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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Free for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

My Vanguard main
I felt a little nostalgic this week. Heck, at my age, I feel nostalgic every time I smell chimney smoke or hear Christmas music. I suspect it will only grow more common with age. MMOs have been such a huge part of my life for well over a decade now that I feel nostalgic about many of the things that happened during that time, and for many of the characters I have grown -- and lost.

I'm not overly sentimental about it, but it is interesting how we feel about the pixelated versions of ourselves, the ones we control while sitting at a keyboard or while touching a tablet. I don't want to downplay how important gaming can be for many of us, either. Once, years ago, I met a fellow player in a social game called There. She was a wonderful person who had over time lost the ability to walk. She loved the freedom that the avatar gave her. Needless to say, she was very connected to her character.

I made a short list of some of my favorite characters from the years. As I think about it, this list says a lot about me as a gamer and about the types of games I love.

Continue reading Free for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains

MassivelyFree for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbeau-turkeyChangyouf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumglitchjagexmilmoopinionrunescapeRyzomSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentspellbornthe-chronicles-of-spellborntheretiny-speckVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropezentiaWed, 09 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hellgate Tokyo
Maybe I'm alone in this, but my jaw just dropped when I came home this past week to see that Massively posted the news that Shadowbane is coming back to life. Granted, it's only going to happen in China, but still, that's pretty incredible. Shadowbane's been in the ground for three years now, and if I had to pick an MMO that deserved resurrection, this particular one would be farthest from my mind (no offense if you liked the game; it's just that there are so many others that are even more worthy).

But how can this not give you hope? Many of us have lost an MMO we loved or at least had a decked-out character populating the character select screen, and the thought of that game coming back against all odds is a goosebump-rising one. It may also smack of justice served, as some MMOs fail not because of faulty gameplay but because of mismanagement by the studio, complex legal wrangling, or bad marketing.

Today let's look at a few examples of dead MMOs that were brought back to life and what this may mean for the future of the industry. Zombie MMOs! Not, you know, MMOs with zombies.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrchangyouclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsclone-wars-adventurescrimediablodiablo-clonef2pfallen-earthfantasyfaxion-onlinefeaturedflagshipfree-realmsfree-to-playfrogsterg1galaxiesgame-archaelogistgamersfirsthanbitsofthellgatehellgate-globalhellgate-londonhellgate-tokyojohn-smedleylego-universemythosmythos-europemythos-globalnostalgiaopinionPirates-of-the-Burning-Seapvprebootredbanaresurrectionrevivalsandboxsci-fishadowbanesoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgot3t3funtabula-rasathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinevanguardzombie-mmozombiesTue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms throws itself a nice big birthday bash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is useful for times when you're tempted to say that you'll eat your hat.
MMO birthdays are the best celebrations. Instead of getting your favorite game a lot of presents to celebrate its age, most games give the players presents. So it is in Free Realms, which celebrates its third year of operation today with a number of events and rewards for players. The most basic rewards don't require any real effort on the part of players; just logging in today nets you a Birthday Cake hat, and you can enjoy triple Station Cash for the rest of the day.

There's more to the party, however: The game's offering a number of daily quests to help Queen Valerian produce the best birthday party ever. There's also the dread monster Cakenstein, a beast assembled from... well, you can probably guess from the name. The extended events will be running until May 24th, but the Station Cash promotion and the hat are only for today. So if you're a fan of Free Realms, log in and start enjoying the festivities today!

MassivelyFree Realms throws itself a nice big birthday bash originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryanniversary-eventbrowserbrowser-basedconsoleconsolesf2pfrfree-realmsfree-to-playin-game-eventkid-friendlykidskids-mmoplaystation-3playstation3promotionsps3soesonysony-online-entertainmentSat, 28 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: New browser-based converts shine light on issues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/free-for-all-new-browser-based-converts-shine-light-on-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/free-for-all-new-browser-based-converts-shine-light-on-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/free-for-all-new-browser-based-converts-shine-light-on-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fiesta Social screenshot
I recently threw out a prediction that within five years, most of our MMO content will be coming through our browsers. To be more specific, I think that most players in the United States will be enjoying their favorite MMOs within a browser. That can mean several things but does not refer to games like Free Realms, a client-based game that is only signed-into at the browser level. As with any discussion about genres, mechanics or styles in the MMO world, I have to be very specific.

It's pretty likely that a very large percentage of the US playerbase is already playing browser-based games. Look at the American market for games like RuneScape, Battlestar Galactica Online, Club Penguin, Drakensang Online, Evony, and Ministry of War and you might just find millions of players.

Next we need to consider that there are more games coming into the browser market. This new batch is essentially a group of standard, client-based MMOs that are porting themselves to the browser. I tend to be a little skeptical about some of these in the short-term, for several reasons.

Continue reading Free for All: New browser-based converts shine light on issues

MassivelyFree for All: New browser-based converts shine light on issues originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8realmsbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedclub-penguindrakensang-onlineevonyf2pfeaturedffafiesta-onlinefiesta-socialfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumftpillyriadjagexministry-of-waropinionrunes-of-magicrunescapetibiavelvet-ropeWed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SOE logo
We imagine that the word downtime makes Sony Online Entertainment employees cringe, convulse, and eye-twitch for hours on end after last summer's disastrous hacker-induced service outage. Happily, though, the next service interruption is planned, and we've got plenty of notice.

SOE will be performing maintenance this Monday, April 23rd, and the firm says that all of its game services will be unavailable for approximately 24 hours. The downtime starts at 3:01 a.m. EDT. Commerce transactions and account management functionality will also be affected, so you might as well cross all of your SOE-related plans off Monday's calendar.

MassivelySOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playhistoricalkid-friendlykidskids-mmommofpspiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaplanetsideplaystation-3playstation3potbspsps1ps3sandboxsci-fisoesoe-downtimesoe-maintenancesoe-planned-maintenancesoe-service-interruptionsonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Luck awaits Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures on Friday the 13th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free Realms: Jason Maskface
Traditionally, Friday the 13th bears the bad-luck brand. However, tomorrow, you have nothing to fret about if you play Free Realms or Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures because Sony Online Entertainment prepares to entertain its players with superstitious tomfoolery.

If you pounce around the land of Free Realms near Champ Chatty and Camp Robbie Lake, be prepared to run into Jason Maskface. This creepy fellow wants to recruit you into scaring people by turning you into a banshee, skeleton, or other graveyard element. Additionally, each participant will receive the ability to turn into a "Scaredy" black cat.

The Force is with players of CWA because all transforming holoprojectors go on sale tomorrow at 50% off. If you happen to wander around the main hall, veranda, or hanger of the Jedi Temple, don't be surprised if you or the people around you randomly turn into skeletal Clone Troopers, breaking into a dance -- it's the only way to frighten away the bad luck of Friday the 13th.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelyLuck awaits Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures on Friday the 13th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Clone-Wars-AdventuresCWAeventsFree-Realmsfriday-the-13thholoprojectorin-game-eventjason-maskfaceSOESony-Online-EntertainmentStar-Warsstar-wars-clone-wars-adventurestransformThu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
It may be the weekend, but that's never stopped pranksters in the past from pulling off truly epic April Fool's jokes. Many MMO studios, bloggers, and fan site operators are lining up to take a shot at the jester's crown today, hoping that their blatant (and entertaining) lies will at least amuse, if not trick, players.

It would be fool-hardy (har har) to try to round them all up, so suffice it to say that office clowns have been quite busy thus far. From Star Wars: The Old Republic's announcement of playable ship droids and City of Heroes' offer of ludicrous marketplace sales to Blizzard's focus on educational kids games and StarCraft 2's playable supply depots to SOE scaring visitors with Chatdy, the gags are flying fast and furious. We might be the most impressed with a deeply detailed wiki entry for a Guild Wars mission called Annihilator 2: Searing Day, during which players are sent into the past to save Gwen from the G-1000.

If you've spotted any other pranks, please share them in the comments!

MassivelyApril Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-foolsapril-fools-dayapril-fools-day-2012arenanetbiowarebrowserbrowser-basedcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfreedomgagsguild-warsgwhumorjokeskid-friendlykidskids-mmolucasartsncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplaystation-3playstation3pranksps3sci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republictortricksSun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Free-to-play MMO versions of your favorite Nintendo games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/free-for-all-free-to-play-mmo-versions-of-your-favorite-nintend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/free-for-all-free-to-play-mmo-versions-of-your-favorite-nintend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/free-for-all-free-to-play-mmo-versions-of-your-favorite-nintend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Nintendo banner
I have to be honest -- I wasn't the biggest Nintendo fan. I grew up right as the whole thing was really smashing and keeping kids glued to their TVs, but I generally went outside and played more than stayed inside and played games. (Odd, huh?) Still, I had my fun with certain titles. Contra rocked my boat, along with Kid Icarus and a bit of Mario Brothers. My friends, on the other hand, were full members of the Nintendo nation. They subcribed to the magazine, played the same games for hours and hours, and generally acted as though the fate of the real world hung in the balance as they attacked that last boss monster.

Stylistically, the games have left a mark on the genre. Many of those same titles still sell as well, some of them reaching so many variations that I lost track a long, long time ago. I thought it might be fun to list off some free-to-play MMOs that remind me of those old classics. See what you think, and leave any suggestions in the comments section!

Continue reading Free for All: Free-to-play MMO versions of your favorite Nintendo games

MassivelyFree for All: Free-to-play MMO versions of your favorite Nintendo games originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandrift-cityf2pfantasy-onlinefeaturedfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playFreejackfusionfalljunebud-abmario-brosmario-brothersMario-KartmilmonintendoplatformerPlatformingrealm-of-the-mad-godside-scrollerSOESony-Online-Entertainmentspiral-knightsthe-legend-of-zeldathree-ringszeldaWed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Markers
Play is important. Whether you're a kid or a grown-up, play has an important role in our lives, and video games are taking an increasingly large percentage of our playtime these days. But for kids' play in particular, there's always a question about the quality of video game time and whether or not it's actually just a waste of time.

Kid-friendly MMOs are a relatively new segment of the MMO industry, but it often feels like they're just grown-up MMOs with kid-friendly graphics. Sometimes, the games are even stripped of the grown-up features in an attempt to make them easier, but that often results in a less than compelling game. Here's a quest; do it. Here's a creature; zap it. Here's a pet; hug it. Here are some clothes and decorative items; buy them. I may sound a bit jaded, but that's only because I think kid-friendly MMOs can be so much better than they currently are.

To do that, we have to step back and examine how kids play, and studios must concentrate game design around that. In this week's MMO Family, I'll be looking at three areas of kids' play and exploring why games should look to Magic Markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders for inspiration.

Continue reading MMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders

MassivelyMMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmoschutes-and-laddersfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-friendly-mmosfeaturedfree-realmsjackpotkaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gameskids-mmosmagic-markersminecraftmmo-and-imaginationmmo-familyopinionWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE opens up about multi-year European partnership]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

ProSiebenSat.1
While we heard about Sony Online Entertainment's partnership with ProSiebenSat.1 Games Group to publish MMOs in Europe last month, the specific details of this deal were lurking under a cloud cover of mystery and speculation -- until now. SOE has posted a quite lengthy FAQ about this partnership and what it entails for the future of the studio in the Old World.

According to the deal, ProSiebenSat.1 has the license to officially publish eight of SOE's titles in 40 countries. These MMOs include DC Universe Online, EverQuest II, Free Realms, PlanetSide 2, and EverQuest Next (although not, oddly enough, EverQuest itself). SOE hopes that ProSiebenSat.1's location and expertise will result in in a greater audience for its games as well as more support and better localization for those under ProSiebenSat.1's umbrella. SOE even hopes that the partnership will result in "special content" for European players.

Previously, SOE had distribution agreements for Europe but nothing on the scale of what it now has with ProSiebenSat.1. It looks like EU players will need to transfer their accounts and characters over to ProSiebenSat.1's domain, although SOE promises that this will be an easy process. It's also important to note that these games and their servers will not interact with their North American counterparts, effectively separating the communities.

MassivelySOE opens up about multi-year European partnership originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuodealeq2eqiieueu-playerseuropeeuropeaneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfree-realmslegalpartnershipplanetside-2prosiebensat.1ProSiebenSat.1-Games-Groupps2soeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Achievement Unlocked: A look at the Guinness world records of online gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/achievement-unlocked-a-look-at-the-guinness-world-records-of-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/achievement-unlocked-a-look-at-the-guinness-world-records-of-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/achievement-unlocked-a-look-at-the-guinness-world-records-of-on/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're just over a month into the new year, and already we've got plenty to look forward to: The Secret World is expected to hit in April, TERA will follow shortly in May, and Guild Wars 2 will be out... sometime this year (we hope). But before we all start looking toward the future, let's take a moment to look back at some of the gaming achievements of the past.

Thanks to the handy-dandy Guinness Book of World Records 2012: Gamer's Edition, we've got a quick compendium of MMO-related records from the past year and then some, so if you're at all interested in the shortest-lived MMO to date or the longest time anyone's spent playing MMOs from inside a crate, join us as we take a stroll down memory lane to take a look at some notably (in)famous MMO achievements.

Continue reading Achievement Unlocked: A look at the Guinness world records of online gaming

MassivelyAchievement Unlocked: A look at the Guinness world records of online gaming originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedcataclysmcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdc-universe-onlinedcuoeveeve-onlinefantasy-westward-journeyfeaturedfree-realmsgamer-editiongamers-editiongaming-recordsguinnessguinness-book-of-world-record-gamers-edition-2012guinness-book-of-world-recordsguinness-book-of-world-records-2012-gamers-editionguinness-world-recordsincarnalord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromark-hamill-is-the-best-jokerplanet-calypsorecordssee-virtual-worldssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorthe-old-republictorultimaultima-onlineuowayne-longworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmworld-recordswowWed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you game on a Mac?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-game-on-a-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-game-on-a-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-game-on-a-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

War. War never changes... the platform war, that is. But even those of us who game from the comfort of decked-out PCs can feel sorry for our Mac brethren when one of the Apple MMO offerings, already in short supply, goes dark. That's exactly what's happening to the Mac version of classic EverQuest: SOE is sunsetting the single Mac server due to low population and ancient code. Apple gamers must get a PC or sample one of the other Mac-friendly MMOs like Warhammer Online, Fallen Earth, Ryzom, or Free Realms.

So today we ask: Do you play MMOs on a Mac, and if so, which games? And is it really as bad as PC-loyalists like to think?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you game on a Mac? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebrianna-royce-tdgdaily-grindeqeq-maceverquesteverquest-macfallen-earthfree-realmsmacmac-mmoopinionpcplatform-warryzomsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsunsettdgthe-daily-grindwarhammer-onlineSat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Why safe chat isn't so safe (and why that's OK)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/mmo-family-why-safe-chat-isnt-so-safe-and-why-thats-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/mmo-family-why-safe-chat-isnt-so-safe-and-why-thats-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/mmo-family-why-safe-chat-isnt-so-safe-and-why-thats-ok/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toontown
One of the toughest issues that game developers have to treat when it comes to kid-friendly MMOs is chat. I touched on this in a past column, but it's worth further discussion. If you're making a game where lots of players are interacting and doing stuff together, you need to allow them to communicate, otherwise you're pretty much making a single-player game with the other players as background scenery.

On the other hand, when it comes to kids MMOs, having open communication means other players can use it to harass each other. Worse is the scenario of the deranged adult abusing it to exploit young people. As a result, virtually every kid-friendly MMO has some sort of filter in place that restricts what players can say to each other. But are these chat filters really that effective? Are kids better off without them? Let's take a look in today's MMO Family.

Continue reading MMO Family: Why safe chat isn't so safe (and why that's OK)

MassivelyMMO Family: Why safe chat isn't so safe (and why that's OK) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abuseblacklistschatchat-filtersdisneyfeaturedfilterfree-realmshercworldi+want+to+stick+my+long+neck+giraffeiwanttostickmylongneckgiraffekaren-bryankid+codeskidcodesmmo-familysafe-chatsecret-friendstrangerstoontownwhitelistswizard101Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces in-game Valentine's activities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - The Shard of Love
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and aside from mad dashes to the Hallmark store for cards and boxes of chocolate, the season is also typified by various MMO events. This year is no different, and Sony Online Entertainment is queuing up a couple of noteworthy shindigs in EverQuest II and Free Realms.

Norrathians will be celebrating Erollisi Day from February 7th through the 20th, and there are plenty of contests, quests, and love-soaked goings-on to keep everyone happy. Free Realms' Festival of Hearts lasts a bit longer (February 7th through March 8th to be exact), during which time players may partake of Valentine's Day-themed environments, quests, and reward items.

Finally, Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures is re-introducing a few Valentine's Day items to its StationCash markeplace, and you'll find more info on each game's celebration events at their respective official sites.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelySOE announces in-game Valentine's activities originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clone-wars-adventureseq2eqiierollisi-dayeventseverquest-2everquest-iif2pfamilyfantasyfree-realmsfree-to-playin-game-eventskidsnorrathsci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresvalentines-dayMon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms shows off a new player condo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Changing your exterior decoration to eye-searing orange is probably not recommended.
Housing is one of those MMO features that's beloved by some, disliked by others, and sadly not nearly as common as it once was. Free Realms has had housing for quite some time, of course, but the development team apparently hasn't felt that player introductions to same have really been up to snuff. So that's why players new and old will be gifted with a new Wilds Condo in the near future, a slice of housing that should give a much better idea of how fun the system can be.

Hosted by development artist Misty Michelle, the preview video just past the cut gives players an idea of what's expanded with the new condo. Players will get a lawn, more options to decorate, and more vertical space in the front yard to build a truly impressive dwelling. If that sounds like your sort of thing, take a look at the full trailer to see some of what you can do with your improved starter home right from the start in Free Realms.

Continue reading Free Realms shows off a new player condo

MassivelyFree Realms shows off a new player condo originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>condodecorationf2pfrfreefree-realmsfree-to-playhousinghousing-decorationhousing-mechanicsmisty-michelleplayer-housingpreviewssoesony-online-entertainmentupcoming-additionsvideovideoswilds-condoWed, 25 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: The sequel!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/choose-my-adventure-the-sequel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/choose-my-adventure-the-sequel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/choose-my-adventure-the-sequel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Here I go, here I go, here I go again. Girls, what's my weakness? MMOs!
When I was halfway through my tenure on Choose My Adventure, I had already made it clear that I wanted to come back around for another pass. After all, I had a grand time in Warhammer Online, and I wanted to see what would happen with another run through the gauntlet. I hadn't expected it would be quite so soon, but here we are: It's time for a sequel adventure.

And as we all know, sequels have to be bigger. They have to be louder. And they need a bigger budget.

We've got nine games listed past the cut, all candidates for my play for the next several weeks. Some of these games are returning old favorites, and some of them are new to the cut, but all of them should provide for some interesting adventures. So check out the descriptions, make your vote before 11:59 p.m. EST on January 21st, and tune in next week when we kick this sequel off properly.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The sequel!

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: The sequel! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlinechampions-onlinechoose-my-adventurecmacocolumndc-universe-onlinedcuoddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeq-iieq2everquest-2everquest-iifeaturedfrfree-realmslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionpollpollsromrunes-of-magicryzomWed, 18 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Games of chance vs. MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mmo-family-games-of-chance-vs-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mmo-family-games-of-chance-vs-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mmo-family-games-of-chance-vs-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sorry!
From childhood on, I've always been a gamer. But I grew up when computers were just emerging as something that didn't just belong in the bowels of the Defense Department. My games were primarily of the board game variety, with a smattering of classic card games, and my exposure to video games didn't begin until later on.

Today, I see kids being raised on video games, and I see it as a good thing. "But board games are the good games," you might protest, and while they're still relevant today and I'm glad to see the recent revival in family board game night, a good portion of board games do not compare to what video games offer to children. This edition of MMO Family explains why!

Continue reading MMO Family: Games of chance vs. MMOs

MassivelyMMO Family: Games of chance vs. MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameschancechance-basedfamilyfamily-gamingfeaturedfree-realmskaren-bryankidskids-mmosmmo-familyparcheesipinochlerulessoeSony-Online-EntertainmentsorryWed, 11 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE releases Free Realms and EQII infographic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/soe-releases-free-realms-and-eqii-infographic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/soe-releases-free-realms-and-eqii-infographic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/soe-releases-free-realms-and-eqii-infographic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SOE logo
Sony Online Entertainment is trumpeting some virtual item statistics this holiday season, and the delivery mechanism is a good-size infographic that we've got for you after the cut. There are plenty of interesting nuggets to be found on the chart, such as the fact that SOE receives around 7,000 character name change requests on a daily basis.

Also of note is that mounts make up 23% of all virtual item sales in EverQuest II, and kids prefer to dress their characters as werewolves instead of vampires when it comes to Free Realms (but you knew that already, right?).

Head past the break for all the stats.

[Source: SOE press release]

Continue reading SOE releases Free Realms and EQII infographic

MassivelySOE releases Free Realms and EQII infographic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-realmsfree-to-playinfographicrandom-factssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentstatisticsFri, 23 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: No Skyrim, unfortunately]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/choose-my-adventure-no-skyrim-unfortunately/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/choose-my-adventure-no-skyrim-unfortunately/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/choose-my-adventure-no-skyrim-unfortunately/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Skyrim image
For the next six weeks, you, dear readers, get to poke me with virtual sticks and jeer as I do your bidding in an MMO of your choosing. Who am I, you ask. Some of you know me from Massively TV's livestreams, during which I like to ninja loot Karen Bryan's kills. Some of you know me from reading my Runes of Magic articles. What none of you (likely) knows is that I actively play and enjoy many of the MMOs featured here on Massively. However, there are plenty of other MMOs I've either never played or have only sampled briefly. You are going to rectify that.

I tend to have a casual, laid-back style of play. You'd typically find me crafting armor rather than running a dungeon in World of Warcraft. I'd rather be exploring the countryside in Vanguard than progressing through raid content. So whether you revel in the idea of throwing me out of my comfort zone or you want to sit next to me on my extra-soft carebear couch, now's your chance to vote. I'll also be livestreaming parts of Choose My Adventure in the coming weeks. Oh yeah -- and you have until Saturday to vote!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: No Skyrim, unfortunately

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: No Skyrim, unfortunately originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalblack-prophecychampionschampions-onlinechoose-my-adventurecmacrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universe-onlinedcuoeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedfree-realmsfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegala-netglobal-agendagpotatohero-gameshi-rez-studioslineage-2lineage-iincsoftpollpollsromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestoWed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Shopping for your favorite free-to-play fanatic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/free-for-all-shopping-for-your-favorite-free-to-play-fanatic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/free-for-all-shopping-for-your-favorite-free-to-play-fanatic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/free-for-all-shopping-for-your-favorite-free-to-play-fanatic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
Well, November is officially over. You know what that means: The shopping season is upon us. While you might or might not celebrate any one of the numerous holidays that are coming up over the next several weeks, you are probably quite aware of the sales and seasonal happenings in your area. Times have changed, though. It only takes one trip to the local game shop to see how boxed MMOs are not as common as they once were. Digital delivery, faster internet speeds, free-to-play payment models and many more titles to choose from have all encouraged developers to skip the boxes for the most part.

So what is there to get for the free-to-play fanatic in your life? There's plenty, fortunately. It can be quite a trip to navigate the muddy waters of cash-shop goods and virtual money, and the last thing you would want to do is buy something that is not needed or wanted.

Click past the cut and I'll give you some suggestions for gift giving this season!

Continue reading Free for All: Shopping for your favorite free-to-play fanatic

MassivelyFree for All: Shopping for your favorite free-to-play fanatic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopcash-shop-buying-guideClone-Wars-Adventurescrucialdream-of-mirror-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playftpgamersfirstlord-of-the-rings-onlineMicrotransactionsNexonrunes-of-magicultimate-gamer-cardwizard101Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE apologizes for delay of SWG customer loyalty free trials]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/soe-apologizes-for-delay-of-swg-customer-loyalty-free-trials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/soe-apologizes-for-delay-of-swg-customer-loyalty-free-trials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/soe-apologizes-for-delay-of-swg-customer-loyalty-free-trials/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Screenshot -- Star Wars Galaxies
Many Star Wars Galaxies players were disappointed to find that the free membership trials promised to them by October 15th had not been delivered. Well, Sony's sorry too, but don't worry: The company is making it up to players by... actually activating the free trials this time!

An official post over at the Star Wars Galaxies forums apologizes for the delay and offers players free trials for five SOE titles: DC Universe Online, Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures, Free Realms, EverQuest, and EverQuest II. While most of these games are technically free-to-play, Sony's offer will upgrade all prior SWG account-holders to paid membership status for each game until December 31st of this year. So if you had a SWG account in good standing prior to October 15th, head on over to the official forum thread for details on how to claim your free trials.

MassivelySOE apologizes for delay of SWG customer loyalty free trials originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apologyclone-wars-adventuresdc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifree-realmsfree-trialfree-trialsshutdownsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgTue, 25 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/leaderboard-free-realms-vs-wizard101s-unicorns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/leaderboard-free-realms-vs-wizard101s-unicorns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/leaderboard-free-realms-vs-wizard101s-unicorns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Leaderboard
In honor of the recently revived MMO Family column here on Massively, I thought that this week we'd extend the brutal beatings, clobberings, and verbal beratings to family-friendly MMOs. In many ways, Free Realms and Wizard101 are almost like siblings with so many things in common, and this extends to the use of sickeningly cute unicorn pets.

While I personally stopped paying attention to unicorns when Trapper Keepers went out of style, apparently they're still a "thing," especially with the younger market. You young 'uns, always keeping the unicorn union in business! Why don't you just let us harvest them for their magical horns which can be ground up and sprinkled on our Starbucks lattes?

Ahem. Sorry. In any event, one such instance of ultra-cuteness is enough; two is completely unnecessary and unhealthy for the well-being of our universe. So today you must decide which game's unicorns will rule as lord supreme over the hearts of tweens everywhere, and which will be sold to the salt mines to haul loads while crying rainbow tears. Vote! And let it forever be on your conscience!

[The unicorn on the left is from Wizard101; the one on the right is from Free Realms.]

Continue reading Leaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns

MassivelyLeaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyfree-realmskidsleaderboardmmo-familyopinionpetpetspollrainbow-tearssalt-minesstarbuckstrapper-keeperstweensunicornunicornswizard101Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: October 24-30, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/mv-guide-october-24-20-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/mv-guide-october-24-20-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/mv-guide-october-24-20-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Little Horrors
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During livestream events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, livestream events are subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

It's no surprise that we're heavy on the Halloween festivities in this week's MV Guide. Nearly every game out there is partying with the ghosts and goblins, from the newly discovered Little Horrors (pictured above) to the familiar Free Realms. Our livestream team is going to spend plenty of time checking out events in various games. If Halloween's not your thing, don't worry -- we've got plenty of regularly scheduled gameplay as well, so follow along after the jump for this week's lineup!

Continue reading MV Guide: October 24-30, 2011

MassivelyMV Guide: October 24-30, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecod-2d2diablo-iieqiieverquest-2everquest-iifree-realmsgolden-agejagexkingsisle-entertainmentlittle-horrorslivestreamingmilmomv-guidemv-tvnexonrunescapesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestovindictuswargaming.netwizard101world-of-tanksMon, 24 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
I think it's tremendously easy for experienced MMO players to completely forget what it was like getting started in this genre. It's natural to assume that everyone around you cut their teeth on the same games and in the same ways you did, even though this is completely ridiculous when you give it any real thought.

The truth is that MMOs are often very intimidating to the newcomer, and a bad first impression can push a player away for life. You have to contend with a typically busy user interface, you have to master keys and mouse buttons all over the place, you have to learn the lingo, you have to pick up skills on how to survive, and you have to do all of this almost all at once or risk feeling completely lost. This is why many MMO studios place such a priority on an excellent, welcoming tutorial experience.

I can relate to the newbie because my first MMO was Anarchy Online. I've never felt so out of my depth than when I played that back in 2002, and I don't think I ever quite understood it all before I left. My second MMO, City of Heroes, was far more friendly to my newbish soul, and it was smooth sailing from there on out.

For today's Perfect Ten, I want to highlight MMOs that I feel would be the best for a completely new player to experience. These are titles that combine a welcoming beginner journey, intuitive controls, a helpful community, and enough similarities with other video games to help the transition.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineblizzardchampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticdragon-nestfeaturedfree-realmsguild-warsmr-rogersperfect-10perfect-tenpocket-legendsriftrunescapespacetime-studiosstar-legendsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 20 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms clocks 20 million players over two-and-a-half years [Update]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free Realms
Sony Online Entertainment's most glorious shining star in its MMO library has another merit badge for its sash today. Free Realms just toppled the 20 million player mark, which includes all registrations since the game launched in 2009. This number reflects both PC and PlayStation 3 users.

John Smedley is, of course, as pleased as punch: "This benchmark is an honor and a true testament of SOE's success with free-to-play games."

It turns out that the PS3 was a godsend for the already hot title, as over three million additional console and PC players jumped on board the Free Realms train following new platform's release. While SOE didn't comment on how many of those new players stuck around after the entire system was taken offline for the better part of a month, this milestone speaks well to the game's popularity.

The company is not releasing information as to how many of those 20 million are still actively playing the game.

[Update: Clarified numbers on console players added after the PS3 launch.]

MassivelyFree Realms clocks 20 million players over two-and-a-half years [Update] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-million20-million-playersconsolefrfree-realmsgamasutraplaystation-3ps3registered-playerssoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 20 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
John Smedley has been in this business a long, long time. Under his eye, Sony Online Entertainment has released some of the most influential and controversial titles out there. It should surprise no one that he has had to become very flexible when it comes to his customers, but he's also very decisive when it comes to fluctuations in the market.

One of those fluctuations is the coming of free-to-play gaming and unlimited trial payment models. Of all the audiences in the world of gaming, SOE's tend to skew a bit older. These are players who might not appreciate all changes and who definitely know what they like. And so when Smedley and SOE released freemium titles like Free Realms and rolled out free versions of one of their most popular titles, EverQuest II, some said it would be the end of SOE.

Well, they're still here. And Smedley was kind enough to take some time to talk to me about this very subject. Click past the cut for more!

Continue reading Free for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play

MassivelyFree for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedfrfree-realmsinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleyleague-of-legendslolplanetsideriot-gamessmedleySOESony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvgWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten: Pirates
Fantasy pirates: Love 'em or hate 'em, they're deeply ingrained in geek culture to the point that they're almost impossible to dislodge. This past Monday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day, when everyone's inner pirate was encouraged to "Arr!" heartily, look for treasure in long-forgotten places, and embrace the fashion style of bandanas and eyepatches.

It seemed like a perfect week, therefore, to look at piratey life in MMOs. From entire games to mere outfits and from the token pirate union that has a chapter in each game to delusional madmen, this list aims to sate the swagger of keyboard swashbucklers. It's a testament to the pirate phenomenon that most developers can't help but include a buccaneer or two, even if the setting isn't always asking for it -- a phenomenon even the U.S. Navy has accepted.

Hit the jump to start, and sail straight on 'til morning!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy!

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahoyblizzardcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcookiecovddodeadminesdisneydungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsghost-piratesgooniesinternational-talk-like-a-pirate-dayirestone-inletjohnny-deppjolly-rogerlong-dronglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromr-smiteperfect-10perfect-tenpiratepiratespirates-in-spacepirates-of-the-burning-seapirates-of-the-caribbean-onlinepirates-plunderplunderravenfellrunes-of-magicscallywagsscooby-dootalk-like-a-pirate-daythe-gooniesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbineus-navywarwarhammer-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftwowyaaryarThu, 22 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should games cut us off? [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/the-daily-grind-should-games-cut-us-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/the-daily-grind-should-games-cut-us-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/the-daily-grind-should-games-cut-us-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
Recently, Free Realms instituted a troubling feature for accounts belonging to minors. Parents began noticing that after they or their children played for three hours on an account flagged "minor," the interface announced that the player had entered "fatigue gaming time" and should log out to get some exercise for his health. Moreover, fatigue time reduced all in-game gains for the player by 50% and prevented him from completing quests and spinning the loot wheel.

Gamers erupted over what they saw as Sony Online Entertainment's attempt to intrude upon the parental domain, and the company has since rolled back this feature and stated it was "unintended." Still, other games have implemented similar features. What say you, Massively readers? Are you happy for games to nanny you (and your kids), or do you think they should mind their own business?

[Update: SOE contacted us to clarify that this feature is for the Chinese version only, as part of that government's Chinese Anti Indulgence System. It was accidentally included in the US version of the game briefly, hence the "unintended" statement. It's not in the US version of the game at this time.]

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: Should games cut us off? [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgfatigue-gaming-timefree-realmskidsmyobnannyopinionparentssoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindMon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Maybe she'll sing!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/one-shots-maybe-shell-sing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/one-shots-maybe-shell-sing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/one-shots-maybe-shell-sing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Yum!
We're wrapping up the week on a bit of a high note thanks to Massively's very own Karen, who couldn't resist joining in on the fun with a Free Realms screenshot. The image itself was funny (and kind of icky) and got even funnier once Karen explained, "I'm paying homage to Lady Gaga."

That's it for this week, and we're ready to move on to starting zone week! First impressions are a big deal, so many developers put a lot into that first zone you see. Show us a screenshot of your favorite starting zone -- add your name and a little bit about the image, send it in to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll feature it in next week's One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Maybe she'll sing! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-realmsfree-to-playgalleriesgallerykaren-bryanone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentSun, 11 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Another attempt at free-to-play vs. freemium]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/free-for-all-another-attempt-at-free-to-play-vs-freemium/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/free-for-all-another-attempt-at-free-to-play-vs-freemium/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/free-for-all-another-attempt-at-free-to-play-vs-freemium/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fallen Earth chart
I'm one of those types who can't just let certain things go. When I see someone talking on Facebook about issues with his pet, I have to chime in. (I'm sort of an amateur animal behaviorist.) If I hear someone talking about her favorite bands, I usually have to let her know which ones I love. (I'm a music snob.) I'm just sort of a nosy individual. Since I can admit that, I think I deserve a pass when I volunteer information that wasn't asked for.

But I work at Massively. We're a website about, you know, games, and not just games, but MMOs, some of the least understood of all games. People and even developers seem to confuse what MMO means, and they especially confuse what a free-to-play MMO should offer. Once again I am going to take a crack at it, but not just because I am nosy. Mainly I want to clear this up so people will know what to expect from a title and whether there is going to have to be any money involved.

Click past the cut and let's have at it!

Continue reading Free for All: Another attempt at free-to-play vs. freemium

MassivelyFree for All: Another attempt at free-to-play vs. freemium originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanddoeq2eq2xeqiiEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumftpillyriadlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogiperfect-world-internationalpwiRyzomWed, 07 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Referee Ruby plays Treasure War in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms Referee Ruby
Referee Ruby is back again this week with another exclusive Free Realms video, this time showing off the Treasure War card game. Accessible through Greenwood Forest, Treasure War is a simple, card-styled rock-paper-scissors game in which players pit their cards against opponents' cards in an attempt to steal -- you guessed it -- treasure. The game features three modes: Quickplay, for low-risk, speedy, and fun matches vs. other players; Campaign, which requires the participant to face off against increasingly difficult NPCs for prizes; and Tournament, a competitive version of Quickplay that offers lucrative rewards.

Ruby notes that Treasure War isn't a standard TCG in which you build a custom deck; instead, your cards are chosen at random from your collection by the game itself. Of course, the Free Realms cash shop sells gems that can boost your odds of winning if you really need that extra edge. You can also purchase card packs for a chance at rare prizes like the glowy phoenix mount Ruby's riding at the end of the trailer.

Enjoy the full video just behind the break!

Continue reading Exclusive: Referee Ruby plays Treasure War in Free Realms

MassivelyExclusive: Referee Ruby plays Treasure War in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercard-gamecash-shopf2pfrfree-realmsfree-to-playkidsphoenixreferee-rubysoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttcgtrading-card-gametrailertrailerstreasure-warvideovideosWed, 24 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Monday night Huttball! [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/hyperspace-beacon-monday-night-huttball/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/hyperspace-beacon-monday-night-huttball/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/hyperspace-beacon-monday-night-huttball/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Monday night Huttball!
If memory serves me, the first MMO that integrated an actual sport into its game design was Free Realms. Although soccer was not implemented at launch, players could not miss the soccer fields, and eventually, the developers did put those fields to good use.

I certainly don't believe the Star Wars: The Old Republic developers had Free Realms in mind when they created the newly announced Warzone Huttball, but that does not negate the fact that most MMOs do not have sports that are just sports. I'm not sure this is because developers take the setting too seriously and therefore don't think outside the box in regard to side adventures players can have, but you will be hard-pressed to see many other MMOs introduce a sporty game into their core.

Needless to say, Huttball excites me even more about SWTOR, and I've even considered creating a character just to play Huttball. Beyond the jump, I breakdown the rules of Huttball and speculate on the further possibilities of the game. Join me.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Monday night Huttball! [Updated]

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Monday night Huttball! [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artsendgameesportsfeaturedfree-realmsGamescomgamescom-2011guild-warshuttballhyperspace-beaconLucasArtsnar-shaddaaplayer-versus-playerPvPStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortatooine-choppersthe-old-republictorwarzonesTue, 23 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Referee Ruby makes friends in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/exclusive-referee-ruby-makes-friends-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/exclusive-referee-ruby-makes-friends-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/exclusive-referee-ruby-makes-friends-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Free Realms' Referee Ruby
Not everyone can be Referee Ruby, but everyone can make friends in Free Realms, or so says today's exclusive video from Sony Online Entertainment. Ruby is back with tips on how players young and old can win friends and influence people in the free-to-play MMO. Mind your manners and don't be a jerk, she says (a simple lesson ignored by too many gamers), but above all else, get a boombox with the hottest tunes, trick out an awesome house for entertaining, and throw a party -- because everyone loves a party. Naturally, the very best party supplies and structures are purchased in the Free Realms cash shop, and Ruby shows viewers how it's done. Hey, no one said friendship was cheap!

Grab your favorite boombox and hit the break to see Free Realms' Making Friends video in full.

Continue reading Exclusive: Referee Ruby makes friends in Free Realms

MassivelyExclusive: Referee Ruby makes friends in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceexclusivef2pFRfree-realmsfree-to-playfriendsmaking-friendsreferee-rubysoeSony-Online-EntertainmenttipsvideovideosFri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
This week I decided to revisit a game that has been covered and played by me (and this site) quite a bit before. In hindsight, Free Realms was a bit of a big deal when it was released. I have to admit that I thought it was going to be something different than it was, but I was pleasantly surprised at how it played and looked. It wasn't so long ago, but my, how things have changed in the game.

Critics have said that Sony Online Entertainment ruined certain systems while loyal fans have collected pets, decorated their houses, and had a pretty darn good time. Where do I fall along the spectrum? Well, I simply have not made as much time for the game as I would have liked lately, so I couldn't tell you. Early on, I was obsessed enough over the game to host a brief podcast about it and to level up several jobs. Fastforward to now, when I decided to take a week and revisit the game.

Click past the cut and I'll let you know what I found.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Free Realms

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopchildrensf2pfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playkidsLiveStreammark-tuttleMicrotransactionsminigamesSOESony-Online-EntertainmentvideoSun, 14 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: No more lightsabers!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

CMA: No More Lightsabers!
As most of readers of my column realize, I love the Star Wars franchise, and I will pretty much play any game if it has that label on it. However, I am not just a Star Wars fan, I am also a big MMO fan. Well, at least I like the idea of MMOs. Ultima Online blew my mind when it came out over a decade ago. I had been glued to my TV and Nintendo until I saw that I could play a game that simulated living in the Ultima universe. Since then I have tried out nearly every major MMO to hit the web since then -- which brings us to today.

Choose My Adventure is a chance for Massively readers to guide one member of the writing staff on an adventure in a game of the readers' choosing. For the next six weeks, I want you to choose my adventure for me. As I mentioned, I have tried nearly every major title in the last decade, but I haven't necessarily spent a lot of time in all of them. After the break, I will describe some of the games that I believe will be great for this task, and you can choose one for me via poll. Then, as a special bonus, on Friday at 6 p.m. EDT I will introduce you to each of the games on Massively's Livestream channel.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: No more lightsabers!

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: No more lightsabers! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanAoCblack-prophecychoose-my-adventurecity-of-heroesCity-of-VillainsCMACoHCoVCoXcrypticcryptic-studiosEAEQ2EQIIEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedfree-realmsFuncomgamebreaker-tvglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosLiveStreamncsoftNexonparagon-studiosreakktor-mediariftrift-planes-of-telarasoesonySony-Online-EntertainmentStar-Trekstar-trek-onlineTriontrion-worldsUltima-OnlinevindictusWed, 10 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

All right, Free Realms fanatics, it's time for another visit from the fabulous Referee Ruby. Today she's focused on Free Realms' housing options. After giving viewers a small sampling of the housing lots available to players (as well as a... toilet theme park?), she shows us how a player can take their creative masterpiece -- such as, Ruby suggests, a theme park dedicated to a certain referee -- and share it with the rest of the world. To watch the full video, and maybe get some ideas for your own Free Realms lot, jump on past the cut!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualf2pfree-realmsfree-to-playhouseshousinghousing-lotslotsrefereereferee-rubyrubyshrugsoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 10 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: August 8-14, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/mv-guide-august-8-14-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/mv-guide-august-8-14-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/mv-guide-august-8-14-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During livestream events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, livestream events are subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's scheduled for this week!

Continue reading MV Guide: August 8-14, 2011

MassivelyMV Guide: August 8-14, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artix-entertainmentchampions-onlinechoose-my-adventurecrypticfree-realmsfrogstergamesambahero-smashlivestreamlivestreamingmv-guideriftrunes-of-magicsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-trek-onlinetribal-trouble-2trionMon, 08 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: You've got some DCUO/EQ/CWA/VG in my EQII!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/the-tattered-notebook-youve-got-some-dcuo-eq-cwa-vg-in-my-eqi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/the-tattered-notebook-youve-got-some-dcuo-eq-cwa-vg-in-my-eqi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/the-tattered-notebook-youve-got-some-dcuo-eq-cwa-vg-in-my-eqi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As excited as I am to see some of the changes coming to EverQuest II, I have to admit that some of it felt slightly familiar. I've been doing a bit of an MMO walkabout recently, and I've re-upped my Station Access so I could sample some of SOE's other titles, and also revisit some that I haven't played in a while.

As I played, I came across features and gameplay that tended to look similar. The Aether races in EQII look a lot like the race tracks from DCUO. The upcoming house database, with a ranking system, sounds a lot like what's in Free Realms. I'd wager that the Mercenary system will be modeled on the one that's already in EverQuest. And the on-again-off-again gifting system in EQII resembles the one already in Clone Wars Adventures.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll take a somewhat tongue-in-cheek look at a few other features from SOE games that would be great to see in EverQuest II.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: You've got some DCUO/EQ/CWA/VG in my EQII!

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: You've got some DCUO/EQ/CWA/VG in my EQII! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Clone-Wars-AdventuresEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedfree-realmsmercenariesstunt-gungantattered-notebookVanguard-Game-Updatevendor-divingSat, 30 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speakanarchy-onlineanetangelaoapril-foolsarenanetarthasbatmanbe-the-broccoliblizzardbroccolicharrchatdycity-of-heroescohddodevildungeons-and-dragons-onlineea-mythicelfy-mcnoclotheseqeverquesteye-of-the-northf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-eye-of-the-northgwgwenjack-emmertleetleet-speakleetslich-kinglistlistsmascotmascotsmythicmythic-entertainmentperfect-10perfect-tenplayboyprince-arthasretconretconningsarah-morrisonsoesquigsquigsstatesmantabula-rasathe-jokerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Recently, fans of the upcoming MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic had the pleasure of plopping down 150 clams to pre-order a special collectors edition of their favorite game they have never played. I've seen this before, and have even pre-ordered a few in my day (I'm looking at you, giant Warhammer Online box.) Pre-orders are the oldest form of virtual goods...they were cash-shops before cash-shops appeared in every game. The funnest part is seeing hardcore cash-shop haters gladly paying huge sums of money for a robot pet or a cool looking cape. Somehow, they see it as a different thing altogether than buying a shiny mount or pink dress from in-game.

Still, I understand the impulse. I get it every time I am in the check-out lane and the new flavors of gum have been released. Even worse is when one of my favorite games releases new items in their cash shop. New mounts, housing goods, heck even new weapons or stat-increasing potions...they make me drool.

So, I decided to take a 150 dollar budget and see what I could get for it. Click past the cut and let's look at the list!

Continue reading Free for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars?

MassivelyFree for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanbsg-onlinecash-shopcylonEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playftpillyriadkingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogiNexonwizard-101wurm-onlineWed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST