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[Working As Intended: The unfortunate conflation of sandboxes and PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/08/working-as-intended-the-unfortunate-conflation-of-sandboxes-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/08/working-as-intended-the-unfortunate-conflation-of-sandboxes-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/08/working-as-intended-the-unfortunate-conflation-of-sandboxes-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

A certain perplexing belief about sandboxes pervades the blog comments, forums, and general chats of MMOs:

All MMO sandboxes are free-for-all PvP games. If it doesn't have free-for-all PvP, it's by definition not a sandbox because sandboxes let the players make all the rules and decisions. Free-for-all PvP adds the necessary spice to keep you on your toes and keep a game fresh. Without it, you may as well be playing The Sims.

All of these statements are wrong.

Continue reading Working As Intended: The unfortunate conflation of sandboxes and PvP

MassivelyWorking As Intended: The unfortunate conflation of sandboxes and PvP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Aug 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-allfree-for-all-pvpgankboxgankerboxmmo-spectrummurder-simmurder-simulatorop-edopen-pvpopinionpvprantrantssandboxsandbox-pvpsandbox-spectrumsandboxesspectrumthemeparkworking-as-intendedFri, 08 Aug 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What upcoming MMO are you giving a second look?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/17/the-daily-grind-what-upcoming-mmo-are-you-giving-a-second-look/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/17/the-daily-grind-what-upcoming-mmo-are-you-giving-a-second-look/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/17/the-daily-grind-what-upcoming-mmo-are-you-giving-a-second-look/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Up to this point I've been pretty meh about Camelot Unchained. It's nothing personal, I always enjoy Mark Jacobs' game development perspectives, but to be frank neither Warhammer Online nor Dark Age of Camelot held my attention for more than a month. Blame Star Wars: Galaxies, I guess.

Then I started reading some of these "batshit crazy" CU reveals and now I'm thinking that this game might be for me. I'm saying "might" because I've followed this genre long enough to take grandiose design docs with a grain of salt. But hey, at least I'm hooked and will keep reading, right? What about you, Massively readers? What upcoming MMO are you giving a second look?

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 upcoming MMO are you giving a second look? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bat-shit-crazybatshit-crazybsccamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedaily-grindffa-pvpmark-jacobsopen-pvpopinionpvprvrtdgthe-daily-grindThu, 17 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Will you be trying ArcheAge?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/02/leaderboard-will-you-be-trying-archeage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/02/leaderboard-will-you-be-trying-archeage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/02/leaderboard-will-you-be-trying-archeage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge's closed beta is coming in a couple of weeks, and if Trion stays on schedule, the long-awaited sandpark's western launch will happen some time prior to year's end. The only real question, then, is will you be playing.

There's clearly a lot to like about the game in terms of features, but there's also the specter of open PvP, which has traditionally hamstrung MMO sales and retention figures in the West. So, how about it, Massively readers? Will you be trying ArcheAge despite (or perhaps because of) its PvP?

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Will you be trying ArcheAge?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Will you be trying ArcheAge? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jul 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalfantasyffa-pvpgankgankboxgankingleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopen-pvpopinionpollpollspvpsandboxsandparktriontrion-worldsversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesWed, 02 Jul 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Defining sandparks within the MMORPG space]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/30/defining-sandparks-within-the-mmorpg-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/30/defining-sandparks-within-the-mmorpg-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/30/defining-sandparks-within-the-mmorpg-space/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMO screenshots
One of the most common subjects of debate and conversation on Massively focuses on sub-genres. While I think we can all agree on what the letters in "MMORPG" superficially mean, things become a little muddier when we talk about the different types of MMOs and what falls where on the MMO spectrum. There are MMORTS titles, MMOs that offer city-building and massive strategy, and MMOFPS titles, shooters that host thousands of players, for example. We even talk about MMO-like games, or games that are multiplayer but not massively concurrently multiplayer, like MOBAs.

And what about games that toe the line between sandbox and themepark, games that offer a bit of sand in their parks or linear questing in their virtual, open worlds? Themeboxes? Sandparks? Let's talk about what makes these MMO mutts so important and so fun to play. I'll list some examples of games that could fit the hybrid definition, but feel free to chime in with more.

Continue reading Defining sandparks within the MMORPG space

MassivelyDefining sandparks within the MMORPG space originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanBlizzarddefiancefeaturedffaffa-pvpfree-realmshardcoremmofpsopinionpvpriftrunescapeSandboxsandparkthemeboxThemeParktriontrion-worldsWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 30 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation will feature both standard and PvP servers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/23/the-repopulation-will-feature-both-standard-and-pvp-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/23/the-repopulation-will-feature-both-standard-and-pvp-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/23/the-repopulation-will-feature-both-standard-and-pvp-servers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Repopulation PvP
The Repopulation's going to have two distinct server rulesets when it eventually launches. Option one will be a standard PvE-focused environment with optional PvP and associated flagging mechanics. "The standard ruleset should be suitable for most types of players. You have a full compliment of resources and PvE tiers available in protected areas," explains the latest Repopulation dev diary.

If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, Above & Beyond Technologies is also hosting an open PvP ruleset with corpse looting, friendly fire, and EVE-like security sector mechanics. Some of the details are still being ironed out, but you should definitely read the lengthy new dev diary that lays out the particulars for each rule set.

MassivelyThe Repopulation will feature both standard and PvP servers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiescorpse-lootingffaffa-pvphardcorepvepvprepopulationrepopulation-pvpsandboxsandbox-pvpsci-fisoftcorethe-repopulationThu, 23 Jan 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Pre-NGE SWG's proper sandbox PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/17/some-assembly-required-pre-nge-swgs-proper-sandbox-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/17/some-assembly-required-pre-nge-swgs-proper-sandbox-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/17/some-assembly-required-pre-nge-swgs-proper-sandbox-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required architectural plans
A few weeks ago I ranted at indie sandbox devs who continue pumping out poorly conceived FFA PvP games. I didn't have any wordcount left at the end of that novella to propose any solutions, so I'm going to do that today.

And hey, it's pretty simple, at least conceptually. All a dev team needs to do is iterate on Star Wars: Galaxies' pre-NGE PvP system.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Pre-NGE SWG's proper sandbox PvP

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Pre-NGE SWG's proper sandbox PvP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmodecayfeaturedffa-pvpgalaxiesgame-mechanicsgear-decaygriefersgriefingitem-decaymeaningful-pvpopen-world-pvpopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvpsandboxsandbox-pvpsarsci-fisoesome-assembly-requiredsome-assembly-required-jef-reahardsony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-galaxies-pvpswgswg-pvpswgoteftef-flagFri, 17 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stick and Rudder: Five reasons Star Citizen isn't a dedicated PvP game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/12/stick-and-rudder-five-reasons-star-citizen-isnt-a-dedicated-pv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/12/stick-and-rudder-five-reasons-star-citizen-isnt-a-dedicated-pv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/12/stick-and-rudder-five-reasons-star-citizen-isnt-a-dedicated-pv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Stick and Rudder - Five reasons Star Citizen isn't a PvP game
Is it just me, or does a new PvP-vs.-PvE fight break out on the Star Citizen forums every five minutes? In fairness to everyone involved, the jousting we've seen over the past few months is pretty typical of every early adopter MMO community. There's plenty of preening, pseudo-intellectualism, and outright trolling on both sides of the aisle as two player groups make their preferences known early and often in a blatant attempt at influencing game developers to develop something more to their liking.

With Star Citizen, though, and with the all-PvP-all-the-time crowd in particular, I'm constantly left wondering whether these people have bothered to research the game they're backing.

Continue reading Stick and Rudder: Five reasons Star Citizen isn't a dedicated PvP game

MassivelyStick and Rudder: Five reasons Star Citizen isn't a dedicated PvP game originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carebearcarebear-star-citizenchris-robertscloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamescrowdfundinge-peenfeaturedffa-pvpgame-designgame-mechanicsinstancinginternet-spaceshipskickstartermeaningful-pvpopen-pvppvepvp-sandboxpvp-sliderroberts-space-industriesrsisandboxsandbox-pvpsci-fishipspacespace-simspaceshipspacesimstar-citizenstar-citizen-carebearstar-citizen-isnt-a-pvp-gamestar-citizen-pvestar-citizen-pvpstar-citizen-pvp-sliderstick-and-rudderSun, 12 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Albion Online dishes out details on the game's mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/albion-online-dishes-out-details-on-the-games-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/albion-online-dishes-out-details-on-the-games-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/albion-online-dishes-out-details-on-the-games-mechanics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Five minutes later, this man was murdered for his stuff.
Albion Online has some pretty ambitious design goals as a top-down multi-platform MMORPG with free-for-all PvP. A few players have gotten a chance to try the earliest testing build out, and there were some obvious questions, enough for the development team to post several answers. While the game is still early in alpha testing, it's an interesting look at the design philosophy and how harsh the environment really will be.

The core of Albion Online is that characters don't have specific levels or stats raised via levels; instead, everything comes down to what you can craft, which is increased as you gain more fame. According to the answers, unarmored characters will all have about 1000 life points. Items constantly degrade and can be looted by other players in combat, which means that there's always a drive to get more items, but finding more valuable materials will require a trek to more dangerous parts of the world. Check out the full list of answers for more details on how the designers look to keep the game lively and interesting.

[Source: Sandbox Interactive press release]

MassivelyAlbion Online dishes out details on the game's mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albionalbion-onlinealphaalpha-testingbetabeta-testingdesign-goalsearly-clientearly-mechanicsffa-pvpfree-for-allgame-mechanicsmobilemulti-platformnewssandboxsandbox-interactivetabletThu, 09 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Designing EVE Onland, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/29/eve-evolved-designing-eve-onland-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/29/eve-evolved-designing-eve-onland-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/29/eve-evolved-designing-eve-onland-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
When I'm not playing or writing about EVE Online, I can usually be found huddled over my computer typing lines of code into a compiler and chipping away at bugs that make varying degrees of sense. Designing my own hardcore space game is a really fun challenge and very fulfilling work, but I have a dirty little game dev secret: I've actually always wanted to make a fantasy game. While the budget and personnel required to take on a project the scale of an MMO remain quite far outside my grasp for the moment, it's still fun to think about how I might design such a game if the opportunity arose. The MMO genre seems to be heading for a sandbox revolution this year, and there's no bigger sandbox than EVE Online, but could all of EVE's gameplay translate to a fantasy game?

EVE is probably the most atypical MMO out there, maintaining a subscription-based single-shard PvP sandbox in a genre that's typically headed in the exact opposite direction. There are several new sci-fi sandboxes on the way that may or may not qualify as massively multiplayer titles, but the vast majority of MMO gamers still prefer to keep their feet on the ground in fantasy lands. I often find myself wondering how much of EVE Online's core gameplay is possible only because of its setting -- and how much could actually be applied to a fantasy MMO. Not only should it be possible to adapt most of what makes EVE great to a modern land-based game, but many of the mechanics sandbox gamers now attribute almost solely to EVE actually started life in classic fantasy MMOs like Ultima Online.

In this week's unusual EVE Evolved, I'd like to start a game design thought experiment as I delve into the hypothetical world of EVE Onland.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Designing EVE Onland, part 1

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Designing EVE Onland, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedagonaocaoc-unchainedavataravatar-creationsaventurinebattlegroundsbrowserbrowser-basedccpccp-gamesclassic-mmoconanconsequencescorpse-lootingcriminaldaocdarkfalldfeveeve-evolvedeve-onlandeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedffaffa-pvpfree-for-allfree-for-all-pvpfree-to-playfuncomgame-designgame-developmentgankhyboriahypotheticaljagexjagex-games-studiolootlootingmortal-onlinemotivationnyphuropen-pvppermadeathperpetuumpiracypredestinationpvpresourcesrsrunescapesandboxsci-fishadowbanestar-vaultstrategic-resourcestrategic-resourcesterritorial-controlterritorial-warfareterritoryterritory-controlthought-experimentultimaUltima-OnlineSun, 29 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Yet another FFA PvP sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/20/some-assembly-required-yet-another-ffa-pvp-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/20/some-assembly-required-yet-another-ffa-pvp-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/20/some-assembly-required-yet-another-ffa-pvp-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Architectural plans
I dabbled in yet another alpha-state indie sandbox game this week. As you'd expect, the title is rough around the edges. Also as you'd expect, it boasts FFA PvP and the correspondingly godawful community for whom the game's "do whatever you want" mechanics immediately translate to "kill everything that moves first and ask questions later, if at all."

Since it's still alpha, there's plenty of time for the devs to correct this unfortunate bit of business and separate this particular game from the legions of crappy FFA-PvP-with-zero-consequences titles clumping together in the vast litterbox of bad MMO ideas.

Will they do that? Probably not, but at least I'll get a good rant out of it.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Yet another FFA PvP sandbox

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Yet another FFA PvP sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corpse-lootingfacepunchfeaturedffa-pvpgame-designgame-mechanicslazyoh-look-another-ffa-pvp-sandboxopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvppvp-rantpvp-sandboxrantranty-mcrantersonrustsandboxsandbox-devssandbox-doesnt-equal-ffa-pvpsandbox-rantsarsome-assembly-requiredsome-assembly-required-jef-reahardFri, 20 Dec 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Why do you avoid sandboxes?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/leaderboard-why-do-you-avoid-sandboxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/leaderboard-why-do-you-avoid-sandboxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/leaderboard-why-do-you-avoid-sandboxes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard - Why do you avoid sandboxes?
I'm pretty excited about Black Desert. It's a sandbox, for one thing. It's gorgeous, for another. Unfortunately I'll probably be playing it sans my usual MMO friends because it features open PvP. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of the lazy, toothless PvP implementations that typify sandbox MMOs, but I also don't avoid interesting games because of them.

What about you, Massively readers? Is there a certain feature that keeps you from playing or enjoying sandbox MMOs? Vote and discuss after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Why do you avoid sandboxes?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Why do you avoid sandboxes? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalffa-pvpleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopen-pvpopinionpollpollspvpsandboxversusvotevotesvotingvsWed, 30 Oct 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Desert's open PvP detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/black-deserts-open-pvp-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/black-deserts-open-pvp-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/21/black-deserts-open-pvp-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Black Desert's open PvP detailed
Steparu's back with another look at Black Desert's Korean closed beta test. This time the focus is on guild-vs.-guild events and PvP. There's the usual video content as well as an accompanying article which mentions the game's seamless open world and it's open-world PvP.

While the systems are subject to change given that this is an early beta test, Steparu says that right now Black Desert's PvP is pretty unforgiving due to its free-for-all nature and the possibility of item and XP loss. Click through the links below for the full article, and don't forget the videos after the cut.

[Thanks bdo!]

Continue reading Black Desert's open PvP detailed

MassivelyBlack Desert's open PvP detailed originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Oct 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablack-desertblack-desert-betablack-desert-pvpblack-desert-videofantasyffa-pvphousingkoreakorean-mmoopen-pvppearl-abysspvpsandboxvideoMon, 21 Oct 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Revisiting Salem]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/rise-and-shiny-revisiting-salem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/rise-and-shiny-revisiting-salem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/rise-and-shiny-revisiting-salem/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salem screenshot
A few months ago, I dived into Salem, a hardcore sandbox MMO that promises actual permadeath. That means if your character is killed while in game, he or she stays dead and loses everything. Not of your possible scores of skills are passed on, all items are lost and your homestead -- similar to a deed in Wurm Online -- can be destroyed. Heck, your homestead can be destroyed even if you're not dead. People can literally block your path, call you names, and attack you over and over. It makes me cry!

Nah, it's not as bad as it sounds. It never is. If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it's that you should really try a game for yourself before you believe everything you hear about it. Don't worry about trolls or griefers because the worst that can happen to you is that you end up leaving the game to find a better one. That's why we're called gamers.

Salem is actually about 50% killer and 50% silliness. I don't want to describe the killer part as "bad" because there is something the game is offering that so many others are not, and that's real danger and actual permadeath.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Revisiting Salem

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Revisiting Salem originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpfree-to-playhands-onhardcorelivestreammassively-tvParadox-Interactivepermadeathpvprise-and-shinysalemsalem-the-gameskill-basedstreamsurvivaltwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizardry Online explains permadeath specifics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/wizardry-online-explains-permadeath-specifics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/wizardry-online-explains-permadeath-specifics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/wizardry-online-explains-permadeath-specifics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wizardry Online goes into game mechanic specifics
Our knowledge of SOE's upcoming Wizardry Online is growing by leaps and bounds. A little later today, the official wiki will be rolling out a huge info update that will include specifics on many of the game's systems, including the ever-so-popular permadeath and PvP.

Some of the interesting tidbits that we've learned include the fact that resting in inns is essential to leveling you up, enemies can and will attack specific parts of your body, the game has a pretty traditional skill tree, and you'll be unable to move if you exceed your carrying weight capacity.

Permadeath can happen only if your character meets several criteria: You've reached soul rank two or higher and you've failed two revive attempts in a row. Likewise, the game's free-for-all PvP might not be as harsh at it initially sounds. If you're killed in PvP, you have a much greater chance of being revived, and player killers (PKers) will become criminals who can have bounties placed on their heads.

If you're curious about Wizardry Online, why not read our hands-on with the title?

MassivelyWizardry Online explains permadeath specifics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpgamepothardcoreopen-pvppermadeathpkplayer-killingpvpsir-techsoesony-online-entertainmentwizardrywizardry-onlineThu, 29 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Star Citizen shouldn't be EVE with joysticks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-firing-line-star-citizen-shouldnt-be-eve-with-joysticks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-firing-line-star-citizen-shouldnt-be-eve-with-joysticks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-firing-line-star-citizen-shouldnt-be-eve-with-joysticks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line 15
I've been spending a lot of time on Star Citizen's forums of late. And when I'm not doing that, I'm replaying Wing Commander, Wing Commander II, and Privateer (thanks GoG) and generally wetting myself with excitement for Chris Roberts' newest space sim. The one thing that gives me pause, though, is the unsavory player type that SC is already attracting.

You know the guys I mean. They're PvPers, which is great, but they can't type a sentence on a message board without using the word carebear a minimum of three times while making sweeping generalizations about the playstyles, sexual orientation, and parentage of any and all who dare to disagree with them about what makes gaming fun.

That said, I like PvP and plan to engage in Star Citizen's version of it. I'm not naive enough to think that the no-holds barred nonsense being advocated by some in the game's pre-release community will result in anything other than a niche title, though.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Star Citizen shouldn't be EVE with joysticks

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Star Citizen shouldn't be EVE with joysticks originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carebearcarebearschris-robertscloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamingconsequence-free-pvpconsequenceseve-with-joysticksfeaturedffa-pvpfiring-linefpshow-star-citizen-could-failopinionpvpsandboxSchadenfreudesci-fishooterspace-simstar-citizenstar-citizen-failtflthe-firing-linetpstroll-simulatorFri, 16 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Darkfall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/rise-and-shiny-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/rise-and-shiny-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/rise-and-shiny-darkfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Darkfall screenshot
I've played Darkfall several times since launch, and each time I've remembered how good the game can be and how bad it sometimes is. Good and bad, I thought it a good idea to record the Darkfall that exists now so that I can compare it to the Darkfall that will be open after an upcoming relaunch, one that promises to change quite a few key features. Will it be a better game? I hope so.

Either way, during my week with this free-for-all PvP MMO, I was able to hook up with a newbie-friendly clan relatively quickly but spent most of my time running to the city where the clan took up residence. Same old Darkfall, really, but there were some truly hilarious and truly fun moments all the same.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Darkfall

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callaventurinebeau-hindmandarkfallf2pfeaturedffaffa-pvpfree-for-allfree-for-all-pvpfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvplayer-versus-playerpvprise-and-shinyrob-ciccoliniRyzomskill-basedstreamturbineTurbine-Entertainmenttwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 28 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny revisit: Dark Age of Camelot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/21/rise-and-shiny-revisit-dark-age-of-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/21/rise-and-shiny-revisit-dark-age-of-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/21/rise-and-shiny-revisit-dark-age-of-camelot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dark Age of Camelot character creation screenshot
About once a year I like to take a look back at Dark Age of Camelot, the classic PvP MMO by Mythic Entertainment, just to reassure myself that older MMOs are still some of the best around. Dark Age of Camelot comes from that older crop of titles like Asheron's Call and EverQuest, games that still shine despite their age. Of course the next logical question is, "If these games are still so good, why aren't more of us still playing them?" There's an easy answer, really. First of all, we don't spend time sitting around listening to our favorite albums or watching our favorite movies constantly, but we still appreciate them, possibly more than we did when we first found them. Next, all games are finite for us as individuals. There is no MMO that offers endless content if we take away the endless player-made content that comes from roleplay or exploration.

No matter how good a game like Dark Age of Camelot was and still is, many of us have already experienced it quite a bit. It's only human to become slightly bored with something we've played with time and again. But once again, I've spent a week in a game that shows it's always a good thing to check back on our favorites. They just might surprise you all over again.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny revisit: Dark Age of Camelot

MassivelyRise and Shiny revisit: Dark Age of Camelot originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callbeau-hindmanbiowarecamelotclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfallEAea-mythicelectronic-artseverquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffaffa-pvpfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmythicMythic-Entertainmentmythologypvprise-and-shinyrvrstreamsubscription-basedtwitchtwitch-tvUltima-OnlinevideoSun, 21 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Mortal Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/rise-and-shiny-mortal-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/rise-and-shiny-mortal-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/rise-and-shiny-mortal-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mortal Online screenshot
There are so many issues and subjects to cover this week, thanks to the limited time I spent in Mortal Online, a free-for-all PvP sandbox by Star Vault. I've played my share of MMOs that are similar to Mortal Online, games like EVE Online, Darkfall, Ultima Online, Wurm Online, Salem, and others. Essentially the idea is to set players loose in a massive, open world that is closer to "realistic" than standard themepark MMOs. Players might spend time farming or fishing or hunting down other players or mobs. It's generally a good idea to prepare yourself for a lot of running around, hiding, and slowly figuring out what to do when playing a FFA PvP sandbox.

Games like Mortal Online provoke questions like "Why is nudity an option at all?" and "Why is there stamina (and other realistic features) alongside magic and no permanent death?" I've learned to forget those questions and just take each specific FFA MMO as it is. Mortal Online stands alone in many ways. Unfortunately, being known as a buggy mess is one of those. I've played many buggy MMOs in my time but have enjoyed myself immensely in some of them (remember, I hosted an early Vanguard: Saga of Heroes podcast!), so I wasn't scared of jumping into an MMO that was supposed to be rough to say the least.

What did I find? Well, I found a ton -- and I mean a ton -- of bugs. But I also found a pretty cool community (yes, I just said that) and some grand adventure. Let me break it down.

Gallery: Mortal Online revisit screenshots

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Mortal Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Mortal Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebeau-hindmanccpdarkfalleve-onlinef2pfeaturedffaffa-pvpfree-to-playhands-onhardcorelivestreammassively-tvmortal-onlineMythic-EntertainmentParadox-Interactivepvprise-and-shinysalemSandboxstar-vaultstreamtwitchtwitch-tvUltima-Onlinevideowurm-onlineSun, 07 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Bree's big-budget sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/mmo-blender-brees-big-budget-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/mmo-blender-brees-big-budget-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/mmo-blender-brees-big-budget-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

That genie was kinda sneaky. (Credit: Disney's Aladdin)
Writing MMO Blender feels like getting three wishes from a magical lamp and having to think very, very carefully about what you ask for. You have to word it just right and ponder the consequences of each wish on the others because you just know that Genie's going to screw with you.

If I were stronger, I'd reject the wishes (here, the 1000 words) outright, knowing they're a trap, but I just can't resist a turn at this column. I want a new sandbox. A good one, not one made by gank-obsessed fanboys on a shoestring budget. I don't think sandboxes are dead; I just know it takes money to make money, and modern indie sandboxes are forgetting that rule. Fortunately, I don't need money for this column. I'll take my MMO Blender wishes and build a sandbox that's more than just a pile of sand and an empty box.

Continue reading MMO Blender: Bree's big-budget sandbox

MassivelyMMO Blender: Bree's big-budget sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acaladdinaladdins-lamparenanetarmchair-game-designasherons-callbazaarblizzardblizzard-entertainmentccpccp-gamescharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcity-of-heroesclassic-mmocohcovcraftingdisneyeconomyeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iifactional-pvpfavorite-mmofeaturedffa-pvpfireflygame-designgame-mechanicsgenieguild-warshousingl-e-modesittlinden-labmechanicsMicrotransactionsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologymobile-appmonarchymusic-systemncsoftoffline-levelingopen-world-housingopinionparagon-studiospgcplayer-driven-economyplayer-economyplayer-housingreclucesandboxsci-fantasysecond-lifeskill-basedsmartphonesoesony-online-entertainmentspace-operastar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-saga-of-reclucetradeskillsturbinevirtual-worldwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 27 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Jeremy's unholy MMO concoction]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/mmo-blender-jeremys-unholy-mmo-concoction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/mmo-blender-jeremys-unholy-mmo-concoction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/mmo-blender-jeremys-unholy-mmo-concoction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Blender
Have you ever wished MMO developers could put away their checkbooks, pluck out the best bits of their respective MMOs, and weld them together to construct the megalopolis of MMOs? We do too! So today, we're launching a brand-new opinion column, MMO Blender, in which the Massively writers will mix and match their favorite features from existing MMOs for your amusement. But do our choices create a perfectly honed machine or a lumbering, speechless frankenstein of an MMO that deserves to be put out of its misery?

First up: Livestreamer extraordinaire and Contributing Editor Jeremy Stratton with a potent, sandboxy blend of Fallen Earth, EVE Online, Lord of the Rings Online, and more. Wet your whistle after the break and look for more MMO Blenders from the rest of our staff in the coming weeks!

Continue reading MMO Blender: Jeremy's unholy MMO concoction

MassivelyMMO Blender: Jeremy's unholy MMO concoction originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarmchair-game-designauction-housecastlleccpccp-gamescode-clubcraftingdecoratingdigdynamic-eventseconomyeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfallen-earthfantasyfavorite-mmofefeaturedfellowship-maneuversffa-pvpfrankengamefrankenmmofree-for-allfree-for-all-pvpfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefurnitureg1game-designgame-mechanicsgamersfirstguild-wars-2gw2housinginternet-spaceshipsjeremy-strattonkeepslayout-editorlineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologyncsoftopen-world-housingopinionplayer-housingplayer-vs-playerpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fisiegesiege-warfaresiegessoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinetaboreatelonterraformterraformingturbineturbine-entertainmentvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwastelandsworld-eventswurmwurm-onlineFri, 22 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Comparing the payment models of RuneScape and Illyriad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/free-for-all-comparing-the-payment-models-of-runescape-and-illy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/free-for-all-comparing-the-payment-models-of-runescape-and-illy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/free-for-all-comparing-the-payment-models-of-runescape-and-illy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Illyriad and RuneScape maps
Last week, I introduced you to two of my favorite free-to-play or freemium payment models. Payment models are endlessly fascinating because so many players normally didn't think about them until free-to-play and freemium models stopped being something that only came from foreign shores. Now, everyone has an opinion about which payment model is the best. I tend to love simple ones, as close to simple as I can get. If a game is truly wonderful, however, I don't care if the developers ask players to cut off their right arms. I've paid my fair share and continue to do so.

In fact, in one of the most disturbing trends of the last few years, players have begun bemoaning the lack of a free version of their favorite game. I see it all the time: players publicly wishing for the time that their favorite game will go free-to-play so they can return without paying a dime. Sure, I can understand being strapped for cash and needing an easy way to get back to an old title, but come on... those titles might not be around much longer if players do not support them in the first place. I am not a fan of free-to-play because I am cheap or because I need to avoid paying developers what they deserve. I have said it before, and I will say it again: I am a fan of free-to-play because it lets me decide when I want to spend my money. There's a big difference.

So let's chat about two of my favorite game's payment models.

Continue reading Free for All: Comparing the payment models of RuneScape and Illyriad

MassivelyFree for All: Comparing the payment models of RuneScape and Illyriad originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopeve-onlinef2pfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-allfree-to-playftpillyriadillyriad-gamesjagexjames-niesewandMicrotransactionspayment-modelspvprunescapeWed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Illyriad keeps players on edge with new live event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/illyriad-keeps-players-on-edge-with-new-live-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/illyriad-keeps-players-on-edge-with-new-live-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/illyriad-keeps-players-on-edge-with-new-live-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Illyriad screenshot
Who says MMOs don't have live events anymore? Triple-A titles, listen up: Your F2P brethren are doing what you won't. On Thursday, the citizens of Illyriad awoke to find that a massive rift had opened in the Northern section of the in-game map. A forum post later detailed the events and told of a mage from the Circle of Five who had recently been tampering with magical uses for the body parts of animals. Soon after, a blast was "felt by all for hundreds of miles in every direction." Scouts, armies and caravans were dispatched from curious cities. The next night, skeleton armies poured from the rift and attacked the investigators.

Illyriad is a free-to-play MMORTS that features city-building, resource management, deep strategy, free-for-all PvP, and a player-driven market. Thanks to HTML5, it works on any device. If dynamic live world events sound interesting to you, check the game out at the official site.

MassivelyIllyriad keeps players on edge with new live event originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddynamic-eveneventf2pffa-pvpfree-to-playillyriadillyriad-gameslive-eventsmmortspvpSat, 17 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArcheAge fan translates interview, analyzes new video to reveal siege details]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/archeage-fan-translates-interview-analyzes-new-video-to-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/archeage-fan-translates-interview-analyzes-new-video-to-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/archeage-fan-translates-interview-analyzes-new-video-to-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - player carrying akium
A fan translation of a Korean dev interview is our latest clue as to what ArcheAge siege PvP will look like. A thread on the ArcheAge Source forums analyzes the new CBT4 teaser video that XLGAMES released last week and concludes that the free-for-all nature of the game's third continent will lead to a lot of PvP action.

As of now, there appears to be no real consequence or penalty for either death or inflicting death on other players, though there is an interesting mechanic relating to building or sieging castles. The construction process requires a "core" element called akium, and there's also a limited number of areas where this core may be used to control land (and subsequently build structures). The core element is carried by players and is dropped when they are either killed or log off, which may result in some fairly intense struggles for control of ArcheAge's PvP continent.

It's worth noting that two of the game's three continents will still feature housing and PvE, but if you're looking to PvP or contribute to a castle, you'll need to brave the FFA continent and coordinate with your buddies to control the akium long enough to stake your claim.

MassivelyArcheAge fan translates interview, analyzes new video to reveal siege details originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akiumarche-agearcheagecastlecastle-siegecore-elementfantasyffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpgame-mechanicspvpsandboxsandparksiege-mechanicssiege-pvpxlxl-gamesxlgamesSun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR's Outlaw's Den is a hive of scum, villainy, and all-out PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/swtors-outlaws-den-is-a-hive-of-scum-villainy-and-all-out-pv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/swtors-outlaws-den-is-a-hive-of-scum-villainy-and-all-out-pv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/swtors-outlaws-den-is-a-hive-of-scum-villainy-and-all-out-pv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
There's open-world PvP, and then there's open-world PvP that puts hair on your chest and then rips it out with a vengeance. Tatooine has the latter.

At the recent fan site summit in Austin, TX, Star Wars: The Old Republic's Lead PvP Designer Gabe Amatangelo revealed nirvana for PvPers with Outlaw's Den. Outlaw's Den is a PvP free-for-all (FFA) area on Tatooine for players crazy enough to risk certain death to congregate, fight, and struggle for rewards.

Because there are no rules in the area, members from the same faction can harm -- and kill -- each other, and there are no restrictions on what goes on in that space. Apart from the excitement of "anything goes" PvP combat, Outlaw's Den sports several attractive elements that make it worth visiting, including top-tier crafting materials, vendors that sell rare mounts and social gear, an auction kiosk, and a pit reserved for to-the-death duels.

One of the most interesting aspects of Outlaw's Den is that even NPCs are susceptible to being killed, opening up the possibility for individuals and guilds to kill vendors in order to keep them out of others' hands. However, nobody can capture the zone, so the fighting will extend indefinitely.

MassivelySWTOR's Outlaw's Den is a hive of scum, villainy, and all-out PvP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-biowareffaffa-pvpfree-for-allfree-for-all-pvpGabe-Amatangelooutlaws-denpvpstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortatooineFri, 18 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The real damage of botting, in the words of a botter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/free-for-all-the-real-damage-of-botting-in-the-words-of-a-botter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/free-for-all-the-real-damage-of-botting-in-the-words-of-a-botter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/free-for-all-the-real-damage-of-botting-in-the-words-of-a-botter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape screenshot
I received an interesting email from someone the other day, someone who wanted to let me in on the lifestyle of a botter. Frankly I was a little embarrassed for the guy since he seemed to believe me to be naive about the entire process. The truth is that I have met plenty of shady characters and heard stories that would make your eyes bug out of your head. I've heard these stories from the developers and players themselves. There truly is some nasty stuff going on in MMO gaming.

The saddest thing is that cheaters honestly think that what they do cannot possibly result in much harm for the game they are botting in, cheating at, or hacking up. It's sad because the truth is that a cheater, as one person, might not have much of an impact on the game. Add up several thousands of these scam artists and the results are mindboggling. Drive by your local dump to see just how much trash can pile up, one person at a time.

I want to shine some light on just how damaging botting can be. Click past the cut.

Continue reading Free for All: The real damage of botting, in the words of a botter

MassivelyFree for All: The real damage of botting, in the words of a botter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbotbotsbottersbottingf2pfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-allfree-to-playftpgold-farminggreedhackershackingjagexmark-gerhardrunescapeWed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia's Aion 2.7 sneak-peek: Dev death match]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wings-over-atreias-aion-2-7-sneak-peek-dev-death-match/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wings-over-atreias-aion-2-7-sneak-peek-dev-death-match/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wings-over-atreias-aion-2-7-sneak-peek-dev-death-match/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia header
You all just better be grateful that NCsoft is working out the kinks by using me as a guinea pig so you can have a smooth launch! Even if by launch I only mean the PTS, which is set to go live today with Aion's newest patch. Yes folks, I -- your intrepid Wings Over Atreia correspondent -- was invited to a media sneak-peek to check out the Crucible 3 arenas coming very soon to a live server near you. Who am I to pass up a few practice runs through the new arenas before the rest of the masses? So I touch-down mid-week for some additional Atreian coverage. And come on, no one could pass up the chance to stealth up behind a dev and unleash a flurry of dagger blows into his/her back!

Unfortunately, logistical and technical difficulties stretching for days plagued this endeavor. Yours truly was especially cursed. However, just when it seemed like the event wouldn't happen, there we were, standing in Kaisinel Academy in spiffy new duds and queued to enter what is arguably the highlight of 2.7: the PvP arenas. At this point, I forgave all previous problems because I got to commence some slaughter on a few NCsoft employees. What?!? You all know you want to! I tested my dagger and sword against Scott Hannus, producer of the game guide; two members of the game guide team, Sean Orlikowski and Ryan Compton; Adam Christensen, Associate Producer; Dom Wai, Brand Manager; and two members of the community management team, Felicia Johnson (Nyx) and Curtis Grooms (Anhtoo).

Oh, and I learned some pretty neat things about the upcoming patch as well.

So how was the experience? And just exactly how tasty are Aion's forthcoming goodies? Whet your appetite past the cut with my impressions of the two instances and the new PvP gear as well as check out a video. Then join in on the PTS server to experience for yourself.

Gallery: Aion 2.7

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia's Aion 2.7 sneak-peek: Dev death match

MassivelyWings Over Atreia's Aion 2.7 sneak-peek: Dev death match originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.7-patchAdam-Christensenaionaion-crucibleaion-gameAnhtooarenaarenasarmorcruciblecrucible-3Crucible-ColiseumCurtis-Groomsdom-waiDomWaiduelduelsfeaturedFelicia-JohnsonFFAFFA-PvPFirst-Impressionsgalleriesgalleryhands-onnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnyxpatchpatch-2.7previewpvppvp-armorpvp-gearpvp-weaponsRyan-ComtonscreenshotscreenshotsSean-Orlikowskisneak-peekvideoWings-Over-AtreiaWed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/some-assembly-required-how-to-screw-up-your-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - architectural blueprints
Between bouts of Global Agenda, Age of Conan, and a stack of single-player games, I've been taking my own advice lately and looking for a new sandbox. The end of Star Wars Galaxies is forcing my hand, and I figured I'd better start now if I don't want to be stuck with nothing to play on December 16th.

While there is a veritable ton of different sandboxes to choose from, I must admit to being a bit frustrated with nearly all of them. If it's not one thing, it's another, and most are such glaring deficiencies that I can't help but wonder what was going through the minds of the development teams during the construction process. Join me after the cut for a few things you should consider if you're making an MMORPG sandbox.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox

MassivelySome Assembly Required: How to screw up your sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bind-on-equipbind-on-pickupboebopcraftingcross-faction-chatcross-faction-communicationdesignfacepalmfeaturedffa-pvpgame-designgame-mechanicsgame-systemshow-to-screw-up-your-sandboxitem-decaylocal-bankinglocal-banksmmo-industrymmo-item-decaynanny-stateopinionpvpsandboxsandbox-designsandbox-mechanicssandbox-pvpsandparkschadenfreudescrewed-up-sandboxessome-assembly-requiredsome-assembly-required-jef-reahardsystemstradeskillingtradeskillsFri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: ArcheAge's Jake Song on consensual PvP, inflation, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/massively-exclusive-archeages-jake-song-on-consensual-pvp-inf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/massively-exclusive-archeages-jake-song-on-consensual-pvp-inf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/massively-exclusive-archeages-jake-song-on-consensual-pvp-inf/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - newbie coast CBT3
ArcheAge news has been a bit sporadic of late, and it's also been quite some time since we talked to the devs or took a spin through one of the game's closed beta phases. Like many of you, we're dying to know more about XL Games' forthcoming fantasy sandpark, so we went straight to the source to see if we could drum up anything new.

Lead designer Jake Song was kind enough to field a few of our burning questions, and we're pleased to present you with another Massively ArcheAge exclusive that touches on everything from localization and story to consensual PvP and item decay. Join us after the break for that and more.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: ArcheAge's Jake Song on consensual PvP, inflation, and more

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: ArcheAge's Jake Song on consensual PvP, inflation, and more originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arche-agearcheagebetabeta-testscbt4consensual-pvpcraftingeconomyexclusiveexclusive-interviewfantasyfeaturedffa-pvpinflationinterviewitem-decayjake-songjake-song-exclusivekorean-betalocalizationloot-dropsmmo-travelogueprisonpvpsandboxsandparkstoryxlxl-gamesWed, 21 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online update expanding territory control features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/mortal-online-update-expanding-territory-control-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/mortal-online-update-expanding-territory-control-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/mortal-online-update-expanding-territory-control-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mortal Online - control point
Mortal Online's sandbox is about to get a bit sandier if a new territory control update video is any indication. The fantasy title from Star Vault has had a rough time in the court of public opinion since its June 2010 launch, but development continues apace.

The latest patch brings control structures to the table, and according to the video intertitles, said structures can be placed anywhere near territory that you already control. Occupied land then earns taxes and control points for its owners, and control points may be spent "to further increase the area of any of your control structures, increase their abilities, or build more of them."

City control is possible with the new update, as is the collection of guild points after completing "various deeds." Star Vault says that the guild points can be used for a number of actions including outlawing players in your territory or declaring martial law. Check out the video after the break and head to the official Mortal Online website for more details.

Continue reading Mortal Online update expanding territory control features

MassivelyMortal Online update expanding territory control features originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>control-pointsfantasyffaffa-pvpgame-mechanicsmortalmortal-onlinenavepvpsandboxstar-vaultstarvaultterritorial-controlterritory-controltrailervideoSun, 11 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Runes of Magic's potential for EVE combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/lost-pages-of-taborea-runes-of-magics-potential-for-eve-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/lost-pages-of-taborea-runes-of-magics-potential-for-eve-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/lost-pages-of-taborea-runes-of-magics-potential-for-eve-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Runes of Magic screenshot
I've been thinking a lot lately on other ways that Runes of Magic reminds me of EVE Online. Not that any systems are exactly the same, but they have certain similarities. Wurm Online and Minecraft are arguably different in how they function, but they both scratch the same creative itch.

RoM's gear-modification system lends itself to EVE-esque combat. Keep in mind we're not talking about how the mechanics or guts of the games are similar or different; we're talking about how the same itch is being scratched. In the case of RoM's PvP being like EVE, it's more like tickling the itch with a feather, which makes you want to scratch it even more. I want to scratch that itch with a Brillo pad by exploring how RoM's open-world PvP could function more like EVE's, thanks to the arcane transmutor. Let's start with how I think battlefields differ from open-world PvP.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Runes of Magic's potential for EVE combat

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Runes of Magic's potential for EVE combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldscombatdeatheveeve-onlinefeaturedffa-pvpffapvpfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactiveincentivesjeremy-strattonlootinglost-pages-of-taboreapenaltiespk-protectionplayer-lootingplayer-vs-playerpvprewardsromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentMon, 22 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Blood, glory, and some Deathwish impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/the-anvil-of-crom-blood-glory-and-some-deathwish-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/the-anvil-of-crom-blood-glory-and-some-deathwish-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/the-anvil-of-crom-blood-glory-and-some-deathwish-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Oy, Funcom, you're absolutely killing me here. Last week I had a column written prior to a guess-what-we're-launching-Unchained-today announcement. This week I was typing away on a review of some of the new instance content that showed up alongside the F2P update when the hey-Blood-and-Glory-launches-tomorrow bomb dropped.

A veritable mad scramble ensued here at The Anvil of Crom offices, and as the piles of wadded up loose-leaf and discarded notes fluttered about, I was left wondering when my previous two pieces were going to see the light of day.

If I sound somewhat perturbed, I'm not really, as this is a fantastic spot for any game columnist -- or Age of Conan fan -- to occupy. There's a lot of new content and not enough time to write about it; really we should all be so lucky. Sooo, that's my lengthy way of saying won't you join me after the cut for some initial impressions of hardcore PvP, AoC-style.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Blood, glory, and some Deathwish impressions

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Blood, glory, and some Deathwish impressions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4chanage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedblood-and-glorycommunitycorpse-lootingdeathwisedeathwishegadsf2pfantasyfeaturedffaffa-pvpfree-to-playhardcorehardcore-pvpopinionpvppvp-servertrollingtrollsSun, 10 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's hardcore PvP ruleset releasing tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/age-of-conans-hardcore-pvp-ruleset-releasing-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/age-of-conans-hardcore-pvp-ruleset-releasing-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/age-of-conans-hardcore-pvp-ruleset-releasing-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

What's a good encore for the week following a huge, game-altering freemium revamp? How about a new and much-anticipated server ruleset. Yep, Funcom is gearing up to release Age of Conan's hardcore Blood and Glory PvP shards tomorrow according to an update on the official boards.

The American and European servers are scheduled to receive four hours of maintenance, after which time two new shards, Deathwish (US) and Rage (EU), will be brought online. These aren't just any servers, either. The Blood and Glory ruleset features free-for-all PvP throughout the game world, corpse-looting, and one character per account.

Age of Conan's PvP community has been very vocal in its disdain for the game's turn towards the PvE side of the MMO street in recent years, and the new ruleset will finally give the die-hards an opportunity to put their money where their mouth is. For more on the ruleset, check out our exclusive interview with Funcom's Craig Morrison as well as our Blood & Glory opinion piece.

[Thanks to Blasius for the tip!]

MassivelyAge of Conan's hardcore PvP ruleset releasing tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedblood-and-glorybreakingcorpse-lootingcraig-morrisondeathwisef2pfantasyffa-pvpfree-to-playfuncomhardcorehardcore-pvppvp-serverspvp-shardsrageunchainedWed, 06 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan game director talks Blood and Glory server rules]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/age-of-conan-game-director-talks-blood-and-glory-server-rules/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/age-of-conan-game-director-talks-blood-and-glory-server-rules/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/age-of-conan-game-director-talks-blood-and-glory-server-rules/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan's game director has penned a new developer diary at MMORPG.com. The subject is the new Blood and Glory server ruleset, and if you haven't been keeping up with Hyboria lately, suffice it to say that the initial announcement made a lot of waves last February due to its player looting and free-for-all components.

Craig Morrison's new post talks about how the desires of MMO veterans are often mutually exclusive with the industry-wide accessible design trend, and he goes on to outline Funcom's desire to give its displaced PvP fans something to sink their teeth into.

In terms of ruleset specifics, they include no transfers, no offline levels, no guards, no Shrines of Bori, limited player looting, and open PvP restored to White Sands and the Underhalls. PvP kills will also grant additional XP in comparison with the game's normal servers. Finally, Morrison says that Battlekeep rewards will be adjusted, though he gives no specifics as of yet. For additional coverage, check out our March 2011 Blood and Glory interview with Morrison as well as our server ruleset and sharding discussion.

MassivelyAge of Conan game director talks Blood and Glory server rules originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessiblityage-of-conanage-of-conan-unratedaocaoc-unratedblood-and-glorycasualcorpse-lootingcraig-morrisonf2pfantasyffa-pvpfree-to-playhardcorepvppvp-serverserver-rulesetssilirrionFri, 10 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: To each his own edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/global-chat-to-each-his-own-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/global-chat-to-each-his-own-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/05/global-chat-to-each-his-own-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

We had our share of differing opinions this week on Massively! From business models to PvP, everyone had plenty to say. Follow along after the cut for some of the best of this week.

Continue reading Global Chat: To each his own edition

MassivelyGlobal Chat: To each his own edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avidlurkercommenterscommentscrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpglobal-chatnohopeforsomeopen-pvpopinionpvpstar-trek-onlinestoSun, 05 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: The final countdown]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/choose-my-adventure-the-final-countdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/choose-my-adventure-the-final-countdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/choose-my-adventure-the-final-countdown/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Your voices were heard! At least, I do hope those are your voices I've been hearing in my head... they are telling me to do things. And I listened. I am instructed to listen to the voices. The voices can't hurt me, right? Well, maybe not the voices themselves, but since they chimed in on experimenting with combat, I know I am about to get hurt some!

This week concludes our foray into Xsyon for Choose My Adventure, but I dare say it does not end my time there. Although the game does not fit the standard mold of MMO fare today, it has been quite enjoyable and a great change of pace. I have kept myself entertained with my adventures in-game and I still look forward to logging in each time (minus the apprehension as the combat loomed closer).

Take a (final) hike past the cut for the results of our look at combat, some final impressions on the game, and a sneak peek at your next CMA guinea pig.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The final countdown

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: The final countdown originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriechoose-my-adventure-xsyoncmafeaturedffa-pvpgalleryimpressionimpressionsnotoriousnotorious-gamesplayer-created-contentpost-apocalypticpreludepvppvp-tournamentSandboxsandbox-experiencesandbox-gamingsandbox-mmoTahoetahoe-basinterraformingtribetribesxsyonxsyon-earth-2012xsyon-preludeWed, 06 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: I've been digging on the homestead...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/choose-my-adventure-ive-been-digging-on-the-homestead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/choose-my-adventure-ive-been-digging-on-the-homestead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/choose-my-adventure-ive-been-digging-on-the-homestead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

All the live long day! Sing it with me now...

There really is something to be said for creating your own world. How many of you gamers out there have just ached for a MMO game in which you could truly affect the world instead of rolling along on a predestined path that is the same for everyone? As I delve deeper into Xsyon, that is what I find -- a world where my actions have real meaning. A world where we can change not only the political and economic landscapes but the literal landscape.

For Choose My Adventure this week, you, the Massively readers, decided that I shall work on my architecture skills and place a homestead (thereby allowing me to terraform). This really highlights some of the most unique features of the game. Although I dove into these new tasks with gusto, I now know why olden-day manual laborers sang songs during their work -- there is serious need of brain stimulation during long, monotonous labor. And building a new world from the ground up is seriously a long and slow process. If nothing else, Xsyon is not a game for the instant-gratification crowd. Which is all the better, in my opinion.

For a deeper look at terraforming, crafting, and general life in the Tahoe Basin, build a bridge over the cut and check out where our adventures led this week.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: I've been digging on the homestead...

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: I've been digging on the homestead... originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriechoose-my-adventure-xsyoncmacraftingfeaturedffa-pvpgatheringnotoriousnotorious-gamespost-apocalypticpvepvpresourcesstorageTahoetahoe-basinterraformingTravelingtribetribesxsyonxsyon-earth-2012xsyon-preludeWed, 23 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The P-word: Earthrise first impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Prior to taking the plunge with Masthead Studios' new Earthrise MMORPG, ask yourself the following questions: Do you have patience? Do you like to read? If the answer to either one of those questions is no -- regardless of whether you consider yourself a sandbox fan -- the game's current incarnation probably isn't for you.

Earthrise is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi MMORPG featuring two human factions struggling to rebuild in the aftermath of a third world war. In this distant, dystopian future, nanotech, quantum engineering, and cloning are commonplace technologies, and that's a good thing for you since you'll be dying. A lot.

If you're pre-disposed to sandboxes, excited by complexity, and not averse to a little ganking, the game might just tickle your fancy despite its rough-around-the-edges presentation and sub-par performance. We previewed the game a few weeks back over livestream, but today we add to that with a full hands-on with the game post-launch. Join me after the cut for my first impressions after 10-plus hours of gameplay.

Gallery: Earthrise

Continue reading The P-word: Earthrise first impressions

MassivelyThe P-word: Earthrise first impressions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcraftingearthriseenterrafeaturedffa-pvpFirst-Impressionsgallerieshands-onlaunchlaunchesmastheadmasthead-studiosmmo-travelogueopen-pvpopinionpvepvpsandboxsci-fiscreenshotssubscriptionFri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One life in the New World: Salem MMO to feature permadeath]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/one-life-in-the-new-world-salem-mmo-to-feature-permadeath/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/one-life-in-the-new-world-salem-mmo-to-feature-permadeath/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/one-life-in-the-new-world-salem-mmo-to-feature-permadeath/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Permadeath is a topic that's brought up on a regular basis in MMO discussion circles, usually featuring a cast of characters that span the full spectrum of the debate. Is there a burning desire for the risk and finality of a permadeath system in MMOs? Would players flock to or flee from such a game? And how would it work in such a way to retain players instead of alienating them?

Game Designer Bjorn Johannessen is working hard on the answers for those questions in his new MMORPG, with the working title of Salem. Developed by Paradox Interactive, this free-to-play title is set in New England during the early period of North American colonization and features players stepping off the boats from Europe to make their way in uncharted wilderness. Like Wurm Online and Minecraft, Salem will focus heavily on crafting as players forge the tools, buildings and weapons they need to survive. For Salem's aesthetics, Johannessen named H.P. Lovecraft and Tim Burton's gothic horror as sources of inspiration, and the MMO will include magic and witchcraft as potential paths.

Over all of this is the specter of permanent death: "When your character dies, he stays dead," Johannessen said matter-of-factly. This is made even harsher by the fact that Salem will allow free-for-all PvP, which means that anyone can attack you without provocation. Player buildings can be razed and their corpses looted, but Johannessen hopes that the players will band together to protect each other and mete out justice.

You can watch Bjorn Johannessen's introduction to the game after the jump.

Continue reading One life in the New World: Salem MMO to feature permadeath

MassivelyOne life in the New World: Salem MMO to feature permadeath originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bjorn-Johannessencolonistscolonizationcraftingffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpgothic-horrorhp-lovecraftmagicnew-englandnew-worldparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpermanent-deathpvpsalemsandboxtim-burtonwitchcraftFri, 21 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Why don't you like PvP?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/the-daily-grind-why-dont-you-like-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/the-daily-grind-why-dont-you-like-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/the-daily-grind-why-dont-you-like-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When Ultima Online first launched, OSI understood that if you really want to give players a fully featured world, you have to give them the option to fight one another. Of course, that also resulted in players having (and exercising) the option to sneak up on defenseless players and introduce them to the world of recreational amputation. The past decade has seen almost every subsequent game try to find some balance between the dynamic world of PvP and the need to keep Lord New Player away from Geoffrey, Slayer of All and Bane of People Just Trying to Finish a Quest in Peace.

But whether you're a dedicated duelist or a life-long carebear, there's got to be something you don't like about PvP. So what does it happen to be? Is it the chance for dramatically unbalanced matches? Is it the pressure of competing with another player without any sort of scripted AI to rely on? Or is it the simple fact that you can't solve all of your problems in Warhammer Online by slaughtering new characters on your Choppa?

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: Why don't you like PvP? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpopinionpvppvp-balancepvp-battlespvp-modestdgthe-daily-grindultima-onlineuowarwarhammer-onlineWed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-soapbox-sandboxes-and-the-cop-out-of-ffa-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Last week, our own Jef Reahard mounted the Massively Soapbox with an article titled Sandboxes and the fear of FFA PvP. In it, he argued that open PvP was a natural and necessary part of any solid sandbox MMO. He also made waves by suggesting that FFA PvP is crucial to the roleplaying experience and that roleplayers should really face their "fears" and give it a try.

I'm a sandbox gamer and a PvPer at heart. I played the early years of Ultima Online and lived the adrenaline rush of full and brutal PvP and thievery. Dark Age of Camelot's RvR sucked up another year of my life. Star Wars Galaxies remains my sandbox of choice, and I've braved a World of Warcraft PvP server since launch. I know this territory very well. I'll knock it, because I have more than tried it -- in several tasty flavors.

And even though I'm an unabashed Jef-fangirl, I think there are a few debatable issues with his article. Hit the jump for some good old-fashioned counterpoints!

Continue reading The Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Sandboxes and the cop-out of FFA PvP originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchyBlizzardccpCCP-Gamesconsequencesdeath-mechanicea-mythiceveeve-onlinefeaturedffaffa-pvpgankergriefergriefersImmersionopen-pvpopen-world-pvpopinionpve-sandboxpvppvp-sandboxroleplayroleplayerRolePlayersRolePlayingRPSandboxsandbox-mmosandparksoapboxSOESony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-soapboxThemeParktrammelUltima-OnlineUOWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 04 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST