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[Norrathian Notebook: Landmark celebrates Year 0 anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/norrathian-notebook-landmark-celebrates-year-0-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/norrathian-notebook-landmark-celebrates-year-0-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/norrathian-notebook-landmark-celebrates-year-0-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I've got to admit, it's a bit weird to be celebrating an anniversary before an actually launch; you can't exactly say "Happy first birthday!" if it hasn't been born yet! But Landmark found a way to make it work, celebrating Year Zero with fans this past weekend. The sandbox opened its alpha doors on January 31st, 2014; all that players could do at that point was gather and build a bit. Since then, the game has expanded its features, adding more building stuff, water and caves, combat, deeper caverns and mobs to fill them, and still more building stuff. Development has definitely come a long way in the last 12 months, so there is certainly reason to revel in the festivities. Of course there's still much more work to be done, but why not take a moment and party in honor of Landmark's progress. Who doesn't like a party?

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Landmark celebrates Year 0 anniversary

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Landmark celebrates Year 0 anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Daybreak-Game-Companyeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookTue, 03 Feb 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Daybreak: No SOE Live this year, but our games will endure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

soe
What does the transition from SOE to Daybreak Game Company mean for you? Well for starters, if you had set aside money and time to attend SOE Live this year, it's time to change those plans.

Community Manager Linda Carlson confirmed on Twitter that the fan convention would be taking some time off due to the corporate transition: "SOE Live will take a hiatus as we focus on our exciting transition and the future of Daybreak Game Company."

Daybreak President John Smedley also posted several follow-ups to the announcement and the ensuing player questions: "1) All our games are still up and will continue to be despite our new name. 2) Yes, we want to bring our games to Xbox One in addition to PS4. 3) Station Cash doesn't change at all (though we will be rebranding it soon here). 4) We're still making Everquest Next. Nothing has changed."

MassivelyDaybreak: No SOE Live this year, but our games will endure originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassedaybreakDaybreak-Game-Companyeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasyjohn-smedleylinda-carlsonplaystation-4ps4sandboxsoesoe-livesony-online-entertainmentxbonexbox-oneMon, 02 Feb 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley announces SOE is no more, becomes Daybreak Game Company]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


In a surprising move, CEO John Smedley just announced on Reddit that Sony Online Entertainment is leaving behind its Sony roots and becoming Daybreak Game Company after being acquired by the investment firm Columbus Nova. This change allows the company to publish online games on multiple gaming platforms, including the XBox. Smedley also assured players via Twitter that all of the games in the company's portfolio are staying and will continue to be a part of the new company. Here's the full announcement plastered on the official forums of each of the company's games:
Dear Players, Partners and Friends,

Today, we are pleased to announce that we have been acquired by Columbus Nova, an investment management firm well known for its success with its existing portfolio of technology, media and entertainment focused companies. This means that effective immediately SOE will operate as an independent game development studio where we will continue to focus on creating exceptional online games for players around the world, and now as a multi-platform gaming company. Yes, that means PlayStation and Xbox, mobile and more!

As part of this transition, SOE will now become Daybreak Game Company. This name embodies who we are as an organization, and is a nod to the passion and dedication of our employees and players. It is also representative of our vision to approach each new day as an opportunity to move gaming forward.

So what exactly does this mean for you? It will be business as usual and all SOE games will continue on their current path of development and operation. In fact, we expect to have even more resources available to us as a result of this acquisition. It also means new exciting developments for our existing IP and games as we can now fully embrace the multi-platform world we are living in.

Our games and players are the heart and soul of our organization, and we are committed to maintaining our portfolio of online games and pushing the limits of where we can take online gaming together.

Thank you for your continued support. See you in game!

The Team at Daybreak

MassivelySmedley announces SOE is no more, becomes Daybreak Game Company originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionclassic-mmoColumbus-NovaconsoleconsolesDaybreak-Game-Companydc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodragondragonsdragons-propheteqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playh1z1housinginfernuminfernum-productionsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsopen-pvpplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3post-apocpost-apocalypsepsps1ps2ps3pvprunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fishootersmedsoeSOE-is-no-moresonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroeszombiesMon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest producer's letter looks to the year ahead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/everquest-producers-letter-looks-to-the-year-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/everquest-producers-letter-looks-to-the-year-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/01/everquest-producers-letter-looks-to-the-year-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

New year, new-ish year, same diff.
The luster on 2015 has come off at least a little bit by now, but that doesn't mean that it's too late for the EverQuest team to start looking to the year ahead, and it's going to be a big one for this classic MMO. The most recent producer's letter looks to the upcoming year, starting with Erollisi day to serve as a suspiciously similar substitute to Valentine's Day. You know how these things work.

Moving along through the year, the development team is looking forward to celebrating the game's 16th anniversary, along with an improved looting system and a stream of steady updates to the game. There's a lot of life left in the original EQ, even with the next big installments of the series just around the corner. If you'd like to see what the next year will hold, read the full letter.

MassivelyEverQuest producer's letter looks to the year ahead originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq1eventeventseverquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playin-game-eventsnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesplanspreviewpreviewsproducer-lettersoesonysony-online-entertainmentupdateupdatesSun, 01 Feb 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: Five reasons to support EQ Next and Landmark]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/norrathian-notebook-five-reasons-to-support-eq-next-and-landmar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/norrathian-notebook-five-reasons-to-support-eq-next-and-landmar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/norrathian-notebook-five-reasons-to-support-eq-next-and-landmar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I like Landmark and am looking forward to EverQuest Next. There, I said it. It should be no surprise. And as such, I certainly have a vested interest in how these games fare throughout their development and launch. I want to see them succeed. But the thing is, so should you -- whether or not you actually want to play them.

Unfortunately, it seems all too fashionable lately for folks to tear something down instead of build it up. So often when I'm following the discussions about EQ Next and Landmark, I hear plenty of reasons why folks don't like the games, and the reasons frequently have nothing to do with the games themselves. Detractors are going on about longstanding gripes and grudges instead of judging the games on their own merits (a practice that the whole world could certainly do without). Amid all the scathing comments I've heard directed at SOE for slights real and imagined, one recently gave me pause and made me reflect on the reasons that supporting these two MMO endeavors is worthwhile.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Five reasons to support EQ Next and Landmark

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Five reasons to support EQ Next and Landmark originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmoeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playl1landmarklineagelineage-1ncsoftnorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 24 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest patch improves the look of old NPCs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/everquest-patch-improves-the-look-of-old-npcs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/everquest-patch-improves-the-look-of-old-npcs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/everquest-patch-improves-the-look-of-old-npcs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

eq
Happy EverQuest Patch Day, Norrathians! The team has put out the usual hodge-podge of fixes, tweaks, and updates to make your play experience all that much better. Go tell yourself back in 1999 how you will be living the high life now that this patch is out in 2015.

Today's patch makes it easier to land hits with The Darkened Sea melee abilities, increases health of high-level mercs, improves older NPC character models, and improves water-related sound effects. You can read the full patch notes to see if any of these changes will impact your adventures.

MassivelyEverQuest patch improves the look of old NPCs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playpatchpatch-notessoesonysony-online-entertainmentupdateupdate-notesWed, 21 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: Frostfells of EverQuests past, present, and Next]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/norrathian-notebook-frostfells-of-everquests-past-present-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/norrathian-notebook-frostfells-of-everquests-past-present-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/norrathian-notebook-frostfells-of-everquests-past-present-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's the end of that magical time of year: When gigglegibber goblins wrap up their gift-giving and the tinsel, lights, and even the holiday quests get packed up for the year. It's the end of Frostfell 2014 for the EverQuest Franchise; EverQuest's celebration ended yesterday and EverQuest II's ends today. Players will have to wait another 12 months to dive back into the festivities. If we're really lucky, we'll also experience the holiday anew in EverQuest Next come December!

As Frostfell comes to a close, I am left thinking about the holiday and all its trimmings. It's truly a great one. Perhaps one of the most wonderful. What makes it so special each year? And what might it be like in the coming years, especially in EQN? Let's take a look at the history of Frostfell, check out this year's additions, and speculate about the holiday's presence in Next.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Frostfells of EverQuests past, present, and Next

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Frostfells of EverQuests past, present, and Next originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Emily-Tayloreqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq1eq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playFrostfellfrostfell-wonderland-villageJon-Carakerlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 08 Jan 2015 12:00:00 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[Norrathian Notebook: Landmark's two-week PvE checkup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/01/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-two-week-pve-checkup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/01/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-two-week-pve-checkup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/01/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-two-week-pve-checkup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Happy New Year! It makes sense to start this new year off by talking about a new game, right? And let's face it, after the fabled PvE content update, Landmark feels like a new game! This massive addition to the core of the sandbox has been live for two weeks now; that means two weeks of spelunking, salvaging, and more often than not, surviving. While it's true we got a preview of the update back on the day, that peek involved neither the cavern system nor crafting. And it certainly didn't contain nearly enough time! So now that I've had the chance to canvass the caverns, play with particle emitters, kills various critters, and concoct some new crafted items, how is it? How are things in the not-just-about-building game doing? Do these new systems offer more staying power as the closed beta continues on? Let's give Landmark its two-week PvE checkup!

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Landmark's two-week PvE checkup

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Landmark's two-week PvE checkup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentpvepve-checkupPvE-updatesandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebooktestingthe-tattered-notebookThu, 01 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The holidays have arrived in SOE's MMORPGs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/the-holidays-have-arrived-in-soes-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/the-holidays-have-arrived-in-soes-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/the-holidays-have-arrived-in-soes-mmorpgs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EQ2
If you're a fan of SOE's MMOs and also a fan of Christmas, good news! SOE's MMOs also have Christmas! The studio posted a roundup of its holiday festivities earlier today:
  • EverQuest II: The Frostfell Wonderland Village returns this year along with a brand-new quest called The Great Candy (Cane) Chase.
  • DC Universe Online: Players will confront Larfleeze's Orange Lantern Corp. Old feats and rewards are back, as are "new base items, styles, a feat, and collection."
  • PlanetSide 2: It's Auraximas, which means it's time to murder snowmen. Special camo will also be on sale in the in-game store because of course it will be
  • EverQuest: Frostfell in this classic MMO brings Santug Cluagg and a host of new quests rolled out in phases.
  • Dragon's Prophet: Celebrate the The Silver Dragon Festival through January 15th.
A moment of silence, of course, for the SOE games no longer with us after this year's purge. Ahem.

If you're more the type to moon after Landmark and its futurespawn, EverQuest Next, check out MJ's hands-on with Landmark's PvE content update, which launches today. And peek back early next week for Massively's traditional MMO holiday event roundup for all the big games across the genre.

MassivelyThe holidays have arrived in SOE's MMORPGs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaschristmas-2014dc-universe-onlinedcuodragons-propheteqeq2everquestEverQuest-2everquest-iiholidayplanetside-2ps2soewinter-2014winter-holidaywinter-holidayswinter-holidays-2014Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Landmark's PvE arrives today; SOE shifts to EQ Next full-time in 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/landmarks-pve-arrives-today-soe-shifts-to-eq-next-full-time-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/landmarks-pve-arrives-today-soe-shifts-to-eq-next-full-time-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/landmarks-pve-arrives-today-soe-shifts-to-eq-next-full-time-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We've waited a long time for the chance to have our faces eaten off by vicious monsters in Landmark, and now that opportunity is almost here! After a bit of delay, the infamous PvE patch is heading into our favorite sandbox today. This is seriously going to be a game-changer. Of all the patches throughout the whole year, this one is the biggest -- surpassing the August PvP update and even the original alpha launch, at least according to Creative Director Dave Georgeson. And he's not kidding! I got to check out Landmark's new mobs, linking and triggering, armors, props, and more with Georgeson and Senior Producer Terry Michaels. I didn't think it was possible to be even more excited for this patch, but I am! Can I hear a squeeeee?!

Oh, and for everyone who is waiting anxiously for EverQuest Next news, here's a tidbit from Georgeson you might enjoy:
When we get to those game mastering systems [after the start of the year] that means we are working on EQN full time. Because those are the systems we need for EQN, and that's what we're building when we're building those game mastering tools. So we're so close to transitioning the team almost entirely to EQN, and then we'll take the elements that we build for EQN and port them over into Landmark, but our focus will shift almost entirely to EQN after the new year.

Continue reading Landmark's PvE arrives today; SOE shifts to EQ Next full-time in 2015

MassivelyLandmark's PvE arrives today; SOE shifts to EQ Next full-time in 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookWed, 17 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest celebrates 15 days of holiday cheer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/everquest-celebrates-15-days-of-holiday-cheer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/everquest-celebrates-15-days-of-holiday-cheer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/everquest-celebrates-15-days-of-holiday-cheer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

everquest
Whether you've been naughty or nice this year, SOE has plenty of presents to go in your virtual stocking. To celebrate EverQuest's 15th anniversary year, the studio is throwing 15 days of "holiday cheer" for the game's community.

On each of the next 15 days, there will be some sort of event or promotion for players to enjoy. It kicks off today with double faction points and double rare spawns. After that, there will be many daily sales, including cheaper severed hand mounts (because who doesn't want to ride on one of those?) and a 50% off housing items sale on December 18th.

MassivelyEverQuest celebrates 15 days of holiday cheer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonuschristmaschristmas-2014eqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playholidaypromotionsalesoesonysony-online-entertainmentwinter-2014winter-holidaywinter-holidayswinter-holidays-2014Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Ten: Mobile apps to enhance your MMO lifestyle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We're living in the age of smart phones, when there are more cell phones than there are people on this planet. I can't go anywhere without seeing people constantly whipping out their little rectangular companions for the constant stream of information, social connection, and Candy Crush interludes.

While MMOs aren't making great headway on these devices, in part due to the limited input scheme, several wise studios have made good use of the mobile market to give players a way to keep in touch with their games even while AFK. Today we're going to count down, count up, and count sideways 10 official mobile apps that will enhance your MMO lifestyle.

Continue reading Perfect Ten: Mobile apps to enhance your MMO lifestyle

MassivelyPerfect Ten: Mobile apps to enhance your MMO lifestyle originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroidappauthenticatorblizzardblizzard-entertainmentconsoleconsolesdust-514entropiaentropia-universeeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-worldsf2pfallen-earthfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playgoogle-authenticatorgoogle-playhumoriosituneslandmarkmmo-appsmobilemobile-appneocomopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenriftrift-mobilerounduprunescapesandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtwo-step-authenticationvirtual-tycoonwarcraftwizard101wizardbloxworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 29 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: First impressions of EQII's Altar of Malice]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/norrathian-notebook-first-impressions-of-eqiis-altar-of-malic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/norrathian-notebook-first-impressions-of-eqiis-altar-of-malic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/norrathian-notebook-first-impressions-of-eqiis-altar-of-malic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Norrathian Notebook: First impressions of EQII's Altar of Malice
Although Altar of Malice has been available to All Access subscribers for two weeks, EverQuest II's 11th expansion just opened up to everyone on Tuesday. That makes this a great time to share my initial impressions of the new lands and new content. Mind you, these are literally only first impressions: I am not one to blow through the content at a break-neck speed just so I can consume it all in as little time as possible. That's relegated to pecan pie. MMOs aren't a race to me. I prefer to gradually savor the content, stretching it out so the experience lasts. I've actually also been holding myself back from doing too much so I can run through things with those who can finally join me now that the expansion is fully released. I will continue to poke though it at my pace while I continue my other endeavors (do you realize just how long it takes to decorate a house?!). As such, a full review of everything will have to come at a later date.

So what my thoughts as I amble amble my way through the land of the lost... er, jurassic park... I mean, Altar of Malice? EQII's dino-riffic expansion definitely has its highlights, like offering a heaping helping of nostalgia, but it has its disappointments as well. Here's my take.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: First impressions of EQII's Altar of Malice

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: First impressions of EQII's Altar of Malice originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altar-of-malicecraftingeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 27 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: Landmark's AI will be a game-changer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-ai-will-be-a-game-changer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-ai-will-be-a-game-changer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-ai-will-be-a-game-changer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's really hard not to be all giddy and excited about the introduction of AI to Landmark; it's quite literally going to be a game-changer. Some might even argue a game-maker! Only one other feature, combat, comes close to the impact that this system will have on the sandbox. Even then, combat doesn't rival it; it complements it. In truth, it will be an early Christmas present for all those players who've been waiting as patiently as possible for this next step: Monsters are slated to be released into the wild on December 10th. I am sure I mirror the sentiments of many when I say the Storybricks system just can't get here soon enough!

Before you get your hopes up too high, know that this first iteration of the AI system does not include the much-anticipated storytelling features that players will have access to on their personal claims. Those will come in time. But that doesn't diminish the magnitude of what is coming in just a few short weeks. The introduction of mobs will truly be the big bump that makes Landmark an actual MMORPG in the eyes of the world as opposed to "just a building game," an inaccurate description the game's had a hard time shaking. And did I mention, I can't wait?! If you are fairly new to following Landmark, you may not know what all the excitement is about. Let me share that with you.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Landmark's AI will be a game-changer

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Landmark's AI will be a game-changer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bringing-the-game-to-lifedave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarkmobsmosntersnorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstorybricksStorybricks-aitattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 20 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest's 21st expansion, Darkened Sea, is now live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/everquests-darkened-sea-expansion-now-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/everquests-darkened-sea-expansion-now-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/everquests-darkened-sea-expansion-now-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest
EverQuest's 21st(!) expansion is now live, quite a feat for the 15-year-old MMO. The Darkened Sea raises the level cap to 105, adds six new zones and two re-imagined ones, and features the usual assortment of new quests, items, and raids. SOE describes the storyline:
On a mission to restore balance to Norrath, heroine Firiona Vie travels to Katta Castrum, a city in the Buried Sea, to heal the Combine Emperor, Tsaph Katta. However, a corrupt splinter faction of the Combine, along with the treacherous Lanys T'vyl, attacks the city and kidnaps the Combine ruler. It is up to the heroes of Norrath to track down Lanys and her compatriots, rescue the Emperor and put an end to whatever designs Lanys has planned for Norrath.
Check out the new screenshots below.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelyEverQuest's 21st expansion, Darkened Sea, is now live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The big 1-0. EverQuest II has just joined the ranks of games in their double digits; today marks the 10th anniversary for the fantasy game. And while that's a pretty impressive feat in itself, just growing older isn't all that has happened to EQII in the past year. There have been plenty of content updates (and a change in how those update occur), holiday celebrations, and major news happenings during the course of the past 12 months.

However, instead of just highlighting the major events and changes of the year in a standard retrospective piece, I'm going to do something a little different this year. On top of wandering down memory lane, I've pulled in Senior Producer Holly Longdale to answer a few questions and address some current concerns on the minds of players. Longdale talks about the high price of both the Altar of Malice Collector's Edition and the new Aerakyn race as well as shares some fun facts about who's been working on the game since the beginning.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Talking EverQuest II's 10th anniversary with Holly Longdale

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Talking EverQuest II's 10th anniversary with Holly Longdale originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akil-hooperaltar-of-maliceBrandon-McDonaldcontroveryeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playholly-longdaleinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleylandmarkMaria-Del-Casinonew-contentnorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionretrospectiveSmedsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookTim-HeydelaarSun, 09 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest: The Darkened Sea officially launching on November 11th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/everquest-the-darkened-sea-officially-launching-on-november-11t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/everquest-the-darkened-sea-officially-launching-on-november-11t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/everquest-the-darkened-sea-officially-launching-on-november-11t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

eq
While All-Access members are currently enjoying EverQuest's newest expansion, The Darkened Sea, non-subscribers are still twiddling their thumbs waiting to get in on the fun. The good news is that the wait will be over soon, as the expansion will officially launch on November 11th for all who purchase it.

To help drum up excitement, SOE posted a brief story dev diary to set the scene for the expansion. "The Darkened Sea hides many secrets," the team teased. "A coral castle, enchanting sirens, watered-down dwarves, and even dinosaurs! On a remote island in the vast ocean is a mysterious city with an intricate citadel floating above it."

For a full grasp on what The Darkened Sea has to offer, check out our in-depth look into the game's 21st expansion.

MassivelyEverQuest: The Darkened Sea officially launching on November 11th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-accesseqeq1everquestexpansionf2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunchlorereleasesoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-darkened-seaWed, 05 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Think Tank: Fixing the Landmark-EQ Next perception problem]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/the-think-tank-fixing-the-landmark-eq-next-perception-problem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/the-think-tank-fixing-the-landmark-eq-next-perception-problem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/the-think-tank-fixing-the-landmark-eq-next-perception-problem/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not a Landmark post on Massively goes by without at least one commenter essentially telling SOE to talk about EverQuest Next or shut up. Massively's MJ Guthrie, who writes our EverQuest franchise column, has herself explained until she's blue in the face that Landmark is EQ Next's foundation, and SOE has talked plenty about EQ Next independently too, but for some reason, the explanations aren't sticking with the MMO populace, so the same complaints are voiced in every thread.

So what gives? Has SOE been too confusing with the Landmark/EQ Next co-branding? How can SOE dig itself out of this persistent perception problem? That's what I asked Massively's writers in today's Think Tank.

Continue reading The Think Tank: Fixing the Landmark-EQ Next perception problem

MassivelyThe Think Tank: Fixing the Landmark-EQ Next perception problem originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-ttteditorialeqeq-nexteq-next-landmarkeqneqn-landmarkeqnleverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkfantasygroup-editoriallandmarkmassively-staffmassively-teamopinionopinionspgcplayer-generated-contentroundtableroundupsandboxsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-think-tankthink-tankThu, 30 Oct 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest: The Darkened Sea expansion is live today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/sailing-through-everquest-the-darkened-sea-with-the-soe-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/sailing-through-everquest-the-darkened-sea-with-the-soe-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/28/sailing-through-everquest-the-darkened-sea-with-the-soe-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We got our first glimpse of EverQuest's 21st expansion back at SOE Live, with its impending new features, a slew of new zones, and the promise of the return of two classic characters. For the past month, some folks have even been testing these things out in beta. Now with launch finally just around the corner (as in today!), Designers Jonathan Caraker, Alan VanCouvering, and Doug Cronkhite joined Producer Thom Terrazas and Creative Director Akil Hooper to talk shop while zipping through the newest zones of The Darkened Sea on a tour of what players will get to dive into.

The Darkened Sea actually builds upon a previous expansion, The Buried Sea. "We have some stories and characters... that we liked back then that we wanted to continue," Terrazas explained. "So we're bringing back some familiar characters that have been off the grid a little bit the last few years." The story itself also takes place in the Buried Sea, starting off on a little tucked away island called Tempest Temple.

Continue reading EverQuest: The Darkened Sea expansion is live today

MassivelyEverQuest: The Darkened Sea expansion is live today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akil-hooperAlan-VanCouveringdev-tourDoug-Cronkhiteeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhalf-featureinterviewinterviewsJonathan-Carakersoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-darkened-seaThom-TerrazastourTue, 28 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: Remembering that Landmark is in beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/norrathian-notebook-remembering-that-landmark-is-in-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/norrathian-notebook-remembering-that-landmark-is-in-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/norrathian-notebook-remembering-that-landmark-is-in-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Norrathian Notebook: Remembering that Landmark is in beta
An interesting thing happened on my way to pay upkeep. It hit me full force that Landmark is indeed in a true beta. I know, I know -- I have said this before. And I know that I know it. Yet sometimes that fact still sneaks up and wallops me in the face! I mean, it's pretty obvious the game is incomplete (hurry to me, AI editor!) and that there are definitely bugs to squash. But for the most part, I have not be too inconvenienced by bugs, so I guess the fact that it's a beta just floated to the back of my mind.

That all changed this past week. I encountered a bug so big that it squashed me. In fact, it was so intense that it effectively prevented me from continuing my gameplay. That's when it hit me: After eight months of playing and enjoying Landmark, I had forgotten that this can actually happen. But it is important to remember, to keep this fact at the forefront of our minds. Why? It's not to be a defensive rallying cry for why something isn't in game/isn't working as intended; it's so we can get the game we want, sooner! How? By doing our job as beta testers.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Remembering that Landmark is in beta

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Remembering that Landmark is in beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 23 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The history of EverQuest Next, Cliffs Notes version]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/the-history-of-everquest-next-cliff-notes-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/the-history-of-everquest-next-cliff-notes-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/the-history-of-everquest-next-cliff-notes-version/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If there was ever a world with a deep, rich history behind it, it's Norrath. But EverQuest Next is giving its own spin to the lore. If you're tired of feeling left out and clueless in conversations about the Dragon War because you haven't had time to read through the 11 lore e-books that have been published, you've got a chance to get in the know! EQHammer offers a handy Cliffs Notes-style overview that gives fans a foundation of the story, from the formation of the world up though the Combine Era. Go ahead and read through it to grab the major highlights, then you can delve into the full story in the e-books when you find larger chunks of spare time.

MassivelyThe history of EverQuest Next, Cliffs Notes version originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebookebookseqeq-nextEQNEQnexteverquestEverQuest-Nextfantasylorelore-overviewoverviewsandboxSOEsony-online-entertainmentMon, 20 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halloween makes the rounds in SOE's line-up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/halloween-makes-the-rounds-in-soes-line-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/halloween-makes-the-rounds-in-soes-line-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/halloween-makes-the-rounds-in-soes-line-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

eq2
'Tis the season for spookies and crawlies, and SOE is not above appropriating Halloween for its own ghoulish ends. Pretty much every one of its MMOs is hosting Halloween festivities this month with events, prizes, and macabre decorations.

DC Universe Online is bringing back the Witching Hour and Midnight Masquerade with a few new rewards, Landmark is hosting a spooky building contest, Dragon's Prophet is reprising its Styx Festival, and both EverQuest and EverQuest II are reprising their infamous Nights of the Dead.

Out of the bunch, PlanetSide 2 is the only one with a truly new holiday: Nanite of the Living Dead. With this event, players will be scouring the planet for "space pumpkins" to destroy for fun and profit.

MassivelyHalloween makes the rounds in SOE's line-up originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back in 2001, I desperately wanted out of EverQuest. I hated the gameplay. I hated the community. I loved my guildies, but I hated what our guild was becoming, consumed by a grindy rat race so different from our roots in Ultima Online. When Dark Age of Camelot offered a way out, I took it, dragging as many guildies as I could along with me to a game where PvP and territory control, not camp checks and plane raids, ruled the day.

Some of them didn't come with us, and I couldn't understand why they wouldn't jump at the chance to start fresh, to be rid of a self-destructive community and gear grind. What was wrong with them, I wondered, that they'd stay in some old thing rather than play the new shiny?

Dozens upon dozens of MMOs later, I finally understand: They already had that game.

Continue reading Working As Intended: But I already have that game

MassivelyWorking As Intended: But I already have that game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeageassassins-creed-2band-geekclonecloneseditorialeqeverquestfeaturedi-already-have-that-gameinnovationiterationnewbieop-edopinionrantrantsrpsthe-sims-4the-tickworking-as-intendedWorld-of-WarcraftwowFri, 17 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: Landmark's latest patch packs an armored punch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-latest-patch-packs-an-armored-pu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-latest-patch-packs-an-armored-pu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-latest-patch-packs-an-armored-pu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Norrathian Notebook: Landmark's latest patch packs a punch
Wowsers! While we knew that September was a month of bug squashing and that meatier content updates would return to Landmark, this latest one seems extra juicy. It could just be that everything feels like a feast after a famine, but I think it's more than that -- and not just because it took multiple posts to announce the changes. Besides being tantalized with a bunch of new goodies right now, I get the impression that we are in for regular doses of content, content, and more content as the dev team revs up for open beta. And these changes are also glimpses into the ongoing development of EverQuest Next. Who doesn't love that?

As it is, I am pretty excited to delve into this content update, Armor? Appearance slots? Additional weapon abilities? Ability to template the movers, flingers, and stuff? Lava?! Heck, yah -- serve it up.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Landmark's latest patch packs an armored punch

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Landmark's latest patch packs an armored punch originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorbuilding-materialseqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playheroic-movementLandmarklavanorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxSOEsonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookupdateweaponsThu, 16 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do server merges make you more or less worried about an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/the-daily-grind-do-server-merges-make-you-more-or-less-worried/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/the-daily-grind-do-server-merges-make-you-more-or-less-worried/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/the-daily-grind-do-server-merges-make-you-more-or-less-worried/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Server merges, megaservers, connected realms, server consolidations -- call them whatever you want; a server merge is a merge, and it means a game's population has shrunk and servers need to be shed. Usually, MMO gamers take that as a herald of doom and race to the forums and blogs to argue over the technicalities of who's going where, what stuff will be lost in the transfer, and who predicted something patently inevitable a year ago. Onlookers pronounce the game a failure.

But maybe that's the wrong atittude altogether. By the time most games merge servers, I'm usually heaving a sigh of relief. RIFT, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Star Wars Galaxies, EverQuest, even World of Warcraft -- all of these MMOs benefited enormously from their merges or faux-merges, in spite of the way merges look to people obsessed with schadenfreude. For players playing a game whose devs recognize a population problem and fix it while they still have the resources to do so, it's practically a game-saver, not a game-killer. When you're stuck on a dead server in a game that has just enough resources to keep going but not enough to merge, then the game is screwed.

What do you think: Do server merges make you more or less worried about an MMO?

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 server merges make you more or less worried about an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgconnected-realmsdaily-grindeqeverquestmegaservermegaserversmergemergesopinionriftserver-mergeserver-mergesstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtortdgthe-daily-grindWorld-of-WarcraftwowFri, 10 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: EQ Next's 'workshop collaborations']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/norrathian-notebook-eq-nexts-workshop-collaborations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/norrathian-notebook-eq-nexts-workshop-collaborations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/norrathian-notebook-eq-nexts-workshop-collaborations/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last month we embarked on the journey of corralling the remainder of the EverQuest Next Round Tables for you, adding the fifth installment to the previous four. But that last roundup did not quite bring us up to date. Why? It wasn't just a matter of space: There was a fundamental shift in the round table discussions that I felt warranted a separate Norrathian Notebook.

The next section of round tables were focused on the collaborative efforts of the devs and the community in building and shaping EverQuest Next. While there is a smattering of other topics sprinkled in, the bulk is dedicated specifically to the Norrathian races and building collaboration. As such, many of the polls were more time-sensitive; some have closed, and some were just more relevant to determining design direction during the specific The Workshop Show series. However, the information is still valuable, and opinions can still be shared on a number of the proposed questions. If you have an opinion on coloring, racial mounts, and architectural styles, this is the collection of inquiries for you.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: EQ Next's 'workshop collaborations'

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: EQ Next's 'workshop collaborations' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Oct 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>building-collaborationeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionraceracesrosie-rappaportround-tableround-table-round-upround-table-roundupround-uproundupsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThe-WorkshopThe-Workshop-ShowThu, 09 Oct 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How should MMO quests be delivered?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/the-daily-grind-how-should-mmo-quests-be-delivered/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/the-daily-grind-how-should-mmo-quests-be-delivered/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/the-daily-grind-how-should-mmo-quests-be-delivered/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

UO
I was tinkering in Ultima Online last week when I spied something I had forgotten about: quest givers with yellow exclamation points over their heads! In Ultima Online! The much-maligned mechanic has even retroactively invaded ancient sandboxes.

But I started to wonder what MMO players would accept as a mechanic for quest delivery. World of Warcraft's exclamation points are hated, Star Wars Galaxies' mission terminals seemed artificial, WildStar fans complain about pop-up quests, and there's no way I'd want to go back to EverQuest's keyword-based quest text. Hail, a_quest_giver_001!

So how, exactly, do you want your MMO quests doled out?

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: How should MMO quests be delivered? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgdaily-grindeqeverquestmission-terminalopinionquestquest-deliveryquestsstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuowildstarWorld-of-WarcraftwowFri, 03 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: Seven things EverQuest Next and Landmark really need]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/norrathian-notebook-seven-things-everquest-next-and-landmark-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/norrathian-notebook-seven-things-everquest-next-and-landmark-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/norrathian-notebook-seven-things-everquest-next-and-landmark-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Norrathian Notebook: Six things I really want to see in EverQuest Next and Landmark
What do I want to see in EverQuest Next and Landmark? I know that is a question that all of us have asked ourselves and each other. Heck, even the developers ask us this! It's a key component in the open development process; it is the discussion of these answers that lead to some great ideas. So in the hopes of sparking another meaningful conversation (and hopefully giving the devs a few ideas!), I'm going to detail five things that I desperately want to see in these upcoming titles. While most of these items are a wish list for both games, there are a couple that are title-specific. I am not going to dwell on those desires I have brought up in the past or things I have already talked at length on, such as player-written books, theme-enforced Islands, and larger landmasses of multiple islands for more seamless experience. Instead I hope to present seven more morsels of food for thought, and hopefully you'll add your ideas in as well.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Seven things EverQuest Next and Landmark really need

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Seven things EverQuest Next and Landmark really need originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheageeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentpvpsandboxsandparksoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebooktriontrion-worldsxl-gamesxlgamesThu, 02 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Your worship of EverQuest Next's deities will shape the world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/your-worship-of-everquest-nexts-deities-will-shape-the-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/your-worship-of-everquest-nexts-deities-will-shape-the-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/your-worship-of-everquest-nexts-deities-will-shape-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

eqn
The gods of Norrath are slated to return for EverQuest Next, and who players choose to worship will have a profound effect on the game itself.

Lead Content Designer Steve Danuser penned a lore blog to introduce Veeshan and the Nor'I for the upcoming fantasy MMO. He said that the team is striving to stick to the "thematic core" of Veeshan for her reimagining: "Veeshan looms large in our story. It wouldn't be an EverQuest game without her!" And while Veeshan is well known by fans, the Nor'l is a new figure, the world spirit of Norrath. The Nor'l gives birth to mortals and flows through the entire world, communicating only through song.

"Your actions in the world determine who controls territory and resources, and one of those key resources is the belief of Norrath's inhabitants," Danuser said. "How strong will Veeshan's influence grow after the Combine return to Antonica? Will the Nor'I be protected or exploited? These are questions that you'll get to decide through the choices you make in game."

MassivelyYour worship of EverQuest Next's deities will shape the world originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadeitiesdeityeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasygodsloresandboxsoesony-online-entertainmentSteve-DanuserWed, 01 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE devs on EverQuest Next's 'life of consequence']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/soe-devs-on-everquest-nexts-life-of-consequence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/soe-devs-on-everquest-nexts-life-of-consequence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/soe-devs-on-everquest-nexts-life-of-consequence/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

We've known for a while that SOE is cooking up some sort of emergent AI concoction for EverQuest Next. The company famously partnered with Storybricks last year to bring its fantasy NPCs to life, and a newly released video sheds a bit more light on what exactly that means.

The clip stems from a panel that was originally conducted at this year's SOE Live, which has now been distilled to a more manageable five-minute running time. Click past the cut to find out about EQN's lack of traditional quest hubs and how to make NPCs bow before your mighty axe of authority.

Continue reading SOE devs on EverQuest Next's 'life of consequence'

MassivelySOE devs on EverQuest Next's 'life of consequence' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiai-videoeqeq-nexteqneqn-aieqn-life-of-consequenceeqn-videoeverquesteverquest-nextfantasylife-of-consequencesandboxsoesony-online-entertainmentstorybricksvideoTue, 30 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are character bios due for revival?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/the-daily-grind-are-character-bios-due-for-revival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/the-daily-grind-are-character-bios-due-for-revival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/the-daily-grind-are-character-bios-due-for-revival/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

SWG
One of my favorite things about classic MMOs is that they refused to give up on the "RPG" part of MMORPG. As in a tabletop game, in classic MMOs you were often given an opportunity to write a biography for your character, then import it into the game and attach it to your profile in some way so that other players could read it. In some games, having a superb character bio could snag the attention of a gamemaster and land you even more recognition in the form of a badge or achievement.

It bothers me that these little touches are missing from so many modern MMOs. They don't take much effort on the part of the designers, and they sell the impression that creativity still matters, that your character is more than just a chat handle and a suit of armor.

Are character bios due for a revival? Did you ever or would you use the option in your game of choice if you could?

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 character bios due for revival? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biobiographybrianna-royce-tdgcharacter-biocharacter-biographycharacter-biosdaily-grindeqeq1everquestopinionstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuoTue, 30 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Omeed Dariani left EverQuest Next]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/why-omeed-dariani-left-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/why-omeed-dariani-left-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/why-omeed-dariani-left-everquest-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Don't fall in love with videogames, they'll just break your heart.
When SOE Brand Manager Omeed Dariani left the EverQuest Next team suddenly, there was no small amount of curiosity and speculation over his reasoning. Obviously he knew something that fans didn't, but what was it? He recently appeared on Reddit to briefly explain his departure, stating that it was the result of an ideological difference that could not be corrected. Dariani states that his immediate supervisors did not support the community-first structures that have been established for both Landmark and EverQuest Next, so he ultimately felt that he had no options beyond resigning in protest.

No personal issues were involved, contrary to some fan speculation, and Dariani was quite clear that his departure was entirely voluntary and he was in no way given an ultimatum. He maintains that he has the utmost respect for the teams still working on the games and that neither of them caused his departure. It might not be the happy news of another job just waiting in the wings that fans would like, but it at least explains why he left.

MassivelyWhy Omeed Dariani left EverQuest Next originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycommunity-firstdeparturesdevelopmenteqeq-nexteq-next-landmarkeqneqn-landmarkeqnleverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkfantasylandmarkmarketingnewsnews-itemsomeed-darianipgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxsoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 23 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Ten: Terrible, terrible MMO names]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/20/perfect-ten-terrible-terrible-mmo-names/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/20/perfect-ten-terrible-terrible-mmo-names/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/20/perfect-ten-terrible-terrible-mmo-names/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

ever jane
A catchy, vivid title is essential to getting your game noticed and establishing a strong brand. Yes, we as gamers will get used to pretty much any dumb name (unless it's Daikatana), but a great one allows us to mention it in polite society without getting spat on or rejected for dates.

The best MMO names in my opinion are single words that sound cool or conjure up a strong association. I'm less fond of ALL CAPS ACRONYMS and any game that can't be more inventive with its title than to put "Online" after it. For the most part, MMOs play it safe and boring with titles, with only a few outliers in the awesome or terrible fringes. Today, we're going to examine the latter.

I want to make a couple of quick qualifiers here. I'm not judging these games by their names; an MMO can be good or bad independent of how silly its name is. And while I know that some of these names make more sense in context, I generally feel that if I have to have it explained to me, then it's a fail.

Continue reading Perfect Ten: Terrible, terrible MMO names

MassivelyPerfect Ten: Terrible, terrible MMO names originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Sep 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcane-saga-onlinedas-taldofusdragons-propheteliteelite-dangerouseqever-janeeverjaneeverquestfeaturedfluffflyffgreed-mongerh1z1humorlife-is-feudalopinionp10pantheonpantheon-rise-of-the-fallenperfect-10perfect-tenpriusprius-onlineraiderzroundupstar-citizenstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtree-of-saviortugSat, 20 Sep 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQ
This week, classic EverQuest began the beta test for Darkened Sea, its 21st expansion. You read that number correctly! What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The full Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchchaos-heroeschaos-heroes-onlineclosed-betaeleveneqeverquestgame-testingglitchlaunchlaunchesmaplestory-2massively-metaopen-betapathfinderpathfinder-onlinerounduptestingtugwarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 19 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: EverQuest Next round table roundup V]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/norrathian-notebook-everquest-next-roundtable-roundup-v/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/norrathian-notebook-everquest-next-roundtable-roundup-v/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/norrathian-notebook-everquest-next-roundtable-roundup-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Norrathian Notebook: EverQuest Next round table roundup V
Combat, combat, PvP. That can pretty well sum up a lot of Landmark's chatter recently. That's understandable, since it is the newest feature to hit the sandbox. But that is certainly not all there is to talk about. There are plenty of topics of interest that cover both EverQuest Next and Landmark, and a number of these are touched on in the regular roundtable discussions.

It's been quite a while since we've gathered these all up into one concise spot for you to peruse (so long that Landmark lost part of its name in the interim!), so here's the fifth installment of the roundtable roundup. Poke through this collection and check out what other players and devs are saying about various issues. You can even participate in many of the polls if you haven't yet and add your voice to the mix! Even if some topics seem old, remember that none is irrelevant; the games are both still under development, and player input is always a good thing.

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: EverQuest Next round table roundup V

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: EverQuest Next round table roundup V originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionround-tableround-table-round-upround-table-roundupround-upsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookvideovideosThu, 18 Sep 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest begins Darkened Sea beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/everquest-begins-darkened-sea-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/everquest-begins-darkened-sea-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/everquest-begins-darkened-sea-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

eq
While The Darkened Sea, EverQuest's 21st expansion, debuts in a little over a month, you can check out the beta as soon as... well, right now.

Producer Thom Terrazas posted a letter on the forums yesterday informing players that the beta would begin today and continue through October 24th. Terrazas also put out a call for raiding guilds to sign up to test the expansion's raid content on September 22nd. Following that, the early access launch for The Darkened Sea will start on October 28th and the full release will follow on November 11th.

There will not be a pre-order for the expansion. "We are also working on an easy way for players to purchase the expansion plus a monthly subscription to get in quickly and avoid getting left behind. Stay tuned for those details very soon," Terrazas promised.

Coming next week to EverQuest is an update that will include a robe category for the player studio and a way to transfer large amounts of currency at a time.

MassivelyEverQuest begins Darkened Sea beta originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadarkened-seaearly-accesseqeq1everquestexpansionf2pfantasyfree-to-playsoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-darkened-seathom-terrazasTue, 16 Sep 2014 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Norrathian Notebook: Ten must-see PvP arenas in Landmark]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/norrathian-notebook-ten-must-see-pvp-arenas-in-landmark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/norrathian-notebook-ten-must-see-pvp-arenas-in-landmark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/norrathian-notebook-ten-must-see-pvp-arenas-in-landmark/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

As soon as Landmark's PvP combat launch date was announced at SOE Live, a number of players dived in and started building arenas in anticipation. Not even hours after the update went live, there were fully functioning battle claims ready to welcome players to their death. Over the holiday weekend, that number exploded. In fact, there are now 10 (and growing) pages of PvP-labeled claims in the gallery to sort through with 50 claims per page. With so many choices already, how do you know where to go to check things out? Folks don't always have the time to mosey through all the choices themselves. That's where Norrathian Notebook comes in!

From the first PvP claim I poked my head into (live, no less!), I planned to visit as many as possible and build a guide to highlight these creations. So I've compiled a list of 10 -- of the many -- Landmark arenas that I personally think are worth a visit. Please note, this list is by no means all-inclusive, and narrowing down the field was no easy task! There are plenty more out there and more coming all the time, so be sure to explore any that catches your eye and send your finds to us!

Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Ten must-see PvP arenas in Landmark

MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Ten must-see PvP arenas in Landmark originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areanseqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguidelandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentpvppvp-arenassandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 04 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: The big plunge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/31/one-shots-the-big-plunge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/31/one-shots-the-big-plunge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/31/one-shots-the-big-plunge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

gw2
For someone like myself who is mortally terrified of heights, MMOs are not a good form of immersion therapy. I still feel my stomach clench when I fall from a ledge or, in the case of our first screenshot of the day, witness someone else doing it.

"This was my first jumping puzzle in Guild Wars 2," Reader Chiara said. "You don't forget those things. I was all excited when I found a secret passage -- I wasn't even aware of the existence of jumping puzzles back then -- and as luck would have it, I found one of the toughest ones. Of course. My character is always camera-ready, as you can see -- even when she's plunging to her death. I think she was trying to wave, actually."

What happened next? In my mind, she'll always be falling, falling. Well, we all might as well take the big plunge into the rest of these screencaps!

Continue reading One Shots: The big plunge

MassivelyOne Shots: The big plunge originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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wizardry online
One facet of video games that's been around almost since the very beginning is the difficulty level. This has allowed the player to choose how hard or easy a game would be from the onset, influencing factors such as the number of enemies, hardiness of bad guys, fragility of the player character, and available loot (or lack of it). I used to love how some of those '90s shareware titles would mock me for picking easy, sometimes portraying my character wearing a baby bonnet and sucking its thumb. Real gamers, the devs implied, go tough or go home.

With a few exceptions, MMOs operate on a fixed level of difficulty for all of their players. Instead of assigning blanket difficulty client-side, the game world portions difficulty into areas, usually according to level or activity. Some games have instances with adjustable difficulty levels, but past that what you get is also what I get.

This might be changing. A very fringe but dedicated group of players have championed such ideas as elective ironman and permadeath modes for their MMOs, and at least one studio is responding positively to that desire. Would you choose to make your MMO experience harder than everyone else in exchange for nothing more than a bigger challenge and a more "realistic" experience?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Ironman modes and elective permadeath

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Ironman modes and elective permadeath originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Aug 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callclassicclassic-mmosclassicsddodofusdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeqeverquestfeaturedgame-archaelogisth1z1hellgate-londonironmanironman-challengeironman-modekingdom-of-loathingmiddle-earth-onlinenostalgiaopinionpermadeathpermadeath-moderunescapesalemstar-citizenstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-game-archaeologisttrials-of-ascensionwizardry-onlineSat, 30 Aug 2014 16:00:00 EST