbook market, we see even more growth and power. All of these devices need games to play on them, and MMOs fit perfectly into the mobile lifestyle.

Click past the cut and I'll recap many of the best stories from Massively's mobile coverage!

Continue reading MMObility: The year in mobile

MassivelyMMObility: The year in mobile originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedchromeconquer-onlineempire-onlinef2pfacebookfeaturedfleckfree-to-playftpGameloftglitchgraal-onlinehotdog-studiohphp-touchpadIOSipadiphoneMMObilitymobilenc-softOnLiveorder-and-chaos-onlinepocket-legendsself-aware-gamesshadow-citiesspacetime-studiosstar-legendsstewart-butterfieldtiny-speckworld-of-magicWorld-of-WarcraftyslandiaFri, 30 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Online 2011: Spacetime Studios talks Star Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/gdc-austin-2011-spacetime-studios-talks-star-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/gdc-austin-2011-spacetime-studios-talks-star-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/gdc-austin-2011-spacetime-studios-talks-star-legends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Star Legends -- GDC Online 2011
Spacetime Studios is quickly establishing itself as a leading name in the mobile MMO market. Its two titles, Pocket Legends and Star Legends, have proven extremely popular choices for players who want to get their MMO fix on the go, and this week at GDC Online, our own Beau Hindman got to have a chat with the games' creators about what's on the horizon.

The big news is Star Legends' upcoming Google Chrome release. That's right, the truly hardcore Star Legends players will soon be able to play from the comfort of their home computers. With the upcoming release of Chrome 15, the title will be available in the browser's app store. But what if you've got a bunch of phone-exclusive friends without whom your game experience just wouldn't be complete? Not to worry! PC and mobile players will inhabit the same server, so you don't have to leave your friends behind for the comfort of your mouse and keyboard.

What else is coming for the mobile title? Head past the cut for the full scoop.

Continue reading GDC Online 2011: Spacetime Studios talks Star Legends

MassivelyGDC Online 2011: Spacetime Studios talks Star Legends originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbrowserbrowser-basedchromef2pfree-to-playgdcgdc-onlinegdc-online-2011google-chromeiosmobilepocket-legendssloucho-productionsspacetime-studiosstar-legendsWed, 12 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Battle of the browsers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mmobility-battle-of-the-browsers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mmobility-battle-of-the-browsers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/mmobility-battle-of-the-browsers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Before I get too far in this new column, I need to take stock of my weaponry. I now have almost everything I need: an iPhone, an iPad, a new HTC Inspire Android phone, one basic laptop of choice, and a pretty decent gaming rig (if a little old). I have everything I need to test out games across different browsers and devices. I am prepared to slug these pieces of hardware wherever I need to; I am ready to walk with them in hand.

It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

I could use some advice, though. I have my preferences, but I wonder what my readers think. Which browser do you prefer? Why? For example, I am in love with Chrome for various reasons, but some games have issues with it. Do I weigh the good against the bad and claim it as my default anyway? Lately, I have all the major browsers bookmarked on my desktop, waiting to go. What about security? I'll be honest: I'm not an expert.

Click past the cut and let's discuss. Maybe you can help me.

Continue reading MMObility: Battle of the browsers

MassivelyMMObility: Battle of the browsers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-gamesbrowser-gamingbrowser-securitybrowser-warschromef2pfeaturedfirefoxfree-to-playftpgoogleinternet-explorermicrosoftministry-of-warmozillaoperasafarisecurityTue, 29 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google takes a long sideways look at gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/google-takes-a-long-sideways-look-at-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/google-takes-a-long-sideways-look-at-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/google-takes-a-long-sideways-look-at-gaming/#commentsFiled under: ,

You might want to strap in, for the road connecting the facts on this one is bumpy indeed -- but intriguing as well. Via 1UP comes the word that search engine giant Google has hired Mark DeLoura to work on game development for the Android and Chrome OS. DeLoura brings with him a truckload of game consulting experience, and had a few interesting comments about the new job on his blog:

"Over the years I've seen Google ship products that seemed very useful for game developers, like Google SketchUp and 3D Warehouse. I always wondered why they didn't dive into games further - or, perhaps they were, and they were doing it in secret! :-) Google Lively was probably the closest thing to a game that they produced. When I started hearing about their work on O3D, I began to get very curious about what Google was planning. Clearly there are a number of initiatives going on at Google that can relate to games in some way. Those of you who attended GDC for example saw a massive push for games for Android, with Google giving away perhaps thousands of Android devices. Now seemed like the perfect time to join Google!"

So what does this have to do with the world of MMOs? Perhaps nothing, perhaps a great deal. If you'll recall, Google experimented with an online avatar experience called Lively that was closed in early 2009. Even though Lively was not a roaring success, Google's interest in the games market and their prior foray into online worlds could signal a possible future contender in our neck of the woods.

MassivelyGoogle takes a long sideways look at gaming originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upandroidchromechrome-osgooglelivelymark-delouraThu, 15 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST