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[Free for All: Will there ever be another setting like Ryzom's Atys?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/29/free-for-all-will-there-ever-be-another-setting-like-ryzoms-at/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/29/free-for-all-will-there-ever-be-another-setting-like-ryzoms-at/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/29/free-for-all-will-there-ever-be-another-setting-like-ryzoms-at/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ryzom map
Ah, Ryzom. To this day it remains one of my favorite MMORPGs for several reasons. I was reminded just how much I still enjoy the game when I logged in to witness a storm rolling through the land, lightning sizzling from the sky, rain falling straight down on my character's head. The planet that Ryzom players find themselves on is called Atys, and it's no ordinary planet. In fact, it's not a planet at all. Instead, it's a giant rootball that floats in space.

Yes, a rootball.

I'm no scientist, but I'm pretty sure that a massive rootball is an impossible thing, but it doesn't matter. The game's original designers were French, and if you follow French MMOs, you know they always seem to come up with something completely unique. In this case, Atys is literally made up of a wad of giant roots and bark. I have to wonder: Why aren't there more unique settings like Atys in gaming today?

Continue reading Free for All: Will there ever be another setting like Ryzom's Atys?

MassivelyFree for All: Will there ever be another setting like Ryzom's Atys? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atysbeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumfyrosmatisopinionpost-apocalypticRyzomtrykervelvet-ropezoraiSat, 29 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: How a smaller workload affects my MMO playstyle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/15/free-for-all-how-a-smaller-workload-affects-my-mmo-playstyle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/15/free-for-all-how-a-smaller-workload-affects-my-mmo-playstyle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/15/free-for-all-how-a-smaller-workload-affects-my-mmo-playstyle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Genia Brain Storm screenshot
As I'm sure you have all heard, we recently went through some budget and workflow changes here at Massively. For me, the revamp meant that I went from three columns, several livestreams, and the occasional news post down to a single column and an occasional stream or feature.

A strange thing has happened, but I can't say that it's uncommon in the industry: Once my workload decreased, my gaming MMO habits changed. I have been sort of reset to the position I was in before I worked so much for this site, back to when I was a silly blogger who wrote and played just for fun.

Allow me to explain.

Continue reading Free for All: How a smaller workload affects my MMO playstyle

MassivelyFree for All: How a smaller workload affects my MMO playstyle originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Mar 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancity-of-heroesf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionstar-wars-galaxiesUltima-Onlinevelvet-ropeWorld-of-WarcraftSat, 15 Mar 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing Das Tal, a PvP sandbox where players make the rules]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/14/introducing-das-tal-a-pvp-sandbox-where-players-make-the-rules/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/14/introducing-das-tal-a-pvp-sandbox-where-players-make-the-rules/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/14/introducing-das-tal-a-pvp-sandbox-where-players-make-the-rules/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

das tal
If your fun's been stunted by a sad lack of free-for-all PvP sandboxes, then might we suggest you're not looking very hard? Let us give you a start in this direction, at least, as Fairytale Distillery announced its upcoming project, Das Tal.

Das Tal is a "fast-paced" sandbox that includes open PvP, full looting of players' corpses, a classless character system, and a constant struggle over resources and player settlements. Probably the most interesting aspect of this MMO is that each server will eventually reach a "climactic end event" and then restart, allowing players to vote on the rules and features for the next iteration.

Das Tal is on Steam Greenlight, is currently in the pre-production stage, and will most likely be doing a fundraising campaign at some point. We've got a teaser trailer for you with the creepiest voice-over ever after the break.

[Thanks to Skurvel for the tip!]

Continue reading Introducing Das Tal, a PvP sandbox where players make the rules

MassivelyIntroducing Das Tal, a PvP sandbox where players make the rules originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Mar 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>das-talfairytale-distilleryfantasyffafree-for-all-pvpfull-lootopen-pvpplayer-lootpvppvp-sandboxrulesetsandboxserverserver-rulesserver-rulesetteasertrailervideoFri, 14 Mar 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why developers need to stop apologizing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/free-for-all-why-developers-need-to-stop-apologizing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/free-for-all-why-developers-need-to-stop-apologizing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/free-for-all-why-developers-need-to-stop-apologizing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RuneScape screenshot
Remember the old saying "confidence is attractive"? Well, it is. It's possible that we've all been the victim of a confident person at one time or another, whether we're buying that extra add-on for our cable package or "investing" money into a Kickstarter. This is exactly why an MMO developer needs to be confident and keep the apologizing to a minimum.

Apologies come in many different forms. Over the course of our lives, we spend a lot of time giving and receiving apologies. It's not as sinister as it sounds; saying "sorry" helps cut down on confrontation and can even help to form new relationships. Unfortunately it's also very easy to apologize too much. In this age of indie development and crowd-funding, developers need to be aware of when they are saying sorry too much, and players need to watch out for overly apologetic people.

Continue reading Free for All: Why developers need to stop apologizing

MassivelyFree for All: Why developers need to stop apologizing originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumjens-andersenopinionvelvet-ropeSat, 08 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Five reasons to continue loving MMORPGs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/free-for-all-five-reasons-to-continue-loving-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/free-for-all-five-reasons-to-continue-loving-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/free-for-all-five-reasons-to-continue-loving-mmorpgs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape screenshot
It's been all gloomy around here lately, hasn't it? Well there's a good reason for that, as you might know. Luckily I have survived the cuts that affected much of the AOL Tech network, although that means that Rise and Shiny and MMObility, my two other regular columns, will be consolidated into this one. While it might seem like less work for me, in actuality it means that I have less room to tell you, fair reader, about all of the fantastic MMOs that continue to come out.

Yes, I said continue to come out. It's easy to become a Seymour ("I hate my interests!") in these days of non-stop hype, but the truth is that the MMO genre has continuously pumped out content for many, many years and will keep doing so for some time. So to celebrate the fact that three of my columns are now coming to you in one megacolumn, I thought it'd be fun to remind ourselves just why we enjoy this hobby.

Continue reading Free for All: Five reasons to continue loving MMORPGs

MassivelyFree for All: Five reasons to continue loving MMORPGs originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanchromebookf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummmofpsmmortsopinionplanetside-2pvpsecond-lifesocialsocial-gamesSOESony-Online-Entertainmentvelvet-ropeSun, 02 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Villagers and Heroes adds bells, whistles, and more sand]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/free-for-all-villagers-and-heroes-adds-bells-whistles-and-mor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/free-for-all-villagers-and-heroes-adds-bells-whistles-and-mor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/free-for-all-villagers-and-heroes-adds-bells-whistles-and-mor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Villagers and Heroes screenshot
Villagers and Heroes is a favorite of mine, but let's be honest: The game looks old. When talking to Damon Slye, President of Mad Otter Games, I found that many people agree. According to Slye, it's one of the most frequent concerns he hears from potential new players. The engine that the game currently uses is old and needs to be upgraded big time. And that's just what the developers are doing with this large patch and expansion that should be due in early March.

I sat down with Slye, Associate Designer Cameron England, Head Writer Sarah Skibinski, and Head Artist Adam Alexander to discuss just how different the game will be once the patch goes live. I was given access to a test account loaded up on gear, cash, and other goodies. Even though I found my backpacks full, I mainly wanted to look around the game and explore. Fortunately, the difference between the original client and the new one is literally night and day.

Continue reading Free for All: Villagers and Heroes adds bells, whistles, and more sand

MassivelyFree for All: Villagers and Heroes adds bells, whistles, and more sand originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landadam-alexanderbeau-hindmanbrowsercameron-englandcraftingdamon-slyef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummad-ottermad-otter-gamesopinionsarah-skibinskivelvet-ropevillagers-and-heroesWed, 26 Feb 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: What my Raptr stats say about my gaming style]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/19/free-for-all-what-my-raptr-stats-say-about-my-gaming-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/19/free-for-all-what-my-raptr-stats-say-about-my-gaming-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/19/free-for-all-what-my-raptr-stats-say-about-my-gaming-style/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Raptr stats screenshot
I've had a love/hate relationship with Raptr, the free game tracking service and social network. I used it much of the time when it first came out but then fell out of love with it when it stopped detecting many of the indie and browser-based MMOs that I played. I picked it up again recently and have been attempting to keep it going any time I game. I like being able to communicate with people through the network, but I mainly enjoy looking over my stats as a gamer to see just how flighty I can be.

The system isn't perfect, of course. Either I need to set the app to start when my PC does, or I just need to get better at remembering to start it when I begin a gaming session. And even though I play many, many different types of games and MMOs, the network still doesn't automatically recognize many of the smaller titles I like to play.

So even though there are some gaps in my wall, I thought it'd be interesting to look at the info there to see just how much gaming I am doing.

Continue reading Free for All: What my Raptr stats say about my gaming style

MassivelyFree for All: What my Raptr stats say about my gaming style originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Feb 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionraptrraptr-rewardsservicessocial-networksocial-networkingvelvet-ropeWed, 19 Feb 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Can roleplay rise above the sexy stuff?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/free-for-all-can-roleplay-rise-above-the-sexy-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/free-for-all-can-roleplay-rise-above-the-sexy-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/12/free-for-all-can-roleplay-rise-above-the-sexy-stuff/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Velvet Sundown screenshot
Recently I logged some time in Velvet Sundown, a new pseudo-MMO that places players into small, instanced roleplay groups of 11 characters aboard a ship in order to solve a mystery or to otherwise "win" a roleplay session. It sounds strange, but it really is a very interesting idea. Each character has a different angle on the game, and depending on how that character interacts with the others, he or she also has many different ways of achieving goals. The game also offer a decent text-to-speech tool that gives more life to the characters.

I logged in and was assigned to play the character Malik, who was something of a wise man. My apparent goal was to find a spy, hire a thief to steal secrets, and look for other players who were from the same background. I was also assigned the task of blessing people in the hopes of gaining new disciples.

Excited, I logged in and approached a group of players. Almost as soon as I did, I was disappointed. Within minutes several players were talking non-stop about women's underwear. At first I thought it was part of the story, but then I realized it was simply another great roleplay opportunity taken down by a few jerks.

Continue reading Free for All: Can roleplay rise above the sexy stuff?

MassivelyFree for All: Can roleplay rise above the sexy stuff? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumImmersionMOBAmobasopinionraidingroleplayRolePlayingsecond-lifevelvet-ropevelvet-sundownWed, 12 Feb 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite: Dangerous moves into multiplayer alpha]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/elite-dangerous-moves-into-multiplayer-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/elite-dangerous-moves-into-multiplayer-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/elite-dangerous-moves-into-multiplayer-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Elite Dangerous
Elite: Dangerous has jumped into the second stage of its alpha, adding in multiplayer elements for the first time.

With Alpha Phase 2.0, Elite: Dangerous players can try out four multiplayer scenarios, including free-for-all, two-team melee, co-op defense, and an advanced pirates and bounty hunters mode with "fluid choices and roles." Players who engage in these scenarios can earn credits for better ship loadouts.

But don't just read about Alpha Phase 2.0 here; watch the dev video with all of the stunning highlights after the break!

[Thanks to Peteris for the tip!]

Continue reading Elite: Dangerous moves into multiplayer alpha

MassivelyElite: Dangerous moves into multiplayer alpha originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-phase-2.0alpha-testbetabeta-testco-opdangerousdavid-brabendev-blogdev-videoeliteelite-dangerousffafree-for-allfrontierfrontier-developmentsinternet-spaceshipkickstartermultiplayerpatchpvpsandboxsci-fispacespaceshipsupdatevideoWed, 05 Feb 2014 15:00:00 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[Free for All: Thoughts on SOE's mass MMO sunset]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/free-for-all-thoughts-on-soes-mass-mmo-sunset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/free-for-all-thoughts-on-soes-mass-mmo-sunset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/free-for-all-thoughts-on-soes-mass-mmo-sunset/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
Sony Online Entertainment recently announced the upcoming closure of not one or two but four of its titles. Those titles are Free Realms, Clone Wars Adventures, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, and Wizardry Online. The announcement hit most of us pretty hard, even those who weren't active or interested players. Four titles just feels much more like a move of desperation than one or even two games. And for players like yours truly, MMOs like Free Realms and especially Vanguard hold a very special place in our hearts.

Having said that, I will never wager solely on perception. It's my guess that SOE does indeed know what it is doing and that some of this is due to licensing issues, new games from similar developers, or an attempt to streamline an already fat lineup in order to get ready for one or two massive new titles. In other words, there is no conspiracy. It's most likely that this decision was due to boring old business.

I decided to break down what each game meant to me in the hopes that the confessional will get me ready for the upcoming sunsets. Here's to hoping.

Continue reading Free for All: Thoughts on SOE's mass MMO sunset

MassivelyFree for All: Thoughts on SOE's mass MMO sunset originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanClone-Wars-Adventuresclosingsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumftpjohn-smedleyopinionSOESony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewizardry-onlineWed, 29 Jan 2014 12:00:00 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[Free for All: My three favorite MMOFPS games have a shoot-out]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/free-for-all-my-three-favorite-mmofps-games-have-a-shoot-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/free-for-all-my-three-favorite-mmofps-games-have-a-shoot-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/free-for-all-my-three-favorite-mmofps-games-have-a-shoot-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MMOFPS screenshots
I love a good MMOFPS or MMOTPS. A good one. Currently, I have three favorites: PlanetSide 2, Defiance, and Firefall. I have enjoyed other shooters in the past, games like Mechwarrior Online and APB: Reloaded and even a handful of standalone titles. There's something in a shooter that satisfies on a primitive level, some sort of textural quality that when done right can generate a good gaming session of zoned-out, open-mouthed pleasure. There's something even cooler about a multiplayer version of the same genre. I don't mind killing baddies alone, but blasting the face off of a monster is a lot more fun with dozens of other players around.

As you can see, I have a problem. Let's forget the fact that I play way too many MMOs as it is because between these three games I can easily kill a weekend and leave no room for games that I need to write about. That means I need to pick a favorite. Let this be a shootout to determine which MMOFPS will be my home. My awesome, loud, deadly home.

I've nominated three categories and will pick a winner for each. May the best shooter win!

Continue reading Free for All: My three favorite MMOFPS games have a shoot-out

MassivelyFree for All: My three favorite MMOFPS games have a shoot-out originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandefiancef2pfeaturedffafirefallfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftpopinionplanetside-2red-5-studiosSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmenttriontrion-worldsvelvet-ropeWed, 22 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: An interview with Ever, Jane's Judy Tyrer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/free-for-all-an-interview-with-ever-janes-judy-tyrer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/free-for-all-an-interview-with-ever-janes-judy-tyrer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/free-for-all-an-interview-with-ever-janes-judy-tyrer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Ever Jane screenshot
Ever, Jane caught my eye as soon as I read about it. I wish we had access to more non-combat MMOs, or MMOs that attempt to do something so different that they are hard to categorize. I have to say that I had never read a word of Jane Austen -- the author whose books Ever, Jane is based on -- but I didn't care. If anything, the interesting gameplay described by Judy Tyrer, the creator of the game, made me want to pick up a book or two.

Of course, the game is barely in a playable state at this time and will likely be in development for a time longer. Still, the MMO genre needs games that takes chances, or we'll all find ourselves stuck on some hamster wheel of grind. I asked Judy a few questions and she surprised me with some of her answers. She's been making games for a long time, so hopefully you'll be hearing more from her here on Massively for a while!

Let's get to the interview.

Continue reading Free for All: An interview with Ever, Jane's Judy Tyrer

MassivelyFree for All: An interview with Ever, Jane's Judy Tyrer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Jan 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanever-janef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumindependentIndieinterviewinterviewsjudy-l-tyreropinionvelvet-ropeWed, 15 Jan 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The confused state of Firefall's first few hours]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/08/free-for-all-the-confused-state-of-firefalls-first-few-hours/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/08/free-for-all-the-confused-state-of-firefalls-first-few-hours/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/08/free-for-all-the-confused-state-of-firefalls-first-few-hours/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Firefall screenshot
As part of my research for an upcoming article about MMO shooters, I have been playing a lot of Firefall. There are definitely worse assignments in the world. I really, really enjoy the game; I love the fact that I can do almost anything I want even within a short play session and feel as if I accomplished something. Of course, the current enlightened state I am in does not reflect the game's non-newbie-friendly designs. As a matter of fact, the only place I was able to turn for reliable explanations and non-stop answers was a reader of Massively who recognized my name in the chat.

This reader and I have played together several times, and he went out of his way to answer all of the newbie questions that should have been answered by the game. I know that the developers have said (through Tweets to me and in other places) that a better newbie experience is on its way. There are also friendly little helper robots sprinkled throughout the game and a handful of helpful videos that can be found as well.

So why are so many new players still confused about Firefall?

Continue reading Free for All: The confused state of Firefall's first few hours

MassivelyFree for All: The confused state of Firefall's first few hours originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummmofpsopinionred-5-studiosriftRyzomsci-fishootervelvet-ropeWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 08 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Third Annual Frindie Awards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/01/massivelys-third-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/01/massivelys-third-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/01/massivelys-third-annual-frindie-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Frindie Awards
It's time once again for me to throw out my awards for the best of free-to-play, indie, and oddball MMOs, a real niche-within-a-niche. It might seem that I am assigned many of these titles as though I were some modern day Mikey, but the truth is that I get a huge thrill out of finding a new game but get even more of a thrill when I realize that no one is covering it. I had to really think hard about the criteria for the awards this year, mainly because "indie" is quickly becoming one of those often hard-to-define words, alongside "MMORPG" and "free-to-play." Fortunately, I think I know it when I see it.

I kept my choices to games that I have actually played this year. I wanted to avoid games that appear to be really cool. If you want a more broad batch of prizes, check out Massively's best of awards. (Side note: I voted for Defiance as my game of the year.)

These awards are for games that are being created on a shoestring or independent of massive budgets. Some of them are connected to some money, of course, but instead of trying to define "indie," I will only repeat: You'll know it when you see it.

Continue reading Massively's Third Annual Frindie Awards

MassivelyMassively's Third Annual Frindie Awards originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landachaeaarcane-legendsbeau-hindmanbrowserdeepworldDinostormeldevinever-janef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumfrindiefrindie-awardsfrindiesgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgrepolisherokon-onlinehunted-cow-studiosinnogamesistariaistaria-chronicles-of-the-giftedlife-is-magiclinden-labmad-otter-gamesmanylandmilmomystmyst-onlinemyst-online-uru-liveopinionparallel-kingdomperbluepocket-legendsRed-Robot-LabsRyzomsecond-lifesocial-mmospacetime-gamesspacetime-studiosStar-Stablethe-westTherethere-mmovelvet-ropevillagers-and-heroeswurm-onlineWed, 01 Jan 2014 12:00:00 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[Free for All: Revisiting EVE Online's newbie tutorial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/25/free-for-all-revisiting-eve-onlines-newbie-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/25/free-for-all-revisiting-eve-onlines-newbie-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/25/free-for-all-revisiting-eve-onlines-newbie-tutorial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online screenshot
I might leave the EVE Online number-crunching and analyzing to Massively's Brendan Drain, but my personal history with the game is long, however, and I have proudly reactivated my 2004 account (complete with a 10 million skill point character) once a year to see how things are going. I generally spend several hours playing and getting used to the changes but end up playing other games for columns like Rise and Shiny.

This time around, I thought I would try something different. I was spurred into action by the recent Steam sales, one of them offering an EVE Online Starter Pack for something like two bucks. (Now it's almost $5.00) It comes with 30 days of time, some special newbie goodies, and a booster to help skills grow faster. Sure, I could have reactivated my old account for $15.00 (and probably will after this is over), but I wondered how making a new character now would compare to what it was like all those years ago.

It turns out that it's still pretty darn cool.

Continue reading Free for All: Revisiting EVE Online's newbie tutorial

MassivelyFree for All: Revisiting EVE Online's newbie tutorial originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrendan-draincaldariccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiuminternet-spaceshipsnewbienewbie-tutorialopinionsandboxsci-fiscience-fictionspaceshipsspreadsheets-onlinetutorialvelvet-ropeWed, 25 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The rising cost of early access and exclusivity]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/18/free-for-all-the-rising-cost-of-early-access-and-exclusivity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/18/free-for-all-the-rising-cost-of-early-access-and-exclusivity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/18/free-for-all-the-rising-cost-of-early-access-and-exclusivity/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Aura Kingdom screenshot
Here I sit, waiting to log into Aura Kingdom, a new Anime MMO by Aeria Games. The beta I am going to log into is the Founder's Beta, an exclusive early-access pre-closed beta that had an entrance fee starting at $19.00 and topping out at $299.00. Yes, 300 US dollars. I'm not trying to appear judgmental in my emphasis, but I do think that this provides more proof to the theory that prices for virtual items are continuing to climb.

And why shouldn't they? I've talked before about selling power and how its slow climb will likely not stop. Just like selling exclusive or early access, selling powerful, useful in-game items most likely makes money. Something like a Founder's Pack offers useful in-game items and exclusivity, a very tempting concoction that many find too hard to resist.

Is it fair to offer early access for such a price, and will other titles have to respond to the success of such sales by creating their own?

Continue reading Free for All: The rising cost of early access and exclusivity

MassivelyFree for All: The rising cost of early access and exclusivity originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Dec 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesAura-Kingdombattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanCrowdFundingearly-accessf2pfeaturedffaFounders-packsfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionpaid-betapaid-testingtrendtrendsvelvet-ropeWed, 18 Dec 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Two weeks on a private Infestation server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/free-for-all-two-weeks-on-a-private-infestation-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/free-for-all-two-weeks-on-a-private-infestation-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/free-for-all-two-weeks-on-a-private-infestation-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Infestation screenshot
I remember when I first laid eyes on Infestation: Survivor Stories. It was GDC Online in 2012, and I did an interview with Alex Josef, Hammperpoint's PR consultant We made a quick trip to the press room, where he popped out a large gaming laptop to show me the game. I was really impressed with how simple its premise was: You're dropped in the middle of the wilderness, there are zombies all around, and you can starve to death. It felt great, as well, sporting realistic lighting effects and systems to simulate hunger, thirst, and sound.

So much has happened since that first meeting. I am very, very aware of all of the drama concerning the developers -- the name changes, the patches, the community issues, and so on. I am not writing this to discuss that part of the story. My specific goal over the last couple of weeks was to see whether playing on a private, paid-for server would give me a different experience than Massively's Mike Foster's. During his time with the game at launch he was, to put it mildly, miserable.

Continue reading Free for All: Two weeks on a private Infestation server

MassivelyFree for All: Two weeks on a private Infestation server originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-josefbeau-hindmandevils-advocatef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftphammerpointhammerpoint-interactiveinfestationinfestation-survivor-storiesopinionpost-apocalypticthe-war-ztwitchvelvet-ropewar-zzombiezombiesWed, 11 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Ten of my favorite in-game items]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/04/free-for-all-ten-of-my-favorite-in-game-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/04/free-for-all-ten-of-my-favorite-in-game-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/04/free-for-all-ten-of-my-favorite-in-game-items/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape inventory screenshot
I love things. Truly I do. Only specific things, though. Over the last year I have doubled my efforts to catalog most of the best things in my life, from pictures and artwork to writings and songs I have played on. It's a sort of meta-hobby. As part of the effort I want to organize many of my favorite MMO in-game items, simply because I have played MMOs for so long and they are such a part of my life. I have a lot of favorite items, but some tend to stick out in my memory like a favorite smell or place.

After I finished an initial list of MMO items (it was well over 50 items in the beginning), I was surprised at how much variety there was in the items and in the games I listed. I think it reflects my character a lot, but also shows that I am a sentimental plod most of the time. I cut the list down to these 10, but I am sure I will wish to adjust the list again in the future. Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments section!

Continue reading Free for All: Ten of my favorite in-game items

MassivelyFree for All: Ten of my favorite in-game items originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesallods-onlinebattlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlineBattlestarGalacticabeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcasualccpeden-eternaleve-onlinef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgpotatomabinogiopinionplanetside-2runescapeRyzomsci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-chronicles-of-spellbornUltima-Onlinevelvet-ropeWed, 04 Dec 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: MMORPGs for your new console]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/free-for-all-mmorpgs-for-your-new-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/free-for-all-mmorpgs-for-your-new-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/free-for-all-mmorpgs-for-your-new-console/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PS4 and Xbox One picture
Consoles and MMOs do not have the stand-offish relationship that they used to have. In fact, there are so many different MMOs to choose from on consoles that it's seriously tempting to pick up one of the new ones -- the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 -- even though I wasn't planning on it for a long, long time. I enjoy using a controller with MMOs so much that I plan on covering the subject more in the future.

So let's get to the list of MMOs that are currently on consoles or that will be coming out on consoles in the near(ish) future. Massively's own Mike Foster put together a fantastic list last summer, but I thought I would update and pass it on. After all, the new consoles are officially here... so be sure to reference the list when you need a new MMO to play on your shiny new console!

Continue reading Free for All: MMORPGs for your new console

MassivelyFree for All: MMORPGs for your new console originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGarkark-hunterarkfallbattlenetbeau-hindmanbethesdaBethesda-SoftworksbethsoftBlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentBungiecash-shopccpCCP-Gamesconsoleconsolesd3daggerfalldc-universe-onlinedcuodefiancedestinyDiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidustdust-514elder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineeqeq-nextf2pfactionsfantasyfeaturedFFff14ffaffxivFinal-Fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflight-simulatorfpsfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumgaijin-entertainmentgothic-fantasyhistoricallaunchlaunch-daylaunchesMicrotransactionsmmo-shootermmofpsmorrowindOblivionopinionphantasy-starPhantasy-Star-OnlinePhantasy-Star-Online-2planetsideplanetside-2PlayStationplaystation-3playstation-4PS2ps3ps4pso2SandboxskyrimSOESONYSony-Online-EntertainmentSquare-EnixsturmoviksuperherosuperheroessyfytamrielTESOthe-crewthe-divisionthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtriontrion-worldsUbisoftvelvet-ropewar-thunderwarframewargaming.netWarhammer-40Kwarhammer-40k-eternal-crusadeworld-of-tanksworld-of-warplanesxboneXbox-360xbox-onezenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlineWed, 27 Nov 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Five MMOs that deserve more of my time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/free-for-all-five-mmos-that-deserve-more-of-my-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/free-for-all-five-mmos-that-deserve-more-of-my-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/free-for-all-five-mmos-that-deserve-more-of-my-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Five MMOs screenshot
There's only so much time in the world for playing video games. Yes, yes, I know it pains us to admit it, but it's true: We really can't sit around and explore MMOs all day long. Well, we could, but it probably wouldn't be very good for our relationships or health or finances. For me, this means that I have to balance playing MMOs for work and playing them for the sake of the hobby. I typically take one of my weekend days to jump into any number of MMOs. I might even spend a good hour just updating them all.

Let me tell you, it's plain painful to log into an MMO and realize just how much good content, events, and player interaction I have been missing. I'm sure this is a common issue though, right? In today's Free for All, I want to take a look at five MMOs that deserve more of my time.

Continue reading Free for All: Five MMOs that deserve more of my time

MassivelyFree for All: Five MMOs that deserve more of my time originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Nov 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgrepolisopinionriftrunescapethe-secret-worldvelvet-ropewurm-onlineWed, 20 Nov 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Five ways to create immersion in MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/free-for-all-five-ways-to-create-immersion-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/free-for-all-five-ways-to-create-immersion-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/free-for-all-five-ways-to-create-immersion-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Second Life screenshot
Immersion. I've used the word so much over the past several years that it has almost lost all meaning. I've played around with my Immersion Project, a set of rules designed to force me to play in a way that creates an almost physical connection with my characters. I've written about immersion and why it is important. I've even played the other side and fell in love with MMOs that are seemingly designed to be anything but immersive. It's one of those flashy terms that sounds more complicated than it is.

The fact is that it's important only to those who value it. And those who value it do not value it all the time. Immersion is simply a feeling of being lost in an MMO. It's the same feeling we get when reading a good book or when completely entrenched in a good movie. It's a feeling that designers must pay attention to, but if you pay too much attention to it, the game you design can miss the mark.

So what defines immersion for me? Well, it's easier to list off some specific game elements that help me feel immersed.

Continue reading Free for All: Five ways to create immersion in MMOs

MassivelyFree for All: Five ways to create immersion in MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Nov 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanBlizzardd-and-dEQ2f2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumImmersionimmersion-projectlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroneverwinteropinionplanetside-2RyzomSandboxSOEVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropeWorld-of-Warcraftwurm-onlineWed, 13 Nov 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: MMOs for players with a penchant for The Wolf Among Us]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/free-for-all-mmos-for-players-with-a-penchant-for-the-wolf-amon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/free-for-all-mmos-for-players-with-a-penchant-for-the-wolf-amon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/30/free-for-all-mmos-for-players-with-a-penchant-for-the-wolf-amon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Wolf Among Us screenshot
Ah, graphics. It's hard to describe why we like the graphical styles we do. I like the stylings of many games, but some are just so perfect that the graphics reach beyond a visual style and become a sort of textural memory in my gamer's heart. Each year, scores of games come out, and though I enjoy many of them, most do not affect me the way the look of games like The Chronicles of Spellborn or even Free Realms does.

There are a lot of single-player titles that just blow me away as well. Recently I was absolutely transfixed by Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. I stayed up late one night to finish it, and the graphics just kept getting better the entire time. Then there's The Wolf Among Us, a new title by Telltale Games, the same studio that made The Walking Dead series. It's made me remember just how amazing graphics can be without requiring a massive gaming rig.

Did you like the look of The Wolf Among Us as well? Here are some MMOs that feel similar.

Continue reading Free for All: MMOs for players with a penchant for The Wolf Among Us

MassivelyFree for All: MMOs for players with a penchant for The Wolf Among Us originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanchampions-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-nextf2pfablesfeaturedffafirefallfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumgazillion-entertainmentgraphicsGuild-Wars-2marvel-heroesopinionperfect-world-entertainmentSOEstar-trek-onlinestylizedstylized-graphicsTellTale-Gamesthe-chronicles-of-spellbornthe-wolf-among-usvelvet-ropeWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 30 Oct 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Albion Online trailer dives into cross-platform design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/24/albion-online-trailer-dives-into-cross-platform-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/24/albion-online-trailer-dives-into-cross-platform-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/24/albion-online-trailer-dives-into-cross-platform-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Albion Online
Sandbox Interactive today released a new trailer for Albion Online, a game the studio refers to as the "first true cross-platform sandbox MMO." In the trailer, employees of Sandbox offer details regarding the development of the game and the challenges of cross-platform design.

Information revealed in the trailer includes the reason the team got rid of player leveling, notes on how the economy will function, an explanation of Sandbox Interactive's focus on social interaction as a gameplay requirement, and a brief glimpse of PvP. There's also plenty of gameplay footage on display in between snippets of various dev interviews.

Check out the full video after the jump. Albion Online is due for release in 2014 and will feature territory control, corpse-looting, and other "hardcore" conceits along with crafting and class customization.

[Source: Sandbox Interactive press release]

Continue reading Albion Online trailer dives into cross-platform design

MassivelyAlbion Online trailer dives into cross-platform design originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albionalbion-onlineandroidbetaclosed-betacorpse-lootingdev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydev-postdev-postsdeveloperdeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diarydeveloper-postdeveloper-postsf2pffafree-to-playfreemiumipadlinuxmacmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsnew-titlepremiumsandboxsandbox-interactivetrailertrailersvideovideoswindowsThu, 24 Oct 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The other side of MMO leveling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/23/free-for-all-the-other-side-of-mmo-leveling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/23/free-for-all-the-other-side-of-mmo-leveling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/23/free-for-all-the-other-side-of-mmo-leveling/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
As I pointed out in last week's column, I am more fond of spending money to obtain a high-level character than I am grinding out levels to gain one. As usual, I put out my opinion without considering how many people might take it the wrong way. To set the record straight and to give some evidence to the pro-leveling side of the argument, I would like to list off some of the reasons leveling is important. (Also in my opinion, of course.)

While I did refer to leveling as drudgery, my opinion does not automatically set some universal definition. What can be drudgery to me can be bliss to someone else, and so -- because it is gaming -- the impact of leveling can be felt differently by different people. It's not science; it's opinion.

Besides, it's not all drudgery anyway.

Continue reading Free for All: The other side of MMO leveling

MassivelyFree for All: The other side of MMO leveling originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Oct 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumgrindinghardcorelevelingopinionRise-of-Mythosrunescapevelvet-ropeWed, 23 Oct 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why I'd love to buy high-level characters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/16/free-for-all-why-id-love-to-buy-high-level-characters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/16/free-for-all-why-id-love-to-buy-high-level-characters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/16/free-for-all-why-id-love-to-buy-high-level-characters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DC Universe Online screenshot
There is a seedling of a possibility of an up-and-coming trend that I've noticed lately, one that has some players' hackles raised. It's just one of many trends that have shaped MMOs over the last several years. Some of those trends include the massive market switch to free-to-play models, social gaming's influence on the MMO industry, the continuing popularity of selling power even by publishers who seem set against selling power, and the ever-growing mobile market and switch to mobile devices as favorite gaming destinations.

But to me, this new trend is one of the most exciting: the recent trend of giving away or selling high-level characters in games that require leveling. When I really think about it, it's been going on in some form for a long time, but the different designs and systems of all of the different MMOs we play have hidden it for much of that time.

I'll tell you why I love a free or paid-for high-level character.

Continue reading Free for All: Why I'd love to buy high-level characters

MassivelyFree for All: Why I'd love to buy high-level characters originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandc-universe-onlinedcuoEQ2EverQuest-2f2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionvelvet-ropeWed, 16 Oct 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Playing the eternal noob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/25/free-for-all-playing-the-eternal-noob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/25/free-for-all-playing-the-eternal-noob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/25/free-for-all-playing-the-eternal-noob/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Crime Craft screenshot
As I just finished up my Age of Wushu livestream with Massively's own Patrick Mackey and Age of Wushu Community Manager Earthquake last night, I realize once again that most people do not look at MMO gaming as I do. Of course, I am basing this only on my existence as an island of a person, someone who spends most of his time soloing through content and generally getting lost in one game after another, after another and another.

Patrick is a lively personality who is what players would call a min-maxer. A theory-crafter. He is someone who takes hold of a game and learns it backward and forward, something I can only wish I could do. Not only do I not have the mental ability to sit still that long (and no, that's not an attempt at bragging about the size of my brain), but I physically cannot read that much text or spend more than several hours online without taking a break for fear of a days-destroying migraine.

This physical inability to study up came well after my already-established love for virtual travel, however. I am an explorer of virtual worlds, an occupation that does not permit sitting at one stop for long. But this hurts me as a player. I realize this and accept it.

Continue reading Free for All: Playing the eternal noob

MassivelyFree for All: Playing the eternal noob originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wushubeau-hindmanchampions-onlinedc-universe-onlinedcuodie2niteelswordelsword-onlineeternal-noobf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummabinogimargaret-krohnopinionplanetside-2RyzomSOEVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropeWed, 25 Sep 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: What a Memoria MMO might look like]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/18/free-for-all-what-a-memoria-mmo-might-look-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/18/free-for-all-what-a-memoria-mmo-might-look-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/18/free-for-all-what-a-memoria-mmo-might-look-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Memoria screenshot
There are a few styles of gaming that we just don't see much of anymore, and point-and-click adventure games has been one of those. The good news is that compared to other older styles like text-based or email-gaming, point-and-click adventuring is making a comeback. Thanks to the mobile market and its resurrected titles like Broken Sword and amazing newer games like The Walking Dead, adventure-lovers have much to do. Personally, I find adventure gaming to be a thrilling experience because they generally allow a player to use her brain more than her reflexes, and the experiences are usually quite beautiful too.

Memoria is Daedalic Entertainment's latest adventure game set in The Dark Eye universe. It's often described as "the German Dungeons and Dragons." I'm not sure that the description gives either IP full credit, but The Dark Eye is one interesting universe.

As usual, though, my mind wondered how the game could be worked into a multiplayer version. A massively multiplayer version. I've asked the same question of other games before, so let's look at how Memoria might make a killer MMO!

Continue reading Free for All: What a Memoria MMO might look like

MassivelyFree for All: What a Memoria MMO might look like originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Sep 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wushuartix-entertainmentbeau-hindmancastle-empireclub-penguindragon-eternitydragons-of-atlantisdrakensang-onlinef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumglitchgrepolismemoriamirimagiamyst-online-uru-liveopinionthe-westvelvet-ropewar-of-dragonsWed, 18 Sep 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Recapping the vastness of Mabinogi's Saga Iria]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/free-for-all-recapping-the-vastness-of-mabinogis-saga-iria/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/free-for-all-recapping-the-vastness-of-mabinogis-saga-iria/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/free-for-all-recapping-the-vastness-of-mabinogis-saga-iria/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Mabinogi artwork
My summer has been filled with a massive, 10-part adventure called The Saga Iria. It's an event that happened inside the world of Mabinogi, one of my favorite free-to-play sandbox MMOs. Once a week Nexon released a new chapter, and each time I streamed my first few steps into it, often resulting in my immediate and embarrassing death. Actually, make that deaths. I died a lot.

My companion for this wild ride was Mabinogi Community Manager Sabina. Sabina is a "fashionogi" (as they call it in-game), someone who enjoys customizing her characters more than sending them into battle. Mabinogi allows for almost any style of play, from combat mastery to roleplay to fashion obsession.

The community showed up during my livestreams to give me plenty of advice during my hard times in combat because the game is known for its challenge level. It's time to recap some of my favorite moments of those times and discuss what I liked... and didn't like.

Continue reading Free for All: Recapping the vastness of Mabinogi's Saga Iria

MassivelyFree for All: Recapping the vastness of Mabinogi's Saga Iria originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancm-sabinaf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumIria-Sagamabinogimabinogi-the-Saga-IriaNexonnexon-americaopinionsabinasaga-iriavelvet-ropeWed, 11 Sep 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The truth behind the importance of community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/free-for-all-the-truth-behind-the-importance-of-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/free-for-all-the-truth-behind-the-importance-of-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/free-for-all-the-truth-behind-the-importance-of-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO screenshot
I've talked about community in the past, and it's still an important topic. The fact is that defining community or what makes a good community -- or even what qualifies as an MMORPG -- has come up for discussion many, many times on this site. For those who might still be confused, I can say that the reason the discussion keeps cropping up is due to the ever-changing market. If we didn't attempt to dissect the new genres and changes that come to this genre, then we would be doing a disservice to our readers. That's why we cover MOBAs, pseudo-MMOs, semi-MMOs, MMO-like games, social games, multiplayer shooters, and even the occasional lobby-based action title.

The only thing I can assure you of is that Massively (and that includes me, of course) knows the true meaning of MMORPG. When I say true meaning, you either know what I mean or you don't.

Having said that, I'd like to ask whether community and the multiplayer aspect is really that important beyond the reason that it must be considered in order to categorize games. Is having many other players around you really that big a deal?

Continue reading Free for All: The truth behind the importance of community

MassivelyFree for All: The truth behind the importance of community originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionpvpraidingRolePlayingsecond-lifeuncharted-waters-onlinevelvet-ropeWed, 04 Sep 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: My top four MMOs for relaxation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/28/free-for-all-my-top-four-mmos-for-relaxation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/28/free-for-all-my-top-four-mmos-for-relaxation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/28/free-for-all-my-top-four-mmos-for-relaxation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wurm Online screenshot
Say you come home from a long day's work, dreaming about the vacation that you've yet to take and how nice it would be to turn off your brain for a while, to kick back and watch the wide world walk by. Unfortunately, vacations cost a pile of money. You have to pay someone to watch the dogs and water your plants and work is a real pain about letting you out of the shackles even for a week.

The good news is that much of the benefit of vacation comes from the mental release. Sure, nothing beats the real, true feeling of pressing your toes into warm water and sand, but it can be fun and relaxing to visit virtual worlds, to take in virtual sights and sounds. MMOs are perfect for blowing off some steam, for taking a moment to realize just how nice it is to have access to such landscapes from the comfort of your desk.

Here are some of my favorite virtual worlds that bring on that feeling of relaxation.

Continue reading Free for All: My top four MMOs for relaxation

MassivelyFree for All: My top four MMOs for relaxation originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionrelaxationrelaxingSOESony-Online-EntertainmentturbinevacationvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewurm-onlineWed, 28 Aug 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/free-for-all-recapping-mabinogi-iria-saga-chapters-four-to-six/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/free-for-all-recapping-mabinogi-iria-saga-chapters-four-to-six/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/free-for-all-recapping-mabinogi-iria-saga-chapters-four-to-six/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mabinogi screenshot
It's time for another recap of the last three Mabinogi Saga Iria chapters. If you'd like a full recap of what exactly the Saga Iria is, check in on our previous coverage, but the short verions is that it's a grand, sweeping saga that is spread out over 12 episodes. In it, the player is cast into not only the role of the hero but the role of the villain. It's a complicated story, so you could also get caught up via the livestreams embedded past the cut (and the previous ones as well).

Of course, the very best way to enjoy the chapters is to play through them yourself. But Mabinogi Community Manager Sabina won't be joining you as she joined me in the livestreams, will she? So, watch on for her take on the game! I found some familiar challenges in these chapters, challenges that pushed my abilities as a player. I wouldn't have been able to survive these chapters without the help of the community and the advice of fantastic players. Thanks to them, I have learned things about the game and its systems that I would have never experienced on my time budget. So let's get to the recap! (Just be very aware: This article contains many spoilers!)

Continue reading Free for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six

MassivelyFree for All: Recapping Mabinogi Iria Saga chapters four to six originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancm-sabinaf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummabinogimabinogi-the-Saga-IriaNexonnexon-americanexon-sabinaopinionsaga-iriavelvet-ropeWed, 21 Aug 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The Castle Doctrine takes griefing and grieving to a new level]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/14/free-for-all-the-castle-doctrine-takes-griefing-and-grieving-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/14/free-for-all-the-castle-doctrine-takes-griefing-and-grieving-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/14/free-for-all-the-castle-doctrine-takes-griefing-and-grieving-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Castle Doctrine screenshot
The Castle Doctrine, the new pseudo-MMO by indie star Jason Rohrer, asks players to fill the shoes of a paranoid home owner who needs to protect his wife, kids, and home at almost any cost. Even the title of the game is based on a law that states that a person has the right to use force to defend personal space or abode, which should help you understand what Rohrer is trying to create. If you look at his official blog, you'll find out that his family was the victim of a dog attack while living in a New Mexico neighborhood. His experiences led to the creation of this art project.

In the game, players build up home defenses but also try to break into neighbor's houses, dodging menacing dogs and traps. Imagine a game that plays a bit like tower defense with permadeath: If you are unsuccessful in breaking in to a house, you have to start over with a brand-new home and family. Of course, the title has brewed plenty of controversy, especially considering that you can play only as a man and that the highest in-game payout comes when you murder someone else's wife. The game is a man-on-man murder simulation where the woman and children are all property.

Continue reading Free for All: The Castle Doctrine takes griefing and grieving to a new level

MassivelyFree for All: The Castle Doctrine takes griefing and grieving to a new level originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Aug 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionpermadeaththe-castle-doctrinetower-defensevelvet-ropeWed, 14 Aug 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: RuneScape 3's UI changes would be welcome in any MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/free-for-all-runescape-3s-ui-changes-would-be-welcome-in-any-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/free-for-all-runescape-3s-ui-changes-would-be-welcome-in-any-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/free-for-all-runescape-3s-ui-changes-would-be-welcome-in-any-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape 3 screenshot
Jagex just keeps surprising me with its flagship title, RuneScape. Almost every time I sit down to get some time in the world of Gielinor, I find something new. This time around, I want to talk about how the newest version of the game brings not only a fantastic world event and tweaks to all sorts of systems but offers options to the UI that are surprising and wonderfully innovative. The first thing I thought when I played around with the new UI options was, "Wow, why isn't this happening in more MMOs?"

Another thought occurred to me as I slid, snapped and joined parts of my UI: This feels suspiciously like a tablet-friendly change. Jagex has mentioned the possibility of a tablet version of RuneScape, thanks to the new HTML5 client (which is still in beta), so could this new UI be the first of many steps to playing on our portable computers?

I'll wait and see what happens with that, but in the meanwhile I wanted to show you the most impressive parts of the UI redesign.

Continue reading Free for All: RuneScape 3's UI changes would be welcome in any MMO

MassivelyFree for All: RuneScape 3's UI changes would be welcome in any MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumhtml5jagexopinionrunescaperunescape-3UIui-changesvelvet-ropeWed, 31 Jul 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Recapping the first three Mabinogi: Iria Saga chapters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/24/free-for-all-recapping-the-first-three-mabinogi-iria-saga-chap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/24/free-for-all-recapping-the-first-three-mabinogi-iria-saga-chap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/24/free-for-all-recapping-the-first-three-mabinogi-iria-saga-chap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mabinogi screenshot
If you want some epic scale in your MMO, you really should be playing along with the Mabinogi Saga Iria content. It's a twelve-parter (currently on chapter four) and I've been enjoying it alongside Mabinogi Community Manager Sabina, live every Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. EDT on our livestream page. Unfortunately, most of the content is instanced and story-driven so Sabina cannot jump in with me to kill mobs and gain glory, but it's been fun to have her there to take questions from the chat room and to answer many of my own questions.

But, what is the Saga Iria? Well, it's complicated. I have to admit that I do not have all the answers, and I hope to remain in the dark for a while. Stories are more fun when you don't know the ending. Still, I'm going to recap what I know so far, and share my live videos with you in case you missed them before! Also, be sure to tune in to our exclusive trailer releases! We will show you the next chapter trailer before anyone else!

Spoiler alert: There are videos and short walkthroughs past the cut, so if you do not want to know what happens or have not played through some of these older chapters, don't read on. Please note that my hour-long livestreams are usually not long enough to fit in an entire chapter, as well, so you might miss some of the action on the tail-end.

Continue reading Free for All: Recapping the first three Mabinogi: Iria Saga chapters

MassivelyFree for All: Recapping the first three Mabinogi: Iria Saga chapters originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Jul 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumIria-SagaLiveStreammabinogiNexonnexon-americanexon-community-manageropinionsabinavelvet-ropeWed, 24 Jul 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: MMOs will never be the same again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/17/free-for-all-mmos-will-never-be-the-same-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/17/free-for-all-mmos-will-never-be-the-same-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/17/free-for-all-mmos-will-never-be-the-same-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Zentia screenshot
Most of the arguments I make in this article come down to basic science. Once something is created, it can only be copied. The original is just what it is. Some of the MMOs that started me off on this journey across hundreds of worlds are closed now, but many still remain open and active. I can go back to those older games and enjoy them, but in most cases I go back and find that I'm glad I moved on. I have changed, and so has the internet and how I access it. All of these things factor into my changing opinion and the fact that MMOs as I remember them will probably always remain relics of the past.

Don't worry; I'm not here to tell you how incredible older titles like were. Those were some good times, but it's depressing to think that I would constantly be stuck in the past, never moving forward. Still, it's nice to think that those titles might be copied but never replaced. After all, gamers have moved on and so has design. As both should.

Continue reading Free for All: MMOs will never be the same again

MassivelyFree for All: MMOs will never be the same again originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlotroopinionstar-heroesWed, 17 Jul 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: One Walking Dead MMO, please]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/10/free-for-all-one-walking-dead-mmo-please/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/10/free-for-all-one-walking-dead-mmo-please/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/10/free-for-all-one-walking-dead-mmo-please/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Walking Dead screenshot
One of the best gaming experiences I've had in recent memory has got to be the time I've spent in The Walking Dead series by Telltale games. OK, OK, so you might not agree that the titles are a series of "games;" they're more like a choose-your-own-adventure that is peppered with the occasional quick-time event, so let me clear the record in order to move on: I don't care what we call them. They are simply a fun experience. I can't believe that there are people who want to argue this point, but then again I had to witness people actually fight about games being art or not.

So however you feel about the The Walking Dead, uhm, experiences, you cannot deny their popularity. The series took the market by storm and showed just what a powerful medium gaming can be. Not only that, but Telltale received deserving praise not only for the gameplay and story but for the fact that it produced something that could run on almost any device or setup. (Well, except Android.)

How would The Walking Dead translate to an MMO, though? Could it be done? Don't worry; I am going to do my best to avoid any spoilers. So are my readers. Right, readers?

Continue reading Free for All: One Walking Dead MMO, please

MassivelyFree for All: One Walking Dead MMO, please originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Jul 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertbeau-hindmandie2nitef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionpost-apocalypticpuzzle-piratesSurvial-HorrorTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadvelvet-ropewurm-onlinezombiesWed, 10 Jul 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: You got your e-sport in my PlanetSide 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/03/free-for-all-you-got-your-e-sport-in-my-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/03/free-for-all-you-got-your-e-sport-in-my-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/03/free-for-all-you-got-your-e-sport-in-my-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 screenshot
I promised myself that I would not spend half of this column making silly jokes about e-sports. The simple truth is that I find e-sports about as exciting as collecting stamps. That might sound harsh, but remember how fanatical (and oblivious to my opinions) some people are for stamps. And that's just fine.

What bothers me about e-sports is how the genre takes something that comes from a wonderfully chaotic place -- play time -- and wraps it in a set of rules and expectations. I used to say that humans could make a sport out of anything, and it turns out I was right. I joked that holding your arm into the air could be a game if they made rules concerning the activity. While it's not quite a spectator sport, I recently discovered that there are people in this world who literally hold an arm in the air -- sometimes for years -- to prove their dedication. All we need now is a bit of commentary and we'd have a sport.

And now here we are with news that one of my favorite games, PlanetSide 2, is about to introduce major league gaming-styled instanced Battle Islands into a world that is unique because of its massive, open scale. This week I have heard the words "instanced" and "MOBA" and references to Team Fortress 2 enough to scare my pants off.

Continue reading Free for All: You got your e-sport in my PlanetSide 2

MassivelyFree for All: You got your e-sport in my PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Jul 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle-Islandbeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafpsfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummajor-league-gamingmlgmmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishooterSOEsonySony-Online-Entertainmentvelvet-ropeWed, 03 Jul 2013 12:00:00 EST