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[Dragon Con 2013: Goodbye, MMO track (as we know it)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/03/dragon-con-2013-goodbye-mmo-track/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/03/dragon-con-2013-goodbye-mmo-track/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/03/dragon-con-2013-goodbye-mmo-track/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dragon Con 2013 Goodbye, MMO track
Dragon Con 2013 has come to an end, and tens of thousands of people are already trying to figure out what type of crazy costume they'll have next year.

As the wildly popular sci-fi and fantasy fan event caters to more genres than you realized existed, the MMO track is the one most up our alley. But sadly enough, 2013 marks the final year of the MMO track as it will be renamed the online gaming track next year. This includes the always-fun MMO trivia event that will be converted to "online gaming trivia" for the first time next year.

If you'd like to see more from this year's Con, check out the list of galleries and an official video of the traditional costume parade just after the jump.

[Edit: Clarified that the MMO track is only changing its name and website, but not going away completely.]

Continue reading Dragon Con 2013: Goodbye, MMO track (as we know it)

MassivelyDragon Con 2013: Goodbye, MMO track (as we know it) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondragon-condragon-con-2013dragoncondragoncon-2013eventevent-coverageeventsgallerymassively-event-coveragevideoTue, 03 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Con 2013: Star Citizen's Lesnick and Haddock on player feedback, CitizenCon, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/dragon-con-2013-star-citizens-lesnick-and-haddock-on-player-fe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/dragon-con-2013-star-citizens-lesnick-and-haddock-on-player-fe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/dragon-con-2013-star-citizens-lesnick-and-haddock-on-player-fe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Con 2013 - Star Citizen's Lesnick and Haddock on player feedback, CitizenCon, and more
It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Cloud Imperium Games. The makers of Star Citizen jetted to Cologne, Germany, for Gamescom, released the game's first live module, and traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to chat up the BDSSE (that's best damn space sim ever, for the uninitiated) at Dragon Con.

We caught up with designer and community manager Ben Lesnick and lead writer Dave Haddock for an update on all the Star Citizen things. Well, OK. Some of the Star Citizen things. Join us after the cut for tidbits on the dogfighting alpha, CitizenCon, and more.

Continue reading Dragon Con 2013: Star Citizen's Lesnick and Haddock on player feedback, CitizenCon, and more

MassivelyDragon Con 2013: Star Citizen's Lesnick and Haddock on player feedback, CitizenCon, and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-lesnickben-lesnick-interviewchris-robertscitizen-concitizenconcloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamesconconventioncrowdfundingdave-haddockdave-haddock-interviewdragon-condragon-con-2013dragoncondragoncon-2013eventevent-coverageeventsfeaturedinternet-spaceshipsinterviewkickstartermassively-event-coveragesandboxsci-fispaceshipstar-citizenstar-citizen-cash-shopstar-citizen-credit-storestar-citizen-interviewMon, 02 Sep 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE publishes panel schedule for PAX and Dragon Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/27/soe-publishes-panel-schedule-for-pax-and-dragon-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/27/soe-publishes-panel-schedule-for-pax-and-dragon-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/27/soe-publishes-panel-schedule-for-pax-and-dragon-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SOE publishes panel schedule for PAX and Dragon ConGoing to PAX or DragonCon this weekend? Excited for news about the EverQuest franchise or SOE's other MMORPGs? You should check out the firm's convention schedule, then, because there's a little something for everyone.

Whether you're hungry for EverQuest Next tidbits, you're looking to break into the game industry, or you're wanting to brush up on your online gaming history, SOE has a developer panel with your name on it.

And of course don't forget to check in with Massively through the weekend and on into next week as our on-site staffers bring you the best DragonCon and PAX scoops!

Massively's on the ground in Seattle during the weekend of August 30th to September 2nd, bringing you all the best news from PAX Prime 2013. Whether you're dying to know more about WildStar, The Elder Scrolls Online, EverQuest Next, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!

MassivelySOE publishes panel schedule for PAX and Dragon Con originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondragon-condragon-con-2013dragoncondragoncon-2013eqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq2eqiieqneventevent-coverageeventseverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextexpof2pfantasyfree-to-playmassively-event-coveragepaxpax-2013pax-primepax-prime-2013penny-arcade-exposoesonysony-online-entertainmentTue, 27 Aug 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[R.A. Salvatore details the lack of death in Project Copernicus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dying of starvation and then being reborn would kind of blow. Especially if you were in the middle of nowhere.
"To be or not to be" is not a question asked in most MMOs. Characters don't die permanently, after all. But Project Copernicus wouldn't have waved that fact off as an irrelevant necessity of game mechanics. No, according to R.A. Salvatore, the game world would have explored the meaning behind a world wherein no one truly dies and everyone is functionally immortal.

Players who enjoyed Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will recall that the game opens with the player character returning from death thanks to the Well of Souls. In Project Copernicus, the Well of Souls would have been active not just for one individual but for everyone in the world. Returning from death would be something that happens not just to players but to every part of the world.

It's not hard to imagine the ways in which a world would seem different if death was no longer something to be feared or avoided. Salvatore laments that the concept is unlikely to see execution now, even with buyers looking to purchase the 38 Studios assets from the state of Rhode Island.

MassivelyR.A. Salvatore details the lack of death in Project Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurbackstorycancelled-gamescopernicusdeathdeath-mechanicsdragon-condragon-con-2012kingdoms-of-amalurloreproject-copernicusr.a.-salvatorerhode-islandwhat-could-have-beenwritingWed, 12 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings fan film to screen at GenCon and DragonCon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/lord-of-the-rings-fan-film-to-screen-at-gencon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/lord-of-the-rings-fan-film-to-screen-at-gencon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/lord-of-the-rings-fan-film-to-screen-at-gencon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings fan film to screen at GenCon
Tolkien fans are many, but few have the opportunity to see their creative works honoring Lord of the Rings presented before large audiences. One lucky group of fans will have just that. The fan film The Fellows Hip will be screened at GenCon in Indianapolis this year. Fans can catch the movie on Friday, August 17th, at 1:30 p.m. EDT in the Westin Grand Ballroom IV and Saturday, August 18th, at 9:30 p.m. EDT in the Westin Grand Ballroom V. Folks who miss these showings can also watch the film at DragonCon or even this weekend's Return of the Ring celebration in the UK.

In the film, a fellowship of four gamers embarks on their own epic journey to fight injustice, right a wrong, expose evil, and possibly even conquer at a Lord of the Rings Online gaming competition. While noting that the film does include parody, the creators emphasize that the film is an homage to Tolkien's great works, one that combines their love of LOTR with their love of MMO gaming.

Watch as a black rider makes the heroes dive for cover in the teaser trailer after the cut. And to learn more about the film, be sure to read Massively's interview with the creators.

Continue reading Lord of the Rings fan film to screen at GenCon and DragonCon

MassivelyLord of the Rings fan film to screen at GenCon and DragonCon originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-condragonconf2pfan-filmFan-Filmsfantasyfree-to-playGenConlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroThe-Fellows-Hipthe-fellows-hip-rise-of-the-gamersturbineturbine-entertainmentFri, 17 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Guide to Dragon*Con 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/massivelys-guide-to-dragon-con-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/massivelys-guide-to-dragon-con-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/massivelys-guide-to-dragon-con-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dragon*Con Logo
PAX Prime is freshly finished and Gamescom 2011 is a distant memory, but con season isn't over yet! Not by a long shot, in fact. Dragon*Con is just around the corner, and we have undertaken the monumental task of putting together a what's-what for all of our adoring MMO fans.

Now, just because Dragon*Con isn't as internationally renowned as Gamescom or as well-publicized as Penny Arcade's brainchild doesn't mean you should write it off by any means. There's still a whole truckload of events for MMO players at Dragon*Con. From Q&As to panels (including one on MMO podcasting that includes our very own Shawn Schuster!) and more, there's a little something for every MMO player at Dragon*Con.

So whether you're attending or just want to see what kind of news you have to look forward to coming out of Dragon*Con (news that will, of course, be covered right here on Massively), jump on past the cut and see what the Atlanta-based con has in store.

Continue reading Massively's Guide to Dragon*Con 2011

MassivelyMassively's Guide to Dragon*Con 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurequest-worldsatlantaccpccp-gamesdc-universe-onlinedcuodragon-condragon-con-2011dragoncondragoncon-2011eventeventsglobal-agendaguidehi-rezhi-rez-studioskingdom-of-loathingmassively-guidemassivelys-guide-to-dragonconmmo-trackoxhornpanelsriftsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-guildtrion-worldsThu, 01 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW-a-thon for Dragon*Con MMO track staffer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/wow-a-thon-for-dragon-con-mmo-track-staffer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/wow-a-thon-for-dragon-con-mmo-track-staffer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/wow-a-thon-for-dragon-con-mmo-track-staffer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Many people, when they think of online gaming, think of 13-year-olds on Xbox Live shouting expletives and teabagging your freshly killed corpse, but those of us who have spent enough time in the community know that there's much more to it than just that. Kevin Stallard, of Dragon*Con MMO track fame, is setting out to prove just that.

Kevin's close friend and Dragon*Con staffer Jay Sturrock was recently diagnosed with cancer, and anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer or known someone who has can tell you that treatment is not only emotionally exhausting, but financially taxing as well. With this in mind, Kevin is looking to put his World of Warcraft habit to a good cause. On July 9th, Kevin will be holding a 24-hour "WoW-a-thon" at Battle & Brew Gaming Pub in Marietta, GA. Throughout the course of this gaming marathon, Kevin invites fellow gamers to join him either at the pub or in Azeroth and, if they're able, to pledge some money toward covering Jay's medical bills from the treatment. Can't make it to the event itself but still want to help? No problem, just keep an eye on the official event page where PayPal information will soon be posted. We wish Kevin and Jay the best and hope the Massively community will pitch in for this noble cause.

[Update: Grim was nice enough to jump in on the comments to inform us that the PayPal link is live. You can find it on the right sidebar of the Dragon*Con MMO track's official site. Get those donations going!]

MassivelyWoW-a-thon for Dragon*Con MMO track staffer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancer-aidcancer-treatmentdragon-condragonconfundraisingjay-sturrockkevin-stallardworld-of-warcraftwow-a-thonwow-marathonWed, 01 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Launch sponsoring DragonCon 2011 MMO track]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/guild-launch-sponsoring-dragoncon-2011-mmo-track/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/guild-launch-sponsoring-dragoncon-2011-mmo-track/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/guild-launch-sponsoring-dragoncon-2011-mmo-track/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DragonCon isn't far over the horizon, and both genre fans and companies are making plans to descend on Atlanta for the annual Labor Day weekend nerd-a-thon in September. One such outfit is Guild Launch, and the hosting company has just announced via press release that it will be sponsoring the MMO track at this year's convention.

Guild Launch, founded in 2006 and renowned for its ability to ease the HTML-ignorant into the creation and maintenance of their own guilld-related websites, will be participating in various MMORPG panels as well as exhibiting its services throughout the convention. "After attending DragonCon for the last few years we decided we wanted to promote the DragonCon MMO track more directly. We've found DragonCon to be an awesome place to meet the members of our service and we look forward to meeting more of them in 2011," says company founder Stephen Johnston.

MassivelyGuild Launch sponsoring DragonCon 2011 MMO track originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consconventionsdragon-condragoncondragoncon-2011exhibitorsguild-launchguild-websitesmmo-industrynerd-a-thonpress-releasepress-releasesstephen-johnstonTue, 26 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Did you go to a game convention last year?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/the-daily-grind-did-you-go-to-a-game-convention-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/the-daily-grind-did-you-go-to-a-game-convention-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/the-daily-grind-did-you-go-to-a-game-convention-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It is, in many ways, the ultimate gamer's pilgrimage -- to make the long trek to attend a gaming convention. Whether it be PAX, Dragon*Con, Fan Faire, BlizzCon, Leipzig or GamesCom, it's surprising the amount of money, time, effort and willingness to stand in line with sweaty people that we put up with just to see the latest games and talk to our favorite developers.

It's hard to explain the allure of these conventions to outsiders, but there's something thrilling in seeing crowds of people who share your same hobby and get excited over all the same stuff you do. Plus, there's the swag. OH, the swag!

Did you make your pilgrimage in 2010? Did you manage to get away to a fabulous retreat (from reality) and attend a game convention? And was it everything you'd hoped, or did it let you down?

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: Did you go to a game convention last year? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzconconsconventionconventionsdragon-condragonconfan-fairegamescomLeipzigopinionpaxpenny-arcade-expopilgrimagesoe-fan-fairespandex-is-a-privilege-not-a-rightswagtdgthe-daily-grindWed, 12 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Got cons?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/the-daily-grind-got-cons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/the-daily-grind-got-cons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/the-daily-grind-got-cons/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So the New York Comic Con is in full swing, and the fact that it's here already reminds us of just how many game-related cons there are scattered throughout the calendar year. Whether it's NYCC, Dragon Con, E3, GDC, or the various flavors of PAX, there always seems to be something just around the corner that calls for hotel reservations and airline tickets. More often than not, the next convention on the circuit sneaks right up on us before we manage to shake the jet lag from the last one.

While we'd like nothing better than to shirk responsibilities and tour the world of gaming and pop culture conventions for a year, work must occasionally intrude, and most of us have to pick and choose our events. What about you Massively readers? Did you attend NYCC this weekend, and are you a regular on the gaming convention circuit?
Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of our 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 The Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Got cons? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airfareconsconvention-circuitconventionsdragon-cone3e3-2010gdc-2010hotelsnew-york-comic-connyccnycc-2010opinionPAXpax-2010pax-east-2010pax-prime-2010tdgthe-daily-grindtravelSun, 10 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DragonCon 2010: MMO track listing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's time once again for our yearly invasion of Dragon*Con in Atlanta, Georgia! While, yes, we will have several members of our team covering everything going on at PAX, Dragon*Con offers us a chance to get involved with the community and give back some of the love we get during the year. (Oh yes, and some of the snark too.) Of course, it doesn't hurt that Dragon*Con is also an enormous 4-day long party for just about everything any geek would ever be interested in!

If you've been wondering what's going on this year with the MMO track, which we'll be back to help with for our fourth year straight, then join us after the break for this year's panel listing! Also, for those friends who haven't picked it up (or anyone curious), the online pocket guide to the overall con is available for download.

Continue reading DragonCon 2010: MMO track listing

MassivelyDragonCon 2010: MMO track listing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2010dragon-condragoncondragoncon-2010mmommo-trackmmorpgtrack-listingTue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon*Con 2009: A look back at the mayhem]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/dragon-con-2009-a-look-at-the-mayhem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/dragon-con-2009-a-look-at-the-mayhem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/dragon-con-2009-a-look-at-the-mayhem/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Some of us go for the excellent panels featuring stars like William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Terry Gilliam, Adam Savage, and so many more. Others of us go for the fun events like concerts by Arc Attack, Faith & The Muse, or the kilt-blowing by Jennie Breeden. Amongst all the comic, fantasy, sci-fi, and other sundry forms of nerditry, there is a steadily growing MMO and video game presence at Dragon*Con.

For the last three years, Massively and our sister site WoW.com have been on the ground helping grow this East coast gaming presence either as panelists or staff. Some of the highlights for this year included:

So if you missed the fun, here's a gallery of some of the random images from D*C this year. If you're East coast and looking for something fun to do on Labor Day weekend next year, perhaps we'll catch you at Dragon*Con 2010!

Gallery: Dragon*Con 2009: General convention gallery


[Thanks to Ian W., Michael McG., Scott B., Shawn Schuster, and especially Tiffiany M. for contributing pictures!]

MassivelyDragon*Con 2009: A look back at the mayhem originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantacosplaycostumecostumesdc-2009dragon-condragoncon-2009fan-conventionfeaturedgalleryFri, 11 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Attend Dragon*Con via Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/attend-dragon-con-via-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/attend-dragon-con-via-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/attend-dragon-con-via-second-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We here at Massively know that not everyone can spend the money or the time to come out to Dragon*Con. But we don't want you guys to feel left out of the fun!

Tonight there's going to be a Second Life panel being run here at Dragon*Con, and we'd love it if you attended! The panel will be run simultaneously in Second Life and in real life, hosted by us here at Massively.com. Come, meet your fellow Second Life Massively readers, and you can even interact with and send questions to us here at the convention!

The panels topics will cover the entire culture of Second Life, serving as a player meetup opportunity and a pubic forum for everyone to talk about Second Life and discuss issues relevant to the virtual world platform.

Interested in attending? The panel will start at 7 PM ET (4 PM SLT/PT) and you can find our meet up as easily as clicking this link to boot your Second Life client. See you tonight, hopefully!

MassivelyAttend Dragon*Con via Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-2009dragon-condragon-con-2009dragoncon-2009panelsecond-lifeslvirtual-worldsFri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon*Con 2009: Massively is in the house!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/dragon-con-2009-massively-is-in-the-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/dragon-con-2009-massively-is-in-the-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/dragon-con-2009-massively-is-in-the-house/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's that time of year again! For the next four days, the streets of Atlanta, GA will be transformed from a bustling downtown business center to prime acreage chock full of enormous nerd herds. With a handful of East coast writers, we here at Massively couldn't let all the geeky shenanigans - and MMO fun - go on without taking part. That's right, we have been invited back to participate for a third year as panelists and general party fiends at the MMO track.

On site this year to take part in the fun are Colin Seraphina Brennan, Shawn Schuster, Elizabeth Harper for both Massively and our sister-site, WoW.com, and myself. When we're not lending our professional hands to various things, we'll be catching up with guests, attendees, and generally scouting for anything that might send gamer geek hearts fluttering.

If you're also in Atlanta for this enormous pop-culture love-in and would like to catch up with the Massively crew, be sure to check out the listing behind the break for where we'll all be. Just remember there's tons of other great things going on for the MMO track, so be sure to check the pocket guide for a full schedule!

Continue reading Dragon*Con 2009: Massively is in the house!

MassivelyDragon*Con 2009: Massively is in the house! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearancesdragon-condragoncondragoncon-2009eventsmmo-trackpanelsschedulestaffFri, 04 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez Studios to host all-night Global Agenda LAN party at Dragon*Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/hi-rez-studios-to-host-all-night-global-agenda-lan-party-at-drag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/hi-rez-studios-to-host-all-night-global-agenda-lan-party-at-drag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/hi-rez-studios-to-host-all-night-global-agenda-lan-party-at-drag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Are you interested in checking out the sci-fi MMOFPS Global Agenda, but didn't get accepted into beta? The team at Hi-Rez Studios has good news for anyone who's going to be in Atlanta during Dragon*Con 2009. They're going to have an all-night LAN party for Global Agenda which anyone can crash, even if you don't have a Dragon*Con pass. Hi-Rez Studios bills this as an "all-you-can play, hands-on experience with the upcoming game, Global Agenda. There will be PvE missions, PvP death matches, and your chance to get an inside look" at the game.

Interested? You can check out the details on the Global Agenda site, but the gist of their announcement is that the LAN party will be held on Friday September 4th in the Digital Gaming Area of the Hilton. The Hi-Rez event will be on the 3rd floor, conference rooms 309-312. There's no cost of admission, food and drinks will be provided so gluttony is encouraged, and again you won't even need a Dragon*Con pass to get in. This sounds like a great chance to play the game well in advance of launch.

UPDATE: LAN party attendees will, in fact, need a Dragon*Con pass to enter the Digital Gaming Area.

MassivelyHi-Rez Studios to host all-night Global Agenda LAN party at Dragon*Con originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantabetasdragon-condragon-con-2009eventsglobal-agendahi-rez-studioslan-partymmo-industrymmofpssci-fispy-fiSun, 30 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AoC dev blog discusses class tweaks and recruiting more advocates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/aoc-dev-blog-discusses-class-tweaks-and-recruiting-more-advocate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/aoc-dev-blog-discusses-class-tweaks-and-recruiting-more-advocate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/aoc-dev-blog-discusses-class-tweaks-and-recruiting-more-advocate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Funcom's Glen "Famine" Swan has put another entry into his blog at MMORPG, discussing Age of Conan's upcoming guild features (which Craig Morrison elaborated on in his recent game director letter) as well as some class tweaks that the developers have been working on. Right now the dev team is looking at the Bear Shaman and Barbarian classes, with the Conqueror and Dark Templar up for possible changes after they're done with the first two. He doesn't spill the beans on exactly what might be happening with these classes but we're told to stay tuned for more information soon.

The rest of Famine's blog post relates to things outside of the game. It sounds like the Advocate Program has been going well, but Funcom would like to bring a few more advocates on board. Along with the existing class advocates, they might be recruiting advocates specifically for areas like roleplaying and player-versus-player, as was planned some time ago. Famine also gave a quick update on Funcom's plans for Dragon*Con in Atlanta this September. Among the activities will be a developer panel featuring Age of Conan's lead designer Joel Bylos.

MassivelyAoC dev blog discusses class tweaks and recruiting more advocates originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advocate-programadvocatesage-of-conanbarbarianbear-shamanconquerorcraig-morrisondark-templardragon-condragon-con-2009dragonconfaminefuncomglen-swanMon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life users raise more than a quarter million for cancer research]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/second-life-users-raise-more-than-a-quarter-million-for-cancer-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/second-life-users-raise-more-than-a-quarter-million-for-cancer-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/second-life-users-raise-more-than-a-quarter-million-for-cancer-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This weekend, saw the main event of the Second Life Relay for Life, raising funds for the American Cancer Society for cancer research. The exact figure raised for cancer research by Second Life users is a bit hazy, being reported slightly differently from multiple sources, but the American Cancer Society is reporting that the contributed amount is a very exciting US$270,388.

While Second Life often receives a fairly low opinion in the media, particularly the tech media, and tends to get a poor rap from MMOG players, their contribution every year to cancer research is not to be sold short. We'd like to see some of you MMOG players try to beat that next year.

In the meantime, if you're at Dragon*Con 2009 this year, you MMOGers have a chance to show you care, at the convention-wide blood drive. It'll be Horde versus Alliance versus everyone who thinks you're too self-absorbed to participate. Show you've got it in you, and let them take some of it out of you!

Are you a part of the most widely-known collaborative virtual environment or keeping a close eye on it? Massively's Second Life coverage keeps you in the loop.

MassivelySecond Life users raise more than a quarter million for cancer research originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acsamerican-cancer-societyblood-drivecharityculturedragon-condragon-con-2009second-lifesecond-life-relay-for-lifevirtual-worldsWed, 22 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Can a LotROCON work?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/can-a-lotrocon-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/can-a-lotrocon-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/can-a-lotrocon-work/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


SOE has Fan Faire and WoW has BlizzCon, but could a convention centered around Lord of the Rings Online (or all Turbine games, for that matter) evoke enough interest? Many fans seem to think it's about time they had their own company- or game-specific con as a place to meet others who enjoy the work Turbine has done with LotRO, DDO and Asheron's Call. Perhaps the biggest advocate is a blogger by the name of the LotRO Follower, yet the original idea came from Moormur at the LotROCast podcast. Other members of the LotRO Blogging Collective have thrown in their own two cents, like The Middle-Earth Adventurer who makes the point that it doesn't have to start off large, as in time it will grow.

So as the general MMO-playing public, we'd be curious to hear what you have to say on this subject. Have the success of the other topic-specific cons shown that it can be done with others, or should Turbine fans just get together at other major cons like Dragon Con, PAX or GenCon?

MassivelyCan a LotROCON work? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callconventionsddodragon-condungeons-and-dragons-onlinelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotrocastmmeowpaxturbineWed, 08 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 6]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-6/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-6/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-6/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 6

MassivelyFlying Lab Software on Pirates, part 6 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2008dragon-condragon-con-2008flying-labflying-lab-softwarepiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 8]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-8/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-8/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-8/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Continue reading Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 8

MassivelyFlying Lab Software on Pirates, part 8 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2008dragon-condragon-con-2008flying-labflying-lab-softwarepiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon*Con 2008: Flying Lab Software on Pirates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/dragon-con-2008-flying-lab-software-on-pirates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/dragon-con-2008-flying-lab-software-on-pirates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/dragon-con-2008-flying-lab-software-on-pirates/#commentsFiled under: , ,


At this year's Dragon*Con, we ran into Flying Lab Software's Russell Williams (CEO) and Kevin Maginn (PotBS Lead Designer) who had a lot to say about the design philosophy behind Pirates of the Burning Sea as well as the challenges of continuing to work on a live game. After its release in January, Pirates has continued growing with monthly updates, providing new game systems and new content.

How do the designers decide where Pirates is going from here? We've got the skinny on both where Pirates came from and where it's going, after the jump.

Gallery: Pirates of the Burning Sea core gallery

Continue reading Dragon*Con 2008: Flying Lab Software on Pirates

MassivelyDragon*Con 2008: Flying Lab Software on Pirates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2008dragon-condragon-con-2008flying-labflying-lab-softwarepiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 3

MassivelyFlying Lab Software on Pirates, part 3 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2008dragon-condragon-con-2008flying-labflying-lab-softwarepiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-5/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 5

MassivelyFlying Lab Software on Pirates, part 5 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2008dragon-condragon-con-2008flying-labflying-lab-softwarepiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 7]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-7/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-7/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-7/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 7

MassivelyFlying Lab Software on Pirates, part 7 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2008dragon-condragon-con-2008flying-labflying-lab-softwarepiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 2

MassivelyFlying Lab Software on Pirates, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2008dragon-condragon-con-2008flying-labflying-lab-softwarepiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 4]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/flying-lab-software-on-pirates-part-4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading Flying Lab Software on Pirates, part 4

MassivelyFlying Lab Software on Pirates, part 4 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-2008dragon-condragon-con-2008flying-labflying-lab-softwarepiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom announces its Dragon*Con plans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/funcom-announces-its-dragon-con-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/funcom-announces-its-dragon-con-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/funcom-announces-its-dragon-con-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


American readers: are you going to Dragon*Con this Labor Day weekend? Funcom (developer of Anarchy Online, Age of Conan, and The Secret World) is! Its specific plans have been laid out at the Age of Conan website.

The company will have its own booth, of course, which will be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Friday through Sunday, and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday. More interestingly, though, Funcom will be hosting what it calls the "FunCon Event" in the Sheraton Capital Ballroom on Friday at 10:00 PM. The party will feature music by DJ Tarryk and visitors from the teams of all three Funcom projects.

The following day, Funcom will present its two currently-released games -- Anarchy Online at 10:00 AM and Age of Conan at 7:00 PM. Somewhere amidst all these proceedings, fans will have the opportunity to win posters, inflatable swords, t-shirts, lanyards, custom PC cases, and "one special customized Anarchy Online PC." That's cool. It's probably not cool enough to go out of your way to go to Dragon*Con for, but if you're already gonna be there you might as well stop by. Check out Massively's complete Dragon*Con schedule for other events and booths to hit up, too.

MassivelyFuncom announces its Dragon*Con plans originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananarchy-onlineboothdj-tarrykdragon-condragon-con-2008dragoncondragoncon-2008eventfuncomfunconlabor-daypartypresentationsprizesthe-secret-worldWed, 27 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to Dragon*Con: Saturday events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-saturday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-saturday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-saturday-events/#comments All times Eastern. Post will be updated as schedule changes, so be sure to bookmark this and check back! Also of note: frosty adult beverages will be on sale at all night-time ballroom events.

Athens Room:

10:00 AM
 [Updated] Free Realms: Demo / Q&A with SOE
Join us as Sony Online Entertainment's Alan "Brenlo" Crosby shows us this upcoming free-to-play MMO offering. Free Realms marks an exciting new direction for SOE, sure to interest gamer kids and parents! Get a look before the beta!
11:30 AM
 Force of Arms: Q&A with Wardog Studios
This talk will cover the history, strategies, methods of developing Force of Arms along with features and an insider look at this Sci-fi mech MMOG. Also included will be a look at creating a MMO as an independent entity, both in the technical and business aspects.
1:00 PM
 Pirates of the Burning Sea: Q&A with Flying Lab
Yarr, matey! Come and meet the motley crew from Flying Lab as they answer your questions about Pirates of the Burning Sea.
2:30 PM
 Champions Online: Q&A with Cryptic
Meet Sam Clifford, Senior Designer at Cryptic Studios and developer of the Super-hero MMORPG Champions Online. Sam will be showing off some of the features of this upcoming game and answering your questions.
4:00 PM
 WAAAGH! Tales from the Warhammer Online beta
The Dragon*Con staff has managed to get an inside look at Mythic's upcoming title, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, and they're going to tell you all about it. Join us.
12:00 AM
 Late Night Machinima
Come join Christina "Romily" Rollins for more gaming machinima than you even knew was out there. Feature both award-winning artists and up-and-coming names in the machinima scene!

Augusta Room:

11:30 AM

 Stargate Worlds: Sneak preview
Sure, D*C has a Stargate track, but what about the upcoming game? Join some of the D*C crew for discussion and a look at this hot new title.
1:00 PM

 City of Heroes/City of Villains: Player meet-up
Pulchritudinous people of Paragon City, and rambunctious rabble of the Rogue Isles -- come and meet your fellow fearless friends at the City of Heroes and Villains gathering. Share your war stories and meet some old friends, or make some new ones.
2:30 PM
 WoW Drama (aka Schadenfreude 101)
World of Warcraft? Drama? Nooooooo. Join WoW Insider and Massively as we look at some of the things we've seen and heard from the forums, commenters, and more. Bring your own tales of epic lulz to share in this free-form style panel!
4:00 PM
 The Future of Machinima
We've all seen the exploits of Leeroy Jenkins and Red vs. Blue. Machinima is now turning into an art form, Hollywood production tool, and a new type of media in its own right. Join Christina "Romily" Rollins and her special guests, including Matt Kelland, for a look at Machinima today and where it's headed next.
5:30 PM
 Lord of the Rings Online: Player gathering
Are you a tricksy Hobbit? Are you a Dwarf who has been tossed one time too many? Are you an Elf having a really bad (or good) hair day? This is the place for you. Come and meet your fellow LotRO players and swap some tales from the online version of Middle-earth.

Sheraton Capitol Ballroom:

4:30 PM


MMO Costume Contest check-in
Come one, come all! From basic costumes, to highly detailed, entries are welcome from any and all MMOs! Just have a notecard/piece of paper/scrap of bar napkin with your name, the game your costume is from, and a quick description. Note: Contestants for the MMO costume contest must check in no later than 5:00 PM.
5:30 PM

 MMO Costume Contest
Last year, we had an idea, 2 weeks notice, and landed a packed house and a full overflow room. This year, we're ready to do it even bigger, and with even more awesome prizes! Come watch - or dress as your favorite MMO character and join in as Krystalle Voecks from Massively hosts the 2nd Annual MMORPG Costume Contest. Special guest star judges include Jorgen Tharaldsen from Funcom and Alan "Brenlo" Crosby from Sony Online Entertainment.
7:00 PM

 Age of Conan: Demo and Q&A with Funcom
Join us for a chat with Jorgen Tharaldsen and Terri Perkins from Funcom as we discuss what is right, what is wrong, and what is changing with Age of Conan.

Marriott Atrium Ballroom (A601 & A602):

10:00 PM


General MMO Meet & Greet / Mingle
Looking for something to do? Want to make new friends and meet other MMO players? This is the place to be! All MMO players from all games are welcome!

MassivelyMassively goes to Dragon*Con: Saturday events originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantaconventiondc-2008dragon-condragonconevent-coverageeventsmassivelymmo-trackmmogmmorpgpanelsplanningscheduleswow-insiderTue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to Dragon*Con: Monday events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-monday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-monday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-monday-events/#comments All times Eastern. Post will be updated as schedule changes, so be sure to bookmark this and check back! Also of note: frosty adult beverages will be on sale at all night-time ballroom events.

Athens Room:

10:00 AM
 Anarchy Online: Q&A with Funcom
Jorgen Tharaldsen and Terri Perkins from Funcom will answer your questions about Anarchy Online and show you that Rubi-ka is very much alive and well.
11:30 AM
 Gaia Online: Q&A with Gaia Interactive
Gaia is hosting a special Gaia Online gathering where Gaia Online members can meet each other and hang out while making new friends. Come get to know your fellow Gaian's on a personal level. In addition to hanging out, all attendees will receive a special prize!
1:00 PM
 Free MMOGs you should check out
Want to play MMOs, but are on a tight budget? This is the place for you! Krystalle Voecks from Massively discusses some interesting MMOs on the 'net that cost absolutely nothing to play.
2:30 PM
 Post MMOrtem / Survivor's gathering
Don't miss your chance to take a parting shot at our staff and let them know what went wrong (or right) this year. If we missed a game that you wanted to see, this is your best chance to let us know about it. Bring coffee... and donuts... and anything else that might cure a hangover.

MassivelyMassively goes to Dragon*Con: Monday events originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantaconventiondc-2008dragon-condragonconevent-coverageeventsmmo-trackmmogmmorpgpanelsplanningscheduleswow-insiderTue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to Dragon*Con: Friday events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/dragon-con-scheduling-friday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/dragon-con-scheduling-friday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/dragon-con-scheduling-friday-events/#comments
All times Eastern. Post will be updated as schedule changes, so be sure to bookmark this and check back! Also of note: frosty adult beverages will be on sale at all night-time ballroom events.

Athens Room:

10:00 AM -
11:30 AM
 DC MMO quest registration
Be an NPC or PC, it's up to you. If you would like to be an NPC for the weekend-long Dragon*Con MMO quest, sign up to receive your instructions. Participation is free!
1:00 PM
 Best of MMO videos
It's like America's Funniest Home Videos, only for gaming videos. Well, slightly more snarky than AFHV and with significantly less Bob Saget. Hosted by Krystalle Voecks.
2:30 PM
 EVE Online: Q&A with CCP
Meet Scott Holden, Lead Mission Designer for EVE Online. Come discuss all the goings on in New Eden!
4:00 PM
 Vanguard: Q&A with SOE
Alan "Brenlo" Crosby and the good folks at Sony Online Entertainment will be here to answer your questions about Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Come and meet the folks who make it all possible.
5:30 PM
 Achievements in Machinima
What is the current state of the art in Machinima? Christina "Romily" Rollins presents some of the best award-winning machinima from around the globe. Including winners from the Machinima Festival Europe '07, these cutting edge, avant-garde pieces are turning heads and blazing new trails for future machinimists.
12:00 AM
 Machinima Feature: BloodSpell
BloodSpell is Strange Company's first feature length project and is written and directed by Machinima pioneer, Hugh Hancock. Join Christina Rollins (aka Romily) to see BloodSpell, the first feature-length Machinima animated film made using the game Neverwinter Nights. Don't miss this pioneering machinima epic!

Augusta Room:

1:00 PM

 Stargate Worlds: Sneak preview
Sure, D*C has a Stargate track, but what about the upcoming game? Join some of the D*C crew for discussion and a look at this hot new title. [This panel repeats on Saturday at 11:30 AM in the Athens room.]
2:30 PM

 Herding cats 101 (aka Guild Management)
Sometimes the largest challenge in an MMO isn't the raiding; it's getting a group together in the first place. Find out how leaders of successful large guilds get things done - and manage to stay sane.Trevor Legg from <Lost Order of Akalabeth> and Michael McGreevy from <Children of Midian> share their tips and tricks.
4:00 PM
 Guild Wars player gathering
Come meet your fellow Guild Wars players. Make some new friends, and share some dreams for GW2!
5:30 PM
 MMO Etiquette School
Join Mark Crump, Kevin Stallard and Krystalle Voecks (and any other industry folk who decide to pop by) for an old fashioned raucous roundtable of MMOG war stories. Laugh along as the panel and audience swap tales of horror, hilarity and honor in MMOs. For those of you new to MMOGs, this is a great (and funny) object lesson on just what not to do.

Sheraton Capital Ballroom:

7:00PM


World of Warcraft Q&A and Wrath of the Lich King preview
Join Massively and WoW Insider as we answer questions on everything from "old school" raiding to the latest Wrath of the Lich King information in a "no marketing-speak allowed" throw-down. We will also be showing video footage of your first steps as a Death Knight from the current WotLK beta. Note: big fat Wrath spoilers!
10:00 PM

 Funcom's Age of Conan party
According to Conan, the best things in life involve crushing enemies and "der lamentations of der vomen". We can't promise any of that, but we can promise good music, good fun, and good times with the Funcom crew. Come to this hot Hyborean party for prize giveaways, music, contests, and more.

MassivelyMassively goes to Dragon*Con: Friday events originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantaconventiondc-2008dragon-condragonconevent-coverageeventsmmo-trackmmogmmorpgpanelsplanningscheduleswow-insiderTue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to Dragon*Con: Sunday events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-sunday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-sunday-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-sunday-events/#comments All times Eastern. Post will be updated as schedule changes, so be sure to bookmark this and check back! Also of note: frosty adult beverages will be on sale at all night-time ballroom events.

Athens Room:

10:00 AM
 Star Wars Galaxies: Q&A with SOE
In MMO parlance, "A long time ago..." is 5 years, and "...a galaxy far, far away" means "on the Internet." Join Alan "Brenlo" Crosby for a look at Sony Online Entertainment's version of George Lucas' universe.
11:30 AM
 AQ Worlds
How do you fit a massively multiplayer game in a web browser? Meet the friendly team from Artix Entertainment and find out! They are the creators of popular (and slightly campy) web games AdventureQuest, DragonFable and MechQuest. Join them and see how they are making their way through building their first MMO. Battle on!
1:00 PM
 Maintaining Wife (or Husband) faction
Tired of fighting your worst battles after the raid is over? Come and join Kevin Stallard and Krystalle Voecks from Massively as they discuss how to keep your significant other happy while still having time to play your favorite games.
2:30 PM
 Age of Conan: Q&A with Funcom
Come chat with Jorgen Tharaldsen and Terri Perkins from Funcom, as they discuss upcoming changes and take your questions.
4:00 PM
 Champions Online: Q&A with Cryptic
Meet Sam Clifford, Senior Designer at Cryptic Studios and developer of the Superhero MMORPG "Champions Online," as he shows off some of the features of this upcoming game and answers your questions.
5:30 PM
 Second Life: Games within the metaverse
Just what is Second Life and how do I use it to have fun? You have questions, this panel has answers. A brief overview of SL will no doubt devolve into discussions of the building, the scripting, fashion, the currency, and the games within Linden Lab's virtual world.
12:00 AM
 Late Night Machinima
In the finest traditions of "Late Night Kung Fu Theater" and "The Late Late Late Movie", we present the lighter side of Machinima. Join Christina "Romily" Rollins for some of the finest fan-made films using characters from your favorite MMO games.

Augusta Room:

10:00 AM

 Legal and ethical Issues in MMO gaming (The gold-farming panel)
Back by popular demand, come and let your "Inner Johnny Cochran" out for an hour. If the gold is farmed, who gets harmed? Who really owns all that stuff that you work (play) so hard to get or make? If you came to Dragon*Con seeking legal advice, you should probably seek professional (psychiatric) help. If, however, you want to come and get into a good discussion, then this is the place to be.
11:30 AM

 EverQuest: Q&A with SOE
Join us for a chat with Alan "Brenlo" Crosby as we discuss one of the oldest and most popular MMORPGs of all time. From the Kunark expansion to Living Legacy, EQ has come a long way.
1:00 PM
 EverQuest II: Q&A with SOE
Alan Crosby (Brenlo) will talk about what Sony has planned for EQ2 and will answer your questions.
2:30 PM
 So you'd like to work in the MMO industry?
Scott Holden from CCP Games (EVE Online). Mark Capps (Unreal), and Mark Crump will answer your questions about how to get into the Massively Multiplayer Online Gaming industry. If you're an artist, designer, programmer, writer, or just a fan of the genre, join us for an inside look at how it all happens.
4:00 PM
 WoW Add-ons
MMORPGs in general, and World of Warcraft in particular, never seem to have a user interface that does everything we want it to. There are millions of add-ons out there that promise to do everything from dress you appropriately to cast your spells for you with a simple click of the mouse. How do you find them? What is dangerous? What's coming in Wrath?? Krystalle Voecks and Mark Crump have some answers that may help.
5:30 PM
 Tabula Rasa: Player Gathering
Come and meet your fellow Tabula Rasa players. Share some war stories of fighting the Bane, hoist a cold beverage or two, and have a good time.

Capital Ballroom:

7:00 PM


MMO Trivia contest
We have prizes up for grabs -- but this game isn't about loot; It's about bragging rights. Everyone plays, anyone can win. You can pre-register as a team on the DC MMO website or catch up with the D*C MMO staff in person at any of our panels during the weekend. The only "charge" to play is that you have fun!
10:00 PM

 World of Warcraft: An evening with WoW Insider & Massively
Here it is. The one you've all been asking for since last year, when we packed not one, but two rooms and had to turn away 300 more people because we couldn't cram anyone else in the door. The WoW party is back with a vengeance. Come and represent the Alliance or the Horde in a battle of epic partying. We're going to punt gnomes, nerf warlocks, and make last year's get together look like a tea party. Oh, and we'll have some schwag too. You know, if you're into that kind of thing.

MassivelyMassively goes to Dragon*Con: Sunday events originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantaconventiondc-2008dragon-condragonconevent-coverageeventsmmo-trackmmogmmorpgpanelsplanningscheduleswow-insiderTue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to Dragon*Con: Panels and planning]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-panels-and-planning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-panels-and-planning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/massively-goes-to-dragon-con-panels-and-planning/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Planning to attend Dragon*Con this year, but not sure what's going on? Don't worry -- we here at Massively (and our sister site WoW Insider) have been working diligently with the MMORPG track director (and the author of our very own "Ask Massively" column here) Kevin Stallard to create a fantastic track full of all manner of MMOG news and insider views. Of course, this is all in addition to all that awesome gaming, those fantastic panels with stars of stage and screen, writers' workshops, the dealer rooms, the comic book and fantasy artists... You get the idea. We've been assured that it is largely impossible for a geek to not have fun at Dragon*Con. From being involved last year, to the lineup we've helped plan this year, we'd have to agree with that.

So those of you headed for Hotlanta for four days of geeky fun, fire up your printer, grab a cup of coffee and get those highlighters. (Or just bookmark us on your Blackberry, general smartphone, or iPhone!) We're going to run down a listing of the events on the MMOG track for this year so you have the most up-to-the-minute schedule information available. All you have to do is join us after the break for a full run-down of panels. Also be sure to check both this post (and the comments, we're sure) for some great tips and tricks from Dragon*Con veterans on how to make the most of your D*C 2008 experience.

Continue reading Massively goes to Dragon*Con: Panels and planning

MassivelyMassively goes to Dragon*Con: Panels and planning originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantaconventiondc-2008dragon-condragonconfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmmo-trackmmogmmorpgTue, 26 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Planning to attend any conventions?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/the-daily-grind-planning-to-attend-any-conventions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/the-daily-grind-planning-to-attend-any-conventions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/the-daily-grind-planning-to-attend-any-conventions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tis the season to be traveling! As the summer ramps up, more and more companies are planning different outings and fan events. Blizzard has announced that not only will they have their (now sold-out) Worldwide Invitational in Paris, but also will be hosting another Blizzcon this October. Sony Online Entertainment has announced the next in a long line of highly successful Fan Faires coming to Vegas this August. CCP is expected to host yet another "party at the top of the world" as their EVE Online fan fair returns this year. Funcom will have a great showing as part of the MMO track at Dragon*Con where they've been partying with fans for years. And who can forget all the gaming goodness that goes on at PAX, GenCon, and other related conventions happening all around the world!

For today's Daily Grind, we thought we'd ask you what kind of plans you have for traveling this year? Are there any conventions that are absolutely must-see events for you? Which events, if any, are you excited to check out? And if it's a general event like Dragon*Con or PAX, what are your "must see" games while you're there?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Planning to attend any conventions? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzconconventionconventionsdragon-coneve-online-fan-fairgenconparty-at-the-top-of-the-worldpaxpenny-arcade-exposoe-fan-fairesummer-travelthe-daily-grindwwiThu, 12 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST