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: What's your favorite archer class?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-archer-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-archer-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-archer-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

camelot unchained
I've never been one to gravitate toward bow-and-arrow classes in MMOs, although I've dabbled in them from time to time. I guess I fear that archers and their ilk are far too popular and feature mindless, straight-forward mechanics (shoot... one arrow at a time! Now two at a time! Now a whole bunch rapidly!).

But if I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be Dungeons and Dragon Online's Bard. I equipped her with a heavy repeating crossbow, and being able to man the medieval equivalent of an automatic rifle was strangely satisfying. Plus, crossbows do not get a lot of play in MMOs for some reason.

Do you have a favorite archer class, and if so, what was it?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your favorite archer class? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archerbardbowbow-and-arrowclassclassescrossbowdaily-grindddodungeons-and-dragonshunteropinionrangedtdgthe-daily-grindSat, 24 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO trumpets the start of its Winter Games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/ddo-trumpets-the-start-of-its-winter-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/ddo-trumpets-the-start-of-its-winter-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/ddo-trumpets-the-start-of-its-winter-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ddo
Just because we're in the heart of winter in the northern hemisphere doesn't mean that we can't enjoy snow-themed festivities! That's the attitude of Dungeons and Dragons Online, which has started a slew of activities under its Winter Games umbrella.

For starters, there's the Midwinter Festival in the Forgotten Realms which includes speed skating, snowflake collecting, and vole smashing. Meanwhile in Eberron, the ever-popular Risia Ice Games are back with more ice sliding action. Then there's an ice skating rink in the harbor, an ice jump off a cliff, and a frozen half-pipe in the Bogwater Tavern. Participation in all of these activities will not only result in embarassing fun, but rewards from the various tokens won.

MassivelyDDO trumpets the start of its Winter Games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeventf2pfantasyfree-to-playice-skatingin-game-eventrisia-gamesturbineturbine-entertainmentwinter-festivalwinter-gamesThu, 22 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter: Elemental Evil bringing the Paladin, higher level cap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/neverwinter-elemental-evil-bringing-the-paladin-higher-level-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/neverwinter-elemental-evil-bringing-the-paladin-higher-level-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/neverwinter-elemental-evil-bringing-the-paladin-higher-level-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

neverwinter
Elements are the "in" thing for 2015, especially in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. First we found out that DDO will be implementing the Temple of Elemental Evil this year, and now we've gotten word that Neverwinter's newest module will be called Elemental Evil (it's no coincidence; both titles have a relationship with Wizards of the Coast, who likes to do these tie-ins).

This module will be a significant one when it comes early this year. Elemental Evil will add a new class to the game, the Paladin, and increase the level cap from 60 to 70. The increased level cap means more skills and quests for all eight classes.

Cryptic also announced that future updates in 2015 for Neverwinter will include the player guild housing Strongholds system, the Xbox One launch, and the arrival of popular D&D characters.

[Source: Cryptic press release]

MassivelyNeverwinter: Elemental Evil bringing the Paladin, higher level cap originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineelemental-evilf2pfantasyfree-to-playhousingneverwinterpaladinpatchpatch-previewperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwestrongholdsturbineturbine-entertainmentwizards-of-the-coastxbox-oneTue, 20 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO looking at Warlock class, level cap bump in 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/ddo-looking-at-warlock-class-level-cap-bump-in-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/ddo-looking-at-warlock-class-level-cap-bump-in-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/ddo-looking-at-warlock-class-level-cap-bump-in-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

'Tis the season for Turbine producer letters and since we've already seen LotRO's, how about one for Dungeons and Dragons Online?

Executive producer Robert "Severlin" Ciccolini does the honors, and he mentions the game's "next big update" which will include a large dungeon called the Temple of Elemental Evil. There's also a bit about an upcoming new class, which Ciccolini says could be a Warlock. New storylines and new festivals are coming in 2015, too, as is a level cap bump to 30.

MassivelyDDO looking at Warlock class, level cap bump in 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-new-classddo-warlockdnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playrobert-ciccoliniseverlintemple-of-elemental-evilturbineturbine-entertainmentwarlockThu, 08 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: How DikuMUD shaped modern MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-how-dikumud-shaped-modern-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-how-dikumud-shaped-modern-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-how-dikumud-shaped-modern-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Even though there are hundreds and thousands of MMOs spanning several decades, only a small handful were so incredibly influential that they changed the course of development for games from then on out. DikuMUD is one of these games, and it is responsible for more of what you experience in your current MMOs than you even know.

Of course, that doesn't mean everyone knows what DikuMUD is or how it shaped the MMOs that came out after it. You might have seen it used as a pejorative in enough comments that you know it is loathed by many gamers, but I find that there are varying degrees of ignorance about DikuMUD in the community. What is it, exactly? Why is it just the worst? And is it really the worst if we like the games that can point to this text-based MMO as a key ancestor?

Today we're going to dispel the mystery and myths of DikuMUD to lay it out there as it was and is today.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: How DikuMUD shaped modern MMOs

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: How DikuMUD shaped modern MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertactivisionambermudatitdbartleblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassicclassic-mmosclassicscommunity-chestdikudiku-muddikumuddikumud-iidnddungeons-and-dragonseqeq1eveeve-onlineeverquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-archaelogistHans-Henrik-Stærfeldtholy-trinityKatja-NyboeMichael-Seifertnostalgiaopinionrichard-bartleSebastian-Hammersoesonysony-online-entertainmentsteve-danuserthe-game-archaeologistTom-Madsentroveultima-onlineuoverantverant-interactivewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 03 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO Update 24: Heart of Madness goes live tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/ddo-update-24-heart-of-madness-goes-live-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/ddo-update-24-heart-of-madness-goes-live-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/ddo-update-24-heart-of-madness-goes-live-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ddo
Tomorrow, Dungeons and Dragons Online will be getting its last big patch of the year, Update 24: Heart of Madness. Considering the cheery title, one might expect scarring challenges and experiences that will drive your average player insane (including using yourself as a puzzle piece to get through a fiendish game).

The crux of the patch centers around an invasion from the plane of madness to Eberron, with popular D&D figures like the Lord of Eyes, the Lord of Stone, and Yalthoon the Mindflayer. Players will tackle a trio of high-level madness-themed dungeons in this paid adventure pack, although there will also be a fourth free dungeon that's part of the ongoing Wizards of the Coast Tyranny of Dragons event.

Update 24 will also come with cosmetic armor effects, smarter AI monster champions, and a revamp of Barbarian enhancements.

MassivelyDDO Update 24: Heart of Madness goes live tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packddodnddungeondungeonsdungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playheart-of-madnessmadnessturbineturbine-entertainmenttyranny-of-dragonsupdate-24wizards-of-the-coastWed, 10 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. plans more layoffs through early 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/warner-bros-plans-more-layoffs-through-early-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/warner-bros-plans-more-layoffs-through-early-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/warner-bros-plans-more-layoffs-through-early-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

warner bros
The rocky situation for Warner Bros. is far from over. Game Informer is reporting that the conglomerate is planning more layoffs through "most business groups" starting this week and going through early 2015. Variety says that up to 1,000 employees from TV, film, and other divisions will be let go from the cuts.

This report stems from a staff memo that discusses this internal, company-wide restructuring. While Turbine was not specifically mentioned, there is concern following the recent bout of layoffs that hit the Lord of the Rings Online developer.

MassivelyWarner Bros. plans more layoffs through early 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-universeddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playinfinite-crisislayoffslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromobasuperherosuperheroesturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwbWed, 05 Nov 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare delays Shadow Realms' alpha]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/bioware-delays-shadow-realms-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/bioware-delays-shadow-realms-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/31/bioware-delays-shadow-realms-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Shadow Realms
The planned closed alpha test for Shadow Realms, the not-so-massive BioWare OARPG announced back in August, is being delayed, says a new producer letter on the official site. Senior Producer Dallas Dickinson says the devs just "need a bit more time" to gather and process player feedback:
One of the most important things to us on Shadow Realms is listening to - and making changes based on - that player feedback. Having fans play the game at Gamescom and PAX Prime gave us incredible insight. [...] The thing is, feedback was so good it made us want to do more, to get a bit further down the road, before opening Shadow Realms up again. We got so many excellent questions about what the game will be, beyond just the multiplayer piece that we've revealed, and we'd like to be able to show you some answers rather than just telling you what the answers will one day be. But we need a bit more time. We've taken a deep look at the state of the game - what it is now, what we intend it to be, and most importantly what it could be - and realized this is an opportunity to take a great game and make it even better before bringing it back for more feedback from you.
Dickinson promises regular producer letters in the coming months. Interested gamers can still sign up for alpha on the official site.

MassivelyBioWare delays Shadow Realms' alpha originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetabiowaredallas-dickinsonDungeons-and-Dragonsfeedbackoarpgshadow-realmsstorytestingFri, 31 Oct 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO beefs up melee characters in Update 23]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/ddo-beefs-up-melee-characters-in-update-23/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/ddo-beefs-up-melee-characters-in-update-23/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/ddo-beefs-up-melee-characters-in-update-23/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ddo
All hail patch day for Dungeons and Dragons Online! Hear the mighty dragons roar and witness the ancient vaults break open and spill their content goodness! For Update 23 hath arrived to change the game forevermore.

Update 23 may not be the largest DDO patch to date, but it does contain several significant improvements. The biggest of these is a large buff to melee characters to balance that playstyle with those of other roles. Melee characters have new stats to help them with their efforts, including melee power, ranged power, and magical resist rating.

Turbine has also unlocked the epic version of the Orchard of the Macabre instances, added in a new raid, included guild storage, and offered players the ability to create cosmetic variants of armor pieces with the new Mirror of Glamering.

MassivelyDDO beefs up melee characters in Update 23 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffcosmeticddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-storagemelee-buffmirror-of-glameringorchard-of-the-macabreturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-23wardrobeMon, 29 Sep 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO's Update 23 to buff melee characters and add guild storage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/ddos-update-23-to-buff-melee-characters-and-add-guild-storage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/ddos-update-23-to-buff-melee-characters-and-add-guild-storage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/ddos-update-23-to-buff-melee-characters-and-add-guild-storage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ddo
Preview patch notes are on Dungeons and Dragons Online's forums for the upcoming Update 23. These notes paint a picture of a considerable patch that includes a significant buff for melee fighters.

"Update 23 brings a series of changes aimed at improving the ability of melee-focused characters to face some of DDO's toughest challenges, and bring increased balance between melee, ranged, and spell-casting characters," the team posted.

Also slated for Update 23 are epic versions of the Orchard of the Macabre, guild storage on airships, a special mirror that allows the user to make a cosmetic variant of an armor piece, and a new feat called Epic Power that gives +3 melee power to characters level 21 and up.

MassivelyDDO's Update 23 to buff melee characters and add guild storage originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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shadow realms
BioWare has just announced a brand-new IP for the studio: Shadow Realms, a "4v1 story-driven online action RPG" that was inspired by the team's love of tabletop Dungeons & Dragons.

Shadow Realms isn't a full-fledged MMO, but will put players in the shoes of contemporary Earth heroes who will jump between our world of technology and another of magic. The twist for the game is that a team of four heroes will be opposed by one player who will assume the role of a dungeon master-like Shadowlord.

"With Shadow Realms, we decided that the Shadowlord should interact with and see the gameplay world in a similar way to the hero players -- albeit with better tactical knowledge," BioWare wrote. "Their objective is to stop the group of heroes by haunting them, setting traps, casting spells, summoning monsters, and controlling any monster in the level."

The game will grow with episodic storytelling, offer "deep combat customization," and feature six classes. Shadow Realms is set to go into closed beta this fall.

MassivelyBioWare announces Shadow Realms, a D&D-inspired co-op dungeon crawler originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DDO
July's Dungeons & Dragons Online Producer's Letter is the second one from DDO Franchise Director Athena, and in it, she describes the changes coming to the fantasy MMO. While the original road map set in place last December by Rowan has been followed thus far, Turbine is looking to redirect further changes based on player feedback.

Update 23 will bring the Epic Orchard of the Macabre, a new Epic raid, new enemies (including werewolves in Eberron), heavy armor improvements, and more. Update 24 will then bring new quests and a new event to round out the end of the year and the holiday festivities. Be sure to read the entire letter in the forums for more details on what's to come.

MassivelyDDO changes direction, focuses on player feedback originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jul 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-23update-24Wed, 02 Jul 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Dungeons & Dragons Online's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/jukebox-heroes-dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/jukebox-heroes-dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/jukebox-heroes-dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I've never liked the Dungeons & Dragons Online soundtrack very much.

Now that I've given you no reason to keep reading, please keep reading. It's an unsettling score that's heavy on discordant tracks and murky atmosphere but lacks a lot of memorable, earworm-worthy tunes. Plenty of it is done with a heavy-handed synthesizer in the mode of scoring a Saturday night B-movie. The Dungeons & Dragons moniker deserves better than this, I've always believed.

But I'm not one to throw out an entire score when there are a few redemptive pieces within. And amid the minefield of moody music, there are a few tracks that rise to being quite listenable indeed. In fact, much of the recent work done for the game's two expansions have clearly done away with slam-dancing on the keys in exchange for an honest attempt at a good score.

Listen for yourself; the studio's made 16 tracks available for free downloads. So let's see what makes it to the top of the DDO pile, shall we?

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Dungeons & Dragons Online's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Dungeons & Dragons Online's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jul 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composercomposersddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicopinionsoundtracksoundtracksturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 01 Jul 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons & Dragons Online launches Update 22]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/11/dungeons-and-dragons-online-launches-update-22/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/11/dungeons-and-dragons-online-launches-update-22/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/11/dungeons-and-dragons-online-launches-update-22/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Can't I even glance at the explosion? I'll still be a cool guy!
Are you ready to buckle your swash? Has your swash been buckled in anticipation? Do you own a variety of buckles and swashes? Because Dungeons & Dragons Online has just released Update 22 onto the live servers, and that means that Bards will have plenty of buckleswashing to do with the addition of the Swashbuckler enhancement line! Dance, parry, crack horrible puns, and stab at people while still retaining all of the usual song-based mechanics of Bards. It's free for everyone!

Update 22 also includes an epic-level upgrade to Three Barrel Cove, perfectly complementing the newly swacklebushing methods of Bards. There are also major improvements to guild levels and guild airships, allowing guilds to hit level 200 while sporting new and improved facilities on new and improved airships. And there's new stuff in the cash shop, too, giving DDO players plenty to do if they ever tire of the interactions of swashes and buckles.

MassivelyDungeons & Dragons Online launches Update 22 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jun 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventuresairshipairshipsbuckleclassclassescontentddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playnew-contentnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesswacklebusherswashswashbucklerswushbacklerturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdatesupgraded-contentWed, 11 Jun 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter announces its fourth module, Tyranny of Dragons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/neverwinter-announces-its-fourth-module-tyranny-of-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/neverwinter-announces-its-fourth-module-tyranny-of-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/neverwinter-announces-its-fourth-module-tyranny-of-dragons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

First person who mentions Game of Thrones in the comments gets a downvote. I'm serious, try it.
Stupid dragons. They think they're so special, with their wings and their breath weapons and their intelligence and their hides like armor. Sure, maybe all of that is pretty special when you think about it, but that's not the point. While we can't be sure just yet, though, it's a fairly sure thing that the next Neverwinter module will indeed allow you to put some dragons in their place; after all, the next module is dubbed Tyranny of Dragons. Seems like it would involve some draconic influence there.

Tyranny of Dragons is due for release on August 14th, 2014. Unfortunately, we have no further details at this time outside of the fact that it will include dragons and will tie into the overarching story of the same name moving through the Dungeons & Dragons product line. Regardless, you'll want to get your best dragon-slaying shoes on for late summer because it's high time you showed those dragons what you think of them. (They're not so big.)

[Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]

MassivelyNeverwinter announces its fourth module, Tyranny of Dragons originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 May 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdnddungeons-and-dragonsexpansionexpansionsf2pfantasyfree-to-playmetaplotmoduleneverwinternewsnews-itemspatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerelease-datesettingtyranny-of-dragonsupdateupdateswizards-of-the-coastMon, 19 May 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO player council members offer testimonies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/ddo-player-council-members-offer-testimonies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/ddo-player-council-members-offer-testimonies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/ddo-player-council-members-offer-testimonies/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DDO
Turbine carted out Dungeons and Dragons Online's player council for a bit of sun today and made an attempt at more transparency by allowing the representatives to give testimonies as to what the experience is like.

"We have been asked feedback on things that are at a very early stage of creation (if not only on paper) and there's a real interaction between us and the designers/developers," council member Flavilandile wrote. "Yes, it doesn't means that in the end what we suggest will be implemented, but there's is a real interaction and I feel that they are listening to us when we voice our concern on a topic."

"I'm enjoying it, having fun. Though I'm hard pressed to say we're having the impact we might. The dialog I expected (perhaps unrealistically) is there, but it is more limited than I would have liked," council member IronClan added.

For the full range of testimonies, check out the post on the official site.

MassivelyDDO player council members offer testimonies originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playinterviewplayer-counciltestimoniestestimonyturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 25 Mar 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Turbine on the future of Asheron's Call and the studio]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/massively-exclusive-turbine-on-the-future-of-asherons-call-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/massively-exclusive-turbine-on-the-future-of-asherons-call-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/massively-exclusive-turbine-on-the-future-of-asherons-call-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

When has putting an MMO into maintenance mode ever signaled a bright future for a game? Even so, that's what seems to have happened for Asheron's Call, which is preparing to not only transition into a maintenance mode phase but drop subscription fees and allow for player-run servers by the end of the year.

The announcement was so unusual in the industry that we had to reach out to Turbine to get more perspective on this move. Asheron's Call Executive Producer Rob Ciccolini took the time to answer a few questions about the change for the game, Turbine's recent layoffs, and how the studio is adjusting going forward.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Turbine on the future of Asheron's Call and the studio

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Turbine on the future of Asheron's Call and the studio originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callclassic-mmoddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroRob-Ciccolinisandboxturbineturbine-entertainmentSun, 09 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Ten: Game franchises that became MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/perfect-ten-game-franchises-that-became-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/perfect-ten-game-franchises-that-became-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/perfect-ten-game-franchises-that-became-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Arena
Popular franchises have been known to jump between various entertainment media, from games to television to movies to comic books and even to pogs. We should not gasp in utter amazement that this is also the case with many of our beloved MMOs; we should nod sagely and accept the terrible truth.

There are several video game franchises that have culminated in -- or at least have taken a detour through -- the land of MMOs. For gamers who wanted more and especially did not want to see their journey end, an MMO continuation is a welcome answer that's usually hiding its own problems. But nevermind that; let's march down the halls of history and see the yearbook photos of these franchises when they were young!

Continue reading Perfect Ten: Game franchises that became MMOs

MassivelyPerfect Ten: Game franchises that became MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlinearenabethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftchampionschampions-onlinecodaggerfallddoDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinedynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-onlineelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineeliteelite-dangerousesofactionsfeaturedffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfrontierhumorKnights-of-the-Old-Republickotormorrowindneverwinteroblivionopinionorcs-and-humansp10perfect-10perfect-tenphantasy-starphantasy-star-onlinepvprage-of-magesrounduprvrsandboxskyrimstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listultimaultima-onlineuowarwarcraftwarhammer-fantasywarhammer-onlinewizardrywizardry-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosSat, 08 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine outlines the path ahead for LotRO and DDO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/turbine-outlines-the-path-ahead-for-lotro-and-ddo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/turbine-outlines-the-path-ahead-for-lotro-and-ddo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/turbine-outlines-the-path-ahead-for-lotro-and-ddo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LotRO
Coming hot on the heels of yesterday's revelation about the future of Asheron's Call, Turbine posted a pair of producer's letters this morning to talk about where Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online are heading.

Aaron Campbell has moved back to the LotRO team to be its executive producer and said that Update 13 will be coming soon. In Update 13, there will be a revamp of North Downs, additional quests in Fangorn Forest, support for multiple attachments in mail, and a new epic book that allows you to play as an Ent. "We're pressing forward to Gondor," Campbell promised. "We're digging in deep (but not too deep) to continue the journey through Middle-earth."

As for DDO, Franchise Director Athena Peters said the team is getting ready to push out Update 21 on March 10th but is also looking beyond that to the second update of 2014. Update 22 will expand Three Barrel Cove into epic levels and add new guild airship amenities.

MassivelyTurbine outlines the path ahead for LotRO and DDO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Feb 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbellAthena-Petersddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-13update-21update-22Wed, 26 Feb 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do layoff announcements affect your MMO gameplay?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/the-daily-grind-do-layoff-announcements-affect-your-mmo-gamepla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/the-daily-grind-do-layoff-announcements-affect-your-mmo-gamepla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/the-daily-grind-do-layoff-announcements-affect-your-mmo-gamepla/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

LotRO's Wildermore
Yesterday's Turbine layoff announcement wasn't particularly surprising, given the fact that the firm has tied its MMO fortunes to a couple of third-party IPs and has been giving away access to its games for the past few years.

Regardless of whether or not we believe Warner Bros. "normal strategic alignment" statement, layoffs are layoffs and they reflect negatively on an ongoing game service to some extent. What that extent is varies from player to player, of course, and that's where today's Daily Grind comes in. Do MMO studio layoff announcements cause you to rethink the amount of time or money you spend on a given game, or is it just business as usual?

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: Do layoff announcements affect your MMO gameplay? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playlayoffslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopiniontdgthe-daily-grindturbineturbine-entertainmentturbine-layoffsThu, 13 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine suffers another round of layoffs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/turbine-goes-through-new-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/turbine-goes-through-new-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/turbine-goes-through-new-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Turbine
Gamasutra and Twitter are reporting that an unspecified number of Turbine employees have been fired today in a new round of layoffs.

A Warner Bros. representative responded with an official statement: "As part of our normal business process, we're routinely looking at the strategic alignment of our company. Unfortunately, in order for us to invest in growth areas at Turbine, we have to eliminate some positions. These are always tough decisions, which we don't approach lightly, but it's crucial that Turbine is structured in a way that reflects the current and coming marketplace."

Massively has reached out to Turbine for additional comments.

MassivelyTurbine suffers another round of layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbreakingddodnddownsizingdungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfiringfree-to-playicinfinite-crisislaid-offlayofflayoffslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-brosWed, 12 Feb 2014 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Online allies with Ed Greenwood to revive Haunted Halls of Eveningstar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/dungeons-and-dragons-online-allies-with-ed-greenwood-to-revive-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/dungeons-and-dragons-online-allies-with-ed-greenwood-to-revive-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/dungeons-and-dragons-online-allies-with-ed-greenwood-to-revive-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DDO
Along with the names Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, Ed Greenwood is a keystone figure in the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. It was from his mind that the Forgotten Realms and Elminster sprang, and it's to his mind that Turbine has turned to make DDO's next update something truly memorable. So to celebrate D&D's 40th anniversary, Turbine and Greenwood have collaborated to bring the players an online version of the classic Haunted Halls of Eveningstar module.

Even if you've played Haunted Halls as a pen-and-paper adventurer, you'll be in for a new treat this time around. Turbine's created two versions of the dungeon, one that mimics the original module and an extended version that uses Greenwood's unpublished notes. Plus, for the first time in DDO, Greenwood himself will provide the narration and optional commentary as the module's DM.

We sat down with Turbine to take a look at how Update 21: The Legendary Halls is shaping up and what players will be in for when the past of pen-and-paper meets the present of online gaming.

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons Online allies with Ed Greenwood to revive Haunted Halls of Eveningstar

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Online allies with Ed Greenwood to revive Haunted Halls of Eveningstar originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Feb 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineed-greenwoodf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhaunted-halls-of-eveningstarraidraidsthunderholmeturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-21Mon, 10 Feb 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Online announces 2014 player council]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/03/dungeons-and-dragons-online-announces-2014-player-council/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/03/dungeons-and-dragons-online-announces-2014-player-council/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/03/dungeons-and-dragons-online-announces-2014-player-council/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DDO
Dungeons and Dragons Online now shares one more thing in common with LotRO: its very own player council. Today, Turbine announced that the 2014 player council has been established with 30 hand-picked members.

The player council members are listed by forum handles and will serve the studio and the community by providing feedback and testing for DDO throughout the year. According to Turbine, the council is representative of "a wide diversity of players and playstyles" and is under an NDA while serving.

DDO also posted a FAQ about the player council and its NDA for those with more questions.

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Online announces 2014 player council originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroplayer-councilturbineturbine-entertainmentMon, 03 Feb 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are player councils a good idea?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/the-daily-grind-are-player-councils-a-good-idea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/the-daily-grind-are-player-councils-a-good-idea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/the-daily-grind-are-player-councils-a-good-idea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jackson's Council of Elrond
Turbine recently announced a new Player Council for Dungeons and Dragons Online. The company previously put together a similar panel for Lord of the Rings Online, but thus far we've not heard much in the way of initiatives or results.

Back in the day, Star Wars: Galaxies had its own version of player representation that never seemed to actually accomplish anything. EVE Online's Council of Stellar Management has been meeting for years now, and it's probably the most impactful of the ones listed here, though whether that's due to the actual CSM or the fact that EVE is one of the few MMOs permanently affected by player action is up for debate.

The question I'm coming to is this: Do you think player councils are a good idea? Would you like to serve on one? Why or why not?

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 player councils a good idea? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesclassic-mmocouncildaily-grindddoddo-councilddo-player-councildnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfavoritismfree-to-playgalaxiesinternet-spaceshipslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-player-councilopinionplayer-councilplayer-politicspoliticssandboxsci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgotdgthe-daily-grindturbineturbine-councilturbine-entertainmentMon, 13 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine announces DDO Player Council]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/10/turbine-announces-ddo-player-council/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/10/turbine-announces-ddo-player-council/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/10/turbine-announces-ddo-player-council/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online
Want to make your mark on Dungeons and Dragons Online? Then you'd best apply for the newly announced DDO Players Council. Like its counterpart in Turbine's Lord of the Rings Online, and like EVE Online's Council of Stellar Management precursor, the Council "is a group of players selected to provide targeted feedback and valuable suggestions to the DDO Team."

Applications are due by January 20th, and Tubine hopes to launch the Council during the week of January 27th.

[Thanks Ehra!]

MassivelyTurbine announces DDO Player Council originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jan 2014 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-player-councildnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playplayer-councilplayer-representativespoliticsturbineturbine-entertainmentFri, 10 Jan 2014 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Mechanics: Lowering the barriers to entry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/08/mmo-mechanics-lowering-the-barriers-to-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/08/mmo-mechanics-lowering-the-barriers-to-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/08/mmo-mechanics-lowering-the-barriers-to-entry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Mechanics title image
In the increasingly competitive MMO genre, games have to do all they can to keep you as a customer. MMOs have traditionally been quite difficult games to really get into since they typically require a considerable time and money investment and we tend to play them for stretches of several months to years at a time. The gameplay in MMOs is inherently social by nature, forcing you to relate to others, and there are some even more fundamental barriers that get in the way of new players signing up. I'm sure we've all enthused and rambled to our friends in the hope that they might check out our most recent gaming crush, only to see a repulsed look on their faces when they realise it's an MMO.

The classic subscription model is a substantial paywall for the average gamer, and this is what has traditionally kept MMOs niche. The early game can be daunting to those who aren't familiar with the genre, and developers pour a lot of effort into easing newcomers into that gameplay. In this week's MMO Mechanics, I'm going to look at how some MMOs manage to break down these barriers through the use of clever mechanics in order to open up MMO gaming to more people than ever before.

Continue reading MMO Mechanics: Lowering the barriers to entry

MassivelyMMO Mechanics: Lowering the barriers to entry originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbarrier-to-entrybiowarebrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmocolumnddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-designgame-mechanicsguild-wars-2gw2jagexjagex-games-studiolucasartsmmo-mechanicsncsoftpaywallriftrift-planes-of-telararsrunescapesci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictina-laurotortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 08 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Field Journal: Floundering in Neverwinter's Foundry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/field-journal-floundering-in-neverwinters-foundry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/field-journal-floundering-in-neverwinters-foundry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/field-journal-floundering-in-neverwinters-foundry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

It's surprisingly fiddly to have objects lie perfectly flush with the floor.
Given that I'm a roleplayer, you might think that I find Neverwinter's Foundry an amazing expressive tool that I relish wholeheartedly. To that I respond with a resounding sort of! I love that it exists and seeing all the neat, even mind-blowing creations of others. Actually using it to make something of my own, though? That's pretty daunting, and I'm not talking about the interface.

I am a very creative person, but there are many kinds of creativity. I've long since given up trying to be the game master in tabletop games given how painful it is for me to prepare and how I bring so much more to the table as a player. I'm the expressive sort, coming up with great ideas on the fly that make things more fun for everyone, drawing everyone's characters, that sort of thing. I'm not the constructive sort, so I have a hard time building worlds compared to inhabiting them. That might be why I had to stick a cameo from my own Trickster Rogue in the quest I designed.

Continue reading Field Journal: Floundering in Neverwinter's Foundry

MassivelyField Journal: Floundering in Neverwinter's Foundry originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columncryptic-studiosdungeons-and-dragonsfantasyfeaturedfield-journalfield-tripforgotten-realmsfree-to-playhands-onmatthew-gollschewskimmorpgneverwinteropinionpgcplayer-generated-contentquestsroleplaytourtouringThu, 02 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons & Dragons Online looks back at 2013 and forward to 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/03/dungeons-and-dragons-online-looks-back-at-2013-and-forward-to-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/03/dungeons-and-dragons-online-looks-back-at-2013-and-forward-to-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/03/dungeons-and-dragons-online-looks-back-at-2013-and-forward-to-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This dragon could not be happier about the situation.
December isn't just a month for frenzied consumerism; it's almost the end of the year and time to start reflecting on what went well, what went badly, and what needs to change. So it's appropriate that the latest producer's letter for Dungeons & Dragons Online focuses on precisely that, looking back at 2013 and counting up the game's big hits and misses. The team feels that Epic Reincarnation and the Storm Horn Mountains were big wins, while the bug-plagued Mabar Festival was definitely a nadir.

But there's no point in looking back if you don't look forward, and the letter does that as well. Four major content updates are planned for next year, featuring a boost of the level cap to 30, two new raids in the dwarven ruins of Thunderholme, a new set of guild airship models, and more beyond that. Take a look at the letter for an exact schedule and more discussion about the year's highs and lows.

MassivelyDungeons & Dragons Online looks back at 2013 and forward to 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Dec 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playpatchpatchesproducers-letterturbineturbine-entertainmentupcoming-patchesupdateupdatesyear-in-reviewTue, 03 Dec 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine settles Treehouse Avatar Technologies lawsuit via partnership]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/turbine-settles-treehouse-avatar-technologies-lawsuit-via-partne/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/turbine-settles-treehouse-avatar-technologies-lawsuit-via-partne/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/turbine-settles-treehouse-avatar-technologies-lawsuit-via-partne/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not pictured: bridges, trolls.
No matter how long you've been playing Lord of the Rings Online or Dungeons & Dragons Online, it's unlikely that you've heard of Treehouse Avatar Technologies before the company started throwing lawsuits around like party favors. After a little over a year, Turbine has ended the pending lawsuit by agreeing to license the firm's technologies for the aforementioned games, despite the fact that both games appear to have been developed before Treehouse Avatar Technologies filed its patent.

The Turbine lawsuit predates a number of threatening letters sent by Treehouse Avatar to various small indie developers that made similar overtures. No mention is made of how much Turbine is paying to license the technology for the games in question, which were the only two cited by the suit.

MassivelyTurbine settles Treehouse Avatar Technologies lawsuit via partnership originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playlawlegallord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatentpatent-trollspatentstreehouse-avatar-technologiesturbineturbine-entertainmentMon, 25 Nov 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons & Dragons Online launches Game Update 20]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/dungeons-and-dragons-online-launches-game-update-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/dungeons-and-dragons-online-launches-game-update-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/dungeons-and-dragons-online-launches-game-update-20/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dungeons & Dragons Online launches Game Update 20
The latest update for Dungeons & Dragons Online is out now, and it features a whole lot of new options for reincarnation. More than you might expect. If you feel you haven't incarnated nearly enough, this update promises to fix that. Sure, there's True Reincarnation, but now you have both Heroic True Reincarnation and Iconic True Reincarnation along with Epic Reincarnation and... you get the idea. There's a lot of new ways to go back to the beginning and start a life over, that's the point.

These changes coincide with alterations to the amount of experience needed to level characters on their second lives, making it easier to hit 20 after reincarnation. There are also new quests and alterations to the quest experience rewards, changed so that longer quests are no longer less proportionally rewarding than shorter ones. Plus there are plenty of changes to Enhancements, a new Enhancement tree for Sorcerers and Wizards... you'd probably better just read through the patch notes. There's a lot going on. Too much? You can take a look at our preview of the update to help guide you.

MassivelyDungeons & Dragons Online launches Game Update 20 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsmechanical-updatesnewspatchpatch-notespatchesreincarnationturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdatesTue, 12 Nov 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: A flock of Beholders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/10/one-shots-a-flock-of-beholders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/10/one-shots-a-flock-of-beholders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/10/one-shots-a-flock-of-beholders/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots A flock of Beholders
Did anyone else watch that absolutely horrid Dungeons & Dragons movie from 2000 starring one of the more annoying Wayans? Just about the only redeeming part of that film was seeing a brief glimpse of a Beholder. I mean, there are few things more D&Dish than Beholders, unless you're going to pull a gelatinous cube out on me.

Reader Don sent in today's featured screenshot that has not just one Beholder but a flock of them. "Here is a shot of me in the Delirium drinking contest on my new DDO Shadar-kai," he writes, "featuring the one and only Pumpkin Beholder from Xoriat."

Pumpkin Beholder: Next Halloween, he comes for you! We've got this and plenty of other great eyecandy for you as you gorge on the leftovers from Halloween, so check 'em out in this week's One Shots.

Continue reading One Shots: A flock of Beholders

MassivelyOne Shots: A flock of Beholders originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Nov 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebring-back-one-shotsconsoleconsolesddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylucasartsone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentuser-submissionsSun, 10 Nov 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO Update 20: The past lives of robots and vampires]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/ddo-update-20-the-past-lives-of-robots-and-vampires/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/ddo-update-20-the-past-lives-of-robots-and-vampires/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/ddo-update-20-the-past-lives-of-robots-and-vampires/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DDO Update 20 does vampires and robots in equal measure
With two Forgotten Realms-themed expansions under its belt, Dungeons and Dragons Online might look like a game that's focused on this popular setting while sweeping its "other" world of Eberron under the rug. However, Update 20 shows that Turbine has love for both worlds and the playerbase spread across them.

DDO's Update 20 has three important features on the docket: an Eberron dungeon, a Forgotten Realms dungeon, and changes to the reincarnation system and enhancement tree. This looks to be a good update for the thrifty subset, as all of its content is coming to the community free of charge.

This update's coming next Tuesday, November 12th, so forge ahead and prepare yourself for the adventures to come.

Continue reading DDO Update 20: The past lives of robots and vampires

MassivelyDDO Update 20: The past lives of robots and vampires originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Nov 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineenhancementsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playpreviewpreviewsreincarnationscooby-doothe-shiningturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-20vampireWed, 06 Nov 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine addresses DDO True Heart controversy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/22/turbine-addresses-ddo-true-heart-controversy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/22/turbine-addresses-ddo-true-heart-controversy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/22/turbine-addresses-ddo-true-heart-controversy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Turbine addresses DDO True Heart controversy
As the community protest over Dungeons & Dragons Online's True Heart controversy pushes past its third day, Turbine responded with a forum post regarding the key issue. The studio said that due to testing and feedback, it will be reducing the cost of the True Hearts of Wood planned for Issue 20 that are at the core of the sit-in protest.

"The prices on Lamannia are not final," Senior Producer Erik Boyer wrote. "Inspired by the Lamannia feedback, the Heroic Heart of Wood will be greatly reduced from the price displayed in the bartershop today. We'll be looking at your additional feedback and how players play through sagas, and adjust the costs appropriately. We expect the average player to, upon reaching the minimum level requirement, spend additional hours to obtain a Heart of Wood -- but never hundreds of hours.

Boyer also said that the Twelve barter NPC will continue to sell Hearts of Wood in Issue 20. Players who were upset at the original changes to the acquisition of the item have been staging an "Occupy Stormreach" protest on one of the city's bridges.

[Thanks to Robert for the tip!]

MassivelyTurbine addresses DDO True Heart controversy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Oct 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barterddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineerik-boyerf2pfantasyfree-to-playheart-of-woodhearts-of-woodoccupy-stormreachprotesttrue-heart-of-woodtrue-heartsturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 22 Oct 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Standardized test edition, October 21 - 27, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/the-stream-team-standardized-test-edition-october-21-27-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/the-stream-team-standardized-test-edition-october-21-27-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/the-stream-team-standardized-test-edition-october-21-27-20/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Stream Team Standardized test edition, October 21 27, 2013
Why should public schools have all the fun? We here at Massively know just how important knowledge is, so we are going to be throwing our hat into the standardized testing ring. Are you ready? Of course not because today is the the pre-test to gauge your knowledge before we get into any streaming. So before we go any further, answer each of these questions.

What is The Stream Team?
  • a) A group of highly trained professionals dedicated to your personal entertainment.
  • b) The group that monitors salmon mating habitats.
  • c) The best darn thing next to sliced bread (and a bag of chips, too!).
If one Stream Team member had four coconuts and another had three swallows, how long would it take the editors to sail the yacht to New Zealand backwards?
  • a) African or European?
  • b) Depends on how many solid gold cars they have on board.
  • c) Last week.
OK, got that? Good, now we can move forward into the real lessons. Get ready to study! You can ace Quips and Quotes 101 and the Will This Work?! lab by watching this week's shows on Massively TV. And yes, there will be a test at the end!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Standardized test edition, October 21 - 27, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Standardized test edition, October 21 - 27, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Oct 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoactivisionaionanetarenanetarkark-hunterarkfallascensionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccgccgmmoccpccp-gamesconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studioscube-worlddc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoddodefiancednddota-2dungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfuncomguild-wars-2gw2hearthstoneheva-clonia-onlinehi-rezhi-rez-studioshorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykidskids-mmolivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmassively-metamassively-tvmetammo-shootermobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollpoptropicaps3pvppwesandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldshooterskill-basedSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstandardized-testingstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorsyfytcgtcgmmotelonterathe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthird-person-shootertortpstrading-card-gametransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstruly-freetswturbineturbine-entertainmenttvtwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftworld-of-battlesworld-of-warcraftwowxboxMon, 21 Oct 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Online players protest True Heart changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/20/dungeons-and-dragons-online-players-protest-true-heart-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/20/dungeons-and-dragons-online-players-protest-true-heart-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/20/dungeons-and-dragons-online-players-protest-true-heart-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online players protest True Heart changes
A number of Dungeons and Dragons Online players are currently in the midst of an in-game sit-in spurred by Turbine's plan to remove the primary method for acquiring True Hearts of Wood, a necessary item for the game's True Reincarnation skill. The hearts, available via trade-ins of Tokens of the Twelve earned by dungeon running and other tasks, will require several times more tokens from epic-level sagas after DDO Update 20 goes live. In addition to the increase, the tokens are now character-bound, instead of account-bound, requiring even more farming.

The change has stirred unrest in the Dungeons and Dragons Online community, resulting in high-profile, multi-page forum threads along with the in-game sit-in that has now lasted for over 24 hours. The sit-in is currently focused on the Wayfinder server; dozens of players now occupy the city of Stormreach under the guild tag "Update Twenty Killed Me."

According to the DDO forum's dev tracker, no Turbine employee has offered a response to any of the protest threads.

[Thanks to Robert for the tip!]
[ Editor: Changed wording to clarify token issue.]

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Online players protest True Heart changes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Oct 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoDDO-Update-20dnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playfreemiummicrotransactionmicrotransactionspremiumprotestsit-inturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-20Sun, 20 Oct 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Celebrating milestones edition, October 14 - 20, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/14/the-stream-team-celebrating-milestones-edition-october-14-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/14/the-stream-team-celebrating-milestones-edition-october-14-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/14/the-stream-team-celebrating-milestones-edition-october-14-20/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Stream Team Celebrating milestones edition, October 14 20, 2013
Back on October 1st, The Stream Team column celebrated its very first birthday. One year means 52 weeks of Outtakes and antics. Come January 3rd, Massively TV will celebrate its third birthday. That's 156 weeks of MMO viewing goodness! Wow, when I put it that way, I feel old.

Throughout our gaming lives we have a myriad of milestones, like how long we've ventured through the virtual worlds of MMOs (nine years for me last month), our first max level characters (does Master Dancer count?), and our first rage-quit (OK, so I still have some to reach!). And with Massively TV, you can watch your favorite hosts hit any number of milestones and celebrate yours at the same time.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Celebrating milestones edition, October 14 - 20, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Celebrating milestones edition, October 14 - 20, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Oct 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornactivisionaionanetarenanetascensionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccgccgmmoccpccp-gamesconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoddodnddota-2dungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfinal-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-rebornfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfuncomguild-wars-2gw2hearthstonehi-rezhi-rez-studioshorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykidskids-mmolivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmassively-metamassively-tvmetammo-shootermmofpsmobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3pollps2ps3Rise-of-Mythossandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldshooterskill-basedSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtortcgtcgmmotelonterathe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamtortrading-card-gametruly-freetswturbineturbine-entertainmenttwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftWorld-of-Battlesworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 14 Oct 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO plans changes to reincarnation system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/ddo-plans-changes-to-reincarnation-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/ddo-plans-changes-to-reincarnation-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/ddo-plans-changes-to-reincarnation-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DDO plans changes to reincarnation system
Reincarnation, Dungeons and Dragons Online's "do over" system, is slated for a revamp with Update 20. When the update lands, there will be four types of reincarnation available to players: heroic true reincarnation, iconic true reincarnation, epic reincarnation, and lesser reincarnation. At the same time, greater reincarnation will be phased out of the game.

These four types of reincarnation reset your levels (either back a few or all the way to level 1) while giving you bonuses like past life feats and more build points for your next run. Epic reincarnation merely resets your epic levels to 20, while iconic reincarnation applies only to the new iconic characters.

There's a great amount of information about this complex system available on the forums, including a look at how different forms of reincarnation will work depending on your class.

[Thanks to Scott for the tip!]

MassivelyDDO plans changes to reincarnation system originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Oct 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playiconic-charactersiconic-heroesissue-20reincarnationturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-20Sat, 12 Oct 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Ten: MMO industry moves I didn't see coming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/12/perfect-ten-mmo-industry-moves-i-didnt-see-coming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/12/perfect-ten-mmo-industry-moves-i-didnt-see-coming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/12/perfect-ten-mmo-industry-moves-i-didnt-see-coming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten MMO industry moves I didn't see coming
Despite -- or more accurately, because of -- my love for video games, I would never want to work in the games industry as a developer or what have you. I think it's an industry that doesn't have a good track record of job security, sane hours, or products that you could feasibly spend years working on that might not make it to ship. But I love writing about the industry. I love the news. That's why I adore being at Massively.

I also love the news because MMOs and studios constantly surprise me. Hey, maybe you're an amazing clairvoyant person who can not only predict but accurately foresee all of the jukes and twists that the industry makes. I am not. When mental superpowers were being handed out, I got "setting people on fire with a mere thought" instead of what appears to be the widespread "know it all" ability. I don't regret it. I mean, you probably already knew that I was going to post a picture of Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi being attacked by bees on the front page of Massively.

But I think that the surprises are part of the fun. No matter what we've seen in the past and no matter how knowledgeable any of us is about MMOs, the strange developments keep on coming. So this week I want to list 10 stories that I really didn't see coming at all.

Continue reading Perfect Ten: MMO industry moves I didn't see coming

MassivelyPerfect Ten: MMO industry moves I didn't see coming originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Sep 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac2arkark-hunterarkfallasherons-callasherons-call-2bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcarbinecarbine-studioscity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohconsoleconsolescovcoxdaggerfallddodefiancednddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineeqeq1esoeverquestf2pfactionsfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfreedomgalaxieshumorkickstarterminecraftmmo-shootermorrowindncsoftoblivionopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvprounduprvrsandboxsandparksci-fantasysci-fishooterskyrimsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessuperherosuperheroesswgswgosyfytamrieltelontestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthird-person-shooterthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmenttvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwildstarwsxboxzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosThu, 12 Sep 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO and DDO offline [Update]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/lotro-and-ddo-offline-turbine-working-with-vendors-to-resolve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/lotro-and-ddo-offline-turbine-working-with-vendors-to-resolve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/lotro-and-ddo-offline-turbine-working-with-vendors-to-resolve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online launcher - Installing pre-reqs
If you've been frustrated by attempts to log into Lord of the Rings Online or Dungeons and Dragons Online this morning, you're not alone. Turbine is experiencing some sort of technical issue that began on Sunday and continues to prevent customers from connecting to the live service for both free-to-play fantasy MMOs.

The LotRO Twitter account mentions that Turbine is working with "our vendors to resolve the issue," but it gives no indication as to the nature of the problem nor an ETA for any resumption of services. We've contacted Turbine seeking comment and will update this post if any is forthcoming.

[Update: All Turbine servers are now back online!]

[Thanks to everyone who tipped us!]

MassivelyLotRO and DDO offline [Update] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-outagednddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-outageturbineturbine-entertainmentMon, 02 Sep 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Classic MMOs in August]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-classic-mmos-in-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-classic-mmos-in-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-classic-mmos-in-august/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Classic MMOs in August
How few players do you need to have before operating an MMO becomes ridiculously unprofitable and in need of closing? In the case of The Matrix Online, we found out that the magic number was 500. I wouldn't have even guessed that so few people were in that game when its shutdown was announced, especially considering the vocal anguish that arose when SOE lowered the boom.

I guess it goes to show that we're often quite clueless what goes on behind the curtain. There's always this balance between the number-crunchers (who need players and money to justify continued operations) and the passionate creators (who are often developers putting in the effort because they simply love the game and its community). If nothing else, it reinforced my belief that SOE does bend over backwards to keep these games running as long as possible, much longer than some other studios would in a similar situation.

So what other news regarding classic MMOs happened this past month? It's time for another one of my patented roundups, complete with archaeological commentary!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Classic MMOs in August

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Classic MMOs in August originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Aug 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acanarchy-onlineaoasherons-callcall-of-the-forsakenclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistlineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-britishmmofpsmxomythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnostalgiaopinionplanetsidepsps1sandboxsci-fishadowfall-conspiracyshadowfell-conspiracysoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlineturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuovanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgSat, 31 Aug 2013 12:00:00 EST