Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Repopulation drops its first patch for the new build]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-repopulation-drops-its-first-patch-for-the-new-build/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-repopulation-drops-its-first-patch-for-the-new-build/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/03/the-repopulation-drops-its-first-patch-for-the-new-build/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Your hula hoop competition is going very poorly.
It's more possible to play The Repopulation now than it has ever been, and that means the design team is shaking up how it handles updates. Instead of the monthly recaps of the past, the team is putting forth notes for each individual patch, such as the first major one to hit the current testing build. It's focused on improving several areas of the game, starting with a polishing of textures and performance in Plymouth City and a few other smaller points.

Several combat improvements have also been rolled out, although the next patch will hit most of the major combat issues players have brought up. Skill gain rates have also been adjusted, as have the Auction and Work Order systems in hopes of keeping the economy lively. If a few lingering issues had kept you from fully enjoying The Repopulation or you just want a picture of all the changes that have come down the pipe, check out the full walkthrough of the latest patch.

MassivelyThe Repopulation drops its first patch for the new build originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I would have liked to see how this played out.
WildStar players have fought off the machinations of the Entity, the depravities of their enemy faction, and the vicious wildlife of Nexus. Yet they've never had to face the centerpiece of the newest patch, the Protostar Corporation. Admittedly, taking part in the all-new Protogames isn't quite the same as taking on an ancient evil, but the two new dungeons added with this patch are both meant to test player abilities, with a low-level run through Protogames Academy conveying gameplay concepts while the Ultimate Protogames provide an assortment of new challenges.

Not that there aren't plenty of other things for players to experience as well. The patch also contains new housing options, allowing you to edit the terrain of your home, and the character chop shop to let you re-edit facial details and the like. Players can also take on a brand-new Shiphand mission or run the Veteran difficulties of existing Shiphand missions, earning valuable Renown to take to the new Renown vendor. There's plenty to be done with the latest patch, so get in there and enjoy the games.

Continue reading WildStar launches the Protogames Initiative

MassivelyWildStar launches the Protogames Initiative originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting from square twelve over and over, in short.
The latest development blog from Crowfall establishes a problem. The nature of any sort of permanent game is to fall into stagnation. Eventually, the most powerful players control everything and there's no room for new people to come in. You want room for new people to come in. But you also want to have long-term effects to what takes place in the game rather than just resetting everything as the game approaches a static state. What's to be done? According to the aforementioned development blog, you reset... but by pieces.

At the center of Crowfall's design lies a cycle of birth, corruption, and demise. Characters remain, but as they participate in individual campaigns of the game there's space for players to make a lasting impact on the game world. But the continual destruction of each campaign as certain players "win" ensures that there's always space for something new to happen, that no one ever becomes unassailable in every sense. Take a look at the full post for a clearer picture of how the game intends to keep players engaged by periodically wiping the board clear of pieces.

MassivelyCrowfall details starting, finishing, and resetting by Hunger originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The grace, the power, the devotion, the relentless use of Detect Evil.
Paladins are sort of a thing in any setting you claim to name. The very name conjures images of a fiercely devout warrior with heavy armor, heavy weaponry, and boundless dedication to a cause. Neverwinter's next class, the Oathbound Paladin, is certainly meant to play off of that image. It's a class that can specialize in tanking or healing based on the Paragon path it chooses, and it mechanically centers around helping allies without thought for itself.

The central mechanic of the Oathbound Paladin is Divine Call, an ability that gathers energy passively and through certain Paladin actions. When used, it can taunt foes or offer big area healing. The more regular abilities for the class allow it to aura-buff the party, place damage shields on fellow party members, and absorb damage only to unleash it upon enemies shortly thereafter. Find out more about the class with the official preview.

MassivelyNeverwinter details the Oathbound Paladin originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where else can you hunt cats inefficiently in a group? Aside from poorly planned trips to adoption centers.
The team behind TUG is about to let you play in the sandbox with your friends. The most recent update on the game's Kickstarter page includes multiplayer support so that you can built shelters with all of your friends. Moreover, this update adds in non-blocky voxel support. You won't just build houses out of dirt blocks; you'll build smooth, sprawling mansions! Out of, um, dirt. That part needs a bit of an update.

You can check out the video just past the break for a comprehensive look at all of the features being added with this next patch to the alpha client. There are also several bug fixes and usability improvements for the client, including tweaks to rid the game of issues with small rocks and seed growth and improvements to tool use factors. If you're an alpha tester, the game you're playing will be that much better after the patch.

Continue reading TUG's multiplayer has arrived

MassivelyTUG's multiplayer has arrived originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Feb 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For a given value of fix, obviously.
Bungie made some mistakes with the first bit of Destiny DLC. That's not editorializing; that's a takeaway from a post that designer Luke Smith made regarding mistakes that will not be repeated for the game's second bit of downloaded content, House of Wolves. Smith explains the shard economy essentially functioned as a barrier to prevent people from actually equipping their shiny new pieces of kit, thus invalidating and minimizing the effort put forth by players.

Ultimately the goal is to make reaching level 32 with gear easier while giving players more incentive to keep tweaking their setup via new upgrades and better traits on items. Smith also states that the economy is not going to be adjusted this tier simply to ensure that the people who have already put this much work in will not find themselves invalidated again. It's a change to be made moving forward, one that will hopefully improve everyone's experience in the game once the second DLC update drops.

MassivelyBungie aims to fix parts of Destiny's economy in House of Wolves originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make it ever so much easier to not be bad.
Do you like the current unlocking system for traits in Guild Wars 2? If you don't, you're in good company; very few people actually like it. The good news, at least, is that it doesn't appear that it's going to be a problem in the near future. Game director Colin Johanson spoke out recently on the game's forums stating that the pending release of Heart of Thorns gave the team more freedom for discussing future plans and core gameplay changes.

With the inclusions of specializations and account-wide masteries, the existing trait system is going to be replaced by a simpler system to ensure that progress and advancement is where the development team wants it for all Guild Wars 2 characters. More updates on how the system will work are promised as the release draws closer, but if you don't like the existing system, you can at least take heart that it's going to be gone before too much longer.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 is replacing its trait unlock system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Loud noises.
The first major patch for World of Warcraft's latest expansion is here! If by "here" you mean "on the test realm," anyhow. So not here at all. The opposite of here; still preparing to be here. One might even go so far as to say it's there. But the full (preliminary) patch notes for the test realm are available right now for those who'd like to see what's around the corner aside from brand-new Blood Elf models.

Garrison fans will have plenty of things to enjoy, with new visitors offering quests, new follower missions, and a new music box available. Players can also make use of a new Twitter integration feature and the new heirloom collection tab. Several classes are also seeing talent and balance adjustments, including across-the-board buffs to healer damage output for adventuring in the world. No word yet on when the patch will drop, but you can see what it contains from the patch notes.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft unleashes its full patch 6.1 patch notes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We hope you like shooting, because it's all shooting from here on out.
Good news, Defiance fans: Your questions have been answered. Assuming that your questions were closely tied to the 12 questions answered here, of course. Otherwise your questions remain unanswered. But if you want to know more about expeditions or the upcoming Alcatraz hub, the answers have you covered. Whether or not you'll like the answers is another story entirely; expeditions are very much about straightforward shooting engagements with a full group using a drop-in-drop-out approach to forming a party.

At this point there's no exact ETA for when the Alcatraz update will be available on the game's test server, although the developers are hopeful for "soon." The answers also discuss some long-standing issues and a few bugs as well as take on the issue of character customization, which isn't going to be expanded any time soon. Even if your question isn't among the ones answered, it still would behoove Defiance players to take a peek at what's in store for the game.

MassivelyDefiance developers answer a dozen player questions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gigantic
Motiga's Gigantic is one part Team Fortress, one part Dota, and one part Monster Hunter. The basic match structure will sound familiar to MOBA lovers -- two teams of five slug it out for superiority by controlling resources, leveling up, and killing one another -- but the skill-based mechanics, multiple maps, and shifting strategy priorities make the game more than a three-lane farm fest. Gigantic isn't about last-hitting or memorizing meta. Instead, it's about slaying giants and aiming true.

I hopped in on a quick Gigantic match with some other press folks this afternoon at PAX South 2015, and in the midst of delivering an absolute drubbing to the scrubs (kidding!) on the other side of the table, I was able to get a feel for the game's combat system, characters, and the way its massive guardians change the way battles play out.

Continue reading PAX South 2015: Slaying giants in Motiga's Gigantic

MassivelyPAX South 2015: Slaying giants in Motiga's Gigantic originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetaconconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpof2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumgame-mechanicsgigantichalf-featurehands-onmassively-event-coveragemicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmobamotigamovementnew-titlespaxpax-2015pax-southpax-south-2015penny-arcade-expoplay-mechanicspremiumtestingtrailertrailersvideovideosSun, 25 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyforge unveils the Gunner]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/skyforge-unveils-the-gunner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/skyforge-unveils-the-gunner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/skyforge-unveils-the-gunner/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mmm, what you say, ooh, that you only meant well, well of course you did
The Beatles once opined that happiness is a warm gun. Skyforge's Gunner class has a warm gun that also transforms into different modes and allows the class to call down orbital strikes, so one can only conclude that it is a very happy class indeed. Its opponents are somewhat less so. You can see the class in action in the video just past the break, or you can read through the reveal page to get a better idea of how this multi-mode class will play.

The cannon has three main modes as well as a variety of sub-firing options, allowing gunners to mow down targets at long range with missile barrages or take out hardened targets with bursts of plasma. Since it's meant to stay at range, the class also sports a variety of defensive tricks like teleporting back and forth. It's exactly the sort of class for you if you like having a big gun, even more so if you want that big gun to shoot all sorts of different stuff.

Continue reading Skyforge unveils the Gunner

MassivelySkyforge unveils the Gunner originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not that you can always expand the land you're on, see.
Following today's ArcheAge patch you'll want to keep a close eye on the bottom left of the game's UI. You'll see a little icon light up to indicate that you have a new gift awaiting you, and then... you get free stuff. That's it. That's all you have to do. The newest patch will offer these Divine Gifts to players regularly, allowing you to open as many as 10 in a given day for rewards like Lunarites, bonus food, and Hereafter Stones.

Players will also be able to craft land expansion certificates (which will also be available from the Marketplace in a future update) and larger storage chests. That's in addition to new rewards for maxing skill trees and new portals leading directly to Serpentis and the Sea of Drowned Love. Whatever your focus is in ArcheAge, you'll have plenty of opportunity to take part in it when today's patch goes live.

MassivelyArcheAge patches in Divine Gifts and land expansion certs today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We dominated the endgame for months and all we got was captured by Mamool Ja.
The day that Final Fantasy XIV players have waited for is finally here. Patch 2.5 has gone live, and it brings with it a host of improvements and additions to the game. The full patch notes also contain no shortage of items that had previously been held back from the preliminary notes, including new crafting recipes, new vendor wares, and new items available for quick exploration ventures.

While this is only the first part of the game's 2.5 patch series, it includes three new dungeons, the new World of Darkness raid, three new trials, and the first half of the pre-Heavensward story conclusion. The servers are up and running, so if you have the day off or just don't have to go to work yet, you can get a jump on all of the new endgame content and start working your way through everything that's been added. Otherwise you can console yourself with the patch notes.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV patch 2.5 is live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These preliminary patch notes are a blessing and a curse.
Ladies, gentlemen, and those who fall into neither category: The end approaches swiftly. Final Fantasy XIV's last pre-expansion patch is about to drop, and just like the bass, it won't be the same afterward. Tomorrow you've got a whole lot of new content to play through, enough to probably keep you well occupied for the next three months. The fact that the second portion of the patch will be dropping in about a month just makes it all the more occupying.

As we've done many times before, today's column is meant chiefly to take apart the patch elements we know of and get you up to speed so you can start playing without any issues once you can log in again. So let's start in on the first part of Before the Fall, complete with its new mystery trial and the promise of many revelations. Even if the big fireworks are coming in March.

Continue reading The Mog Log: A primer for Final Fantasy XIV patch 2.5

MassivelyThe Mog Log: A primer for Final Fantasy XIV patch 2.5 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So, yes, the plan is still going to shoot things, mostly.
If you desperately want to play Borderlands Online but have no access to the upcoming China-only title, maybe the hard details on the game's systems will make you feel better. Or maybe they'll make you want to play it more; hard to say. The game will feature four classes: Soldier, which can summon a mobile turret; Hunter, which marks and weakens the target with a drone; Siren, which uses a little bird made out of fire to burn things; and Berserker, which can, well, go berserk.

Five categories of weapon will be available, with four of the categories locked to classes (Sniper Rifles for Hunters, for example) and Pistols being available for everyone. The game's first test, running from the 23rd to the 27th, will feature three towns with six instanced areas each for gameplay. Take a gander at the full details and some early press screenshots if you just can't find out enough about this new installment of the franchise.

MassivelyBorderlands Online unloads hard details before testing begins originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Locked in mortal staffblade combat, as always.
Star Wars: The Old Republic is launching update 3.1 in about a month, and the developers are using this patch to address some standing issues. The patch also kicks off the game's fourth ranked play season, which is scheduled to last about three months. This season will be used as the basis for some new ranked play adjustments, such as implementing a "floor" rating for picking up the lowest-tier season rewards in Season 5. The season's titles will also be class-specific based on forum feedback.

Designers are also looking into balancing classes, starting with the Darkness Assassin and the Kinetic Combat Shadow, addressing issues with survivability and damage in the class. If you've been feeling squishier or less resilient or noticed oddities with abilities, you can take part in the thread yourself. Early versions of these changes have already been rolled out to the test servers for the coming update.

[Thanks to Mikey Moo for the tip!]

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic will address balance and ranked PvP for update 3.1 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebiowareclassclassescompetitioneaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playgame-balancegame-mechanicslucasartsmechanicsnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesranked-playranked-pvpranked-seasonssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdateupdatesFri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI drops a new patch for the new year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/final-fantasy-xi-drops-a-new-patch-for-the-new-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/final-fantasy-xi-drops-a-new-patch-for-the-new-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/final-fantasy-xi-drops-a-new-patch-for-the-new-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Still standing!
Another year has come to Final Fantasy XI, and it brings with it a new year's version update with a host of new improvements. From a system standpoint, players can now equip two linkshells at the same time, complete with two separate chat modes. The game will also allow players to send tells and invite other players by clicking their names in the log window rather than relying purely upon text commands.

In terms of content, new quests have been added to Adoulin regions, several Records of Eminence objectives have either been added or had their requirements lowered, and new Wanted objectives have been implemented. Puppetmaster players can also benefit from improved spell lists for their automaton and a new set of automaton improvements. Take a gander at the full list of changes, all of which should make the game less punishing and more engaging for veteran players.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI drops a new patch for the new year originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclassesfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xigame-mechanicsnewsnews-itemspatchpatchespuppetmastersquaresquare-enixsystemuiupdateupdatesuser-interfaceversion-updatesThu, 15 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Crowfall illustration hints at 'core game system']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/new-crowfall-illustration-hints-at-core-game-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/new-crowfall-illustration-hints-at-core-game-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/new-crowfall-illustration-hints-at-core-game-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Creative director J. Todd Coleman has posted a new update on the Crowfall boards that takes a look at the journey from concept art to game asset. There's also an "illustration that provides clues for both a core game system and one of our key narrative threads," he writes.

Crowfall is a new virtual world currently in development at Artcraft, a new studio comprised of MMO industry veterans operating under the mantra of "real skill, real risk, and real consequences."

MassivelyNew Crowfall illustration hints at 'core game system' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcraftconcept-artcrowfallcrowfall-game-mechanicsfantasygame-mechanicshypej-todd-colemansandboxtemplarvirtual-worldThu, 15 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar will reduce grind, focus on 'a multitude of playstyles' in 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/wildstar-will-reduce-grind-focus-on-a-multitude-of-playstyles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/wildstar-will-reduce-grind-focus-on-a-multitude-of-playstyles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/wildstar-will-reduce-grind-focus-on-a-multitude-of-playstyles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

You can see this as something to be repaired or something beyond repair, you're going to argue about it in the comments either way.
Where does WildStar go from here? That's the question that director Mike Donatelli seeks to answer with his latest address to the community. Donatelli says this morning that while he's thankful for the praise the game received toward the end of 2014, there are several areas where the game needs to improve, and thus the team is working on making a better game experience for everyone moving forward. He lays out three chief foci for the team over the next year: listen to feedback to make the game more fun and "less grindy"; support "a multitude of playstyles," group sizes, and levels; and invest, expand, and improve the existing game.

Donatelli targets for these plans the first half of 2015, which will contain better-tuned endgame reward systems to fight fatigue along with a wider breadth of content for solo and small-group players. Over the rest of the year, the team plans to introduce a new Contract system to support different playstyles, continue tuning the rewards, and greatly expand the game's customization options. It's a lot of changes, but the Carbine team seems dedicated to making them work.

MassivelyWildStar will reduce grind, focus on 'a multitude of playstyles' in 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioscontentendgameendgame-mechanicsgame-contentgame-designgame-mechanicsmechanicsmike-donatellincsoftnewsnews-itemspatchpatchessandparksci-fantasysci-fiupcoming-patchesupdateupdateswildstarwsThu, 15 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Desert readies sieges for January 17th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/black-desert-readies-sieges-for-january-17th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/black-desert-readies-sieges-for-january-17th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/black-desert-readies-sieges-for-january-17th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Avon calling!
Ready to lay siege to your enemies and take control of whatever strikes your fancy (as long as it's a castle) in Black Desert? The developers are getting ready to let players do just that. Sieges will be enabled on a single server on January 17th for a live test, and as long as nothing breaks horrendously, all servers will have the mechanics enabled on January 24th.

Each guild will be able to build two towers and one command center as part of the lead-in to the warfare; the last guild standing after a siege will take control of the castle and be the defenders during the next assault. Still no word has been offered on an exact date for a North American release, for those of you watching this with hungry eyes. You'll have to find out how the siege tests go from the sidelines.

Continue reading Black Desert readies sieges for January 17th

MassivelyBlack Desert readies sieges for January 17th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertcastle-siegefantasygame-mechanicshousingkoreakorean-mmonewsnews-itemspearl-abysspvppvp-mechanicssandboxsiegesiege-mechanicstesttestingtrailertrailersvideovideosWed, 14 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MapleStory 2's closed beta will have 3 PvP modes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/maplestory-2s-closed-beta-will-have-3-pvp-modes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/maplestory-2s-closed-beta-will-have-3-pvp-modes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/maplestory-2s-closed-beta-will-have-3-pvp-modes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

When MapleStory 2's closed beta doors open up in Korea from January 21st through the 25th, testers will be able to experience three different PvP modes. MMOCulture brings word of Nexon's recent update, which described these three modes, including 1v1, free-for-all, and PvPvE. Players level 30 and higher can engage in 1v1 battles in Red Coliseum or go for a reward for the most kills in Blood Mines free-for-all. The third mode, Shadow World, has no level restriction and pits players against mobs as well as players in a search for special treasures that aren't available anywhere in the open world.

MassivelyMapleStory 2's closed beta will have 3 PvP modes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v1f2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsmaplestorymaplestory-2nexonnexon-americanexon-koreaPvPpvp-modespvpveTue, 13 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online outlines its update and test patterns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

They're also renaming the internal test server to Wendy's Falafel & Cheese Party (All Night Every Night) but that has nothing to do with release. You probably don't want the story.
The early enrollment stage of Pathfinder Online has started, and that means it's time to start setting a regular update schedule. A new development blog establishes that the game is currently slated to put out a new major build every other week, with the acknowledgement that the first few weeks will be something less than reliable due to the growing pains of turning the servers on. Players can look forward to the War of Towers kicking off tomorrow, January 14th, at 1:00 p.m. EST.

A bunch of the game's moving pieces are being either reopened or renamed. The alpha accounts are being renamed platinum accounts, since the game is no longer in its alpha testing phase. The test server is coming back online as a way to double-check all of the new adjustments to the game before they go live. Worth noting is that account perks used on the test server will still count as consumed on the live server, meaning that an account entitlement you use on a test will be gone as surely if you used it in the core game. Check out the full update for more specifics and the mechanics of taking part in update testing.

MassivelyPathfinder Online outlines its update and test patterns originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingbetasearly-testingfantasygame-mechanicsgoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparktesttest-servertestingTue, 13 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape debates auction halls on retro servers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/runescape-opens-up-discussion-of-the-grand-exchange-for-old-scho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/runescape-opens-up-discussion-of-the-grand-exchange-for-old-scho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/runescape-opens-up-discussion-of-the-grand-exchange-for-old-scho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Doing it like it used to be, but it's not.
The old school servers for RuneScape are something of a community experiment. Yes, the servers are meant to keep a classic feeling alive alongside the modern game, but they're also meant to be fun for the players. This is why the developers have opened up a thread for discussing whether or not to bring the Grand Exchange on to the old school servers, with a detailed explanation of the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Some of the features available in the Grand Exchange on the "main" version of the game would not necessarily be available on the old school site due to technical limitations. It would, however, replace the Trading Post while still leaving the game's normal trade interface untouched. If you're an old school gamer who wants to sound off on the matter, take a look at the thread and figure out what would best serve the community. That's why it's up for discussion, after all.

MassivelyRuneScape debates auction halls on retro servers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmocommunitycultureeconomyf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsjagexjagex-games-studionewsnews-itemsold-schoolold-school-serversrsrunescapesandboxtradetradingMon, 12 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Speculating on Final Fantasy XIV's Heavensward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/the-mog-log-speculating-on-final-fantasy-xivs-heavensward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/the-mog-log-speculating-on-final-fantasy-xivs-heavensward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/the-mog-log-speculating-on-final-fantasy-xivs-heavensward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Here it comes.
We've got patch 2.5 around the corner, but Final Fantasy XIV's first expansion isn't all that far away either. And that, of course, brings with it no end of speculation about what players will find because so little is certain right now. What previews we've had have been vague by design, just enough to set our minds aflame with possibility without nailing down exactly what we'll find when we start venturing northward.

Lucky for me, I love speculating.

There are several ideas I've already seen regarding what we're getting in Heavensward, some of which are so far out of left field that I tend to think it's a pipe dream of the speculator and some of which seem to be logical predictions about the future of Final Fantasy XIV. So here's a bit of talk about those before we start hearing tons of expansion news and it's all proven transparently true or false. (Midway through the week, maybe.)

Continue reading The Mog Log: Speculating on Final Fantasy XIV's Heavensward

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Speculating on Final Fantasy XIV's Heavensward originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclassesconsoleconsolesdungeondungeonsendgameexpansionexpansionsfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-heavenswardfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfuture-updatesgame-mechanicsheavenswardjobjobsloremog-logopinionpatchpatchesspeculationsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logupdateupdatesMon, 12 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny development blog discusses updates and guns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/destiny-development-blog-discusses-updates-and-guns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/destiny-development-blog-discusses-updates-and-guns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/destiny-development-blog-discusses-updates-and-guns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

And the winner for this year's weapon of choice is... GUN! Thanks for playing.
The holiday break is over now, and the team behind Destiny is slowly returning from the collective bacchanalia and getting back to what really matters: giving players guns so that they can shoot aliens in the face and then get better guns to shoot bigger aliens. If you've already gone through Crota's End and are waiting for the hard mode, for example, you should know that it's almost done and should be going on to the live servers soon, although there's not a concrete date yet. It's all in the game's most recent developer blog.

Players can look forward to loot updates in Vault of Glass and system changes in Crota's End as soon as January 13th, which should help soften the delay. The blog also contains information on guns, specifically on the most popular sorts of weapons that players are toting around to use during their alien-shooting sorties. Check out the full update for more details on the patch adjustments and future PvP rotations.

MassivelyDestiny development blog discusses updates and guns originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebungieconsoledestinyendgamegame-mechanicsnewsnews-itemspatchpatch-previewpatchesraidraidssci-fishooterupdateupdate-previewupdatesFri, 09 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Revival talks about death, decoration, and defenses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/revival-talks-about-death-decoration-and-defenses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/revival-talks-about-death-decoration-and-defenses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/revival-talks-about-death-decoration-and-defenses/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nice rendered still of a house, though.
You remember Revival, right? You know, the game funding its development by selling in-game houses? That one. The developers haven't been quiet over the holiday season, with several recent blog posts detailing the high-end concepts behind several of the game's key mechanics -- for example, dying, which doesn't simply leave you to run back to your corpse but forces you to traverse the spirit realm, fighting off malicious spirits and seeking the Mortality Gate to drag yourself back from the dead.

Of course, you can stay alive longer by making use of combat mechanics like the shield wall to defend yourself from dying. You can also use your continued "being alive" status to take advantage of the decoration kits available for housing, which allow you to convert existing rooms with certain fixtures to more functional equivalents. It's all interesting stuff and worth considering if you're sorely tempted to drop a bunch of money on the promise of virtual real estate.

MassivelyRevival talks about death, decoration, and defenses originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconceptsdeathdecorationdesign-conceptsdyinggame-designgame-mechanicshousinghousing-decorationillfonicmechanics-previewnewsnews-itemsplayer-housingpreviewrevivalWed, 07 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation looks back on December and Early Access]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/the-repopulation-looks-back-on-december-and-early-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/the-repopulation-looks-back-on-december-and-early-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/the-repopulation-looks-back-on-december-and-early-access/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

You said we were going out for lobster, Tim. I don't see any lobster.
For the first time in testing, The Repopulation didn't quite keep pace with its normal biweekly update schedule for the test client. Why, you ask, were the developers being such lazy bums? Because of the holidays? Or was it because the game was busy launching on Steam as an early access title, thus requiring extra work by the team to make sure that previous backers and newcomers alike were having fun? Mostly the latter, as it happens; not so much with the lazy bums.

Of course, a slight schedule slip doesn't change the fact that the team was hard at work on the game, with the biggest focus being bug fixes (as the new influx of players has resulted in many more bug reports). There are also improvements to the game's missions, with a focus on more challenging variations and the possibility of random fitting rewards from clearing them. Check out the full recap for a picture of everything that's been added or improved over the past month.

MassivelyThe Repopulation looks back on December and Early Access originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesalphaalphasbetabetasbugbug-fixesbugsearly-accessearly-access-titlegame-mechanicsmonthly-recappatchpatchesrecaprepopulationsandboxsci-fisteamtesttest-phasestestingthe-repopulationupdateupdatesMon, 05 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nexus Telegraph: WildStar's past year and future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-past-year-and-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-past-year-and-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-past-year-and-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I don't want to have to say goodnight.
A year ago, I was excited for WildStar's future. Now I'm sitting here wondering how things went so very, very wrong.

That's not true, though; I know exactly how things went wrong. I don't like thinking about it, but I do know. And so here I am, with a game I was hugely excited to play out and in the wild, and so much has gone wrong. It's easy to think that I've pretty much clocked out altogether.

But that's also not true. I'll be the first to point out that I've said some decidedly unkind things about the state of the game and the choices that have been made thus far in terms of fixing them. The last column I wrote even posited that it might be too late for several of the changes being proposed to make any sort of impact when it comes to the game's image.

This is why I really want the game to prove me wrong.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: WildStar's past year and future

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: WildStar's past year and future originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015carbinecarbine-studioscolumnfeaturedgame-mechanicshalf-featurencsoftnexusnexus-telegraphopinionretrospectivesandparksci-fantasysci-fispeculationthe-nexus-telegraphthe-year-aheadwildstaryear-in-reviewWed, 31 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gloria Victis plays host to Santa]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/gloria-victis-plays-host-to-santa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/gloria-victis-plays-host-to-santa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/gloria-victis-plays-host-to-santa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

gloria victis
Over this past weekend, Santa Claus had the opportunity to visit the in-the-making Gloria Victis and delight testers. In the newest pre-alpha patch, Santa appeared on Stoneholm Island and regaled listeners with his... rather unusual adventures.

The patch also implemented a new gathering system, animations for said gathering, added in a few new locations, and buffed bow-and-arrow attacks.

The team also had a special message for the game's supporters: "Thanks to all of you who put your trust in ourselves. You gave us the chance to continuously create the project of our dreams. You are our everyday Santa Clauses and support the Gloria Victis developing in any possible way."

[Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

MassivelyGloria Victis plays host to Santa originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingbetabeta-testingblack-eye-gameschristmaschristmas-2014dialoguegame-mechanicsgloria-victisholidaynewsnews-itemspatchpatchespre-alphapre-alpha-patchtestingwinter-2014winter-holidaywinter-holidayswinter-holidays-2014Mon, 29 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shroud of the Avatar's Richard Garriott and Starr Long on how SOTA wins at player-generated content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/garriott-and-long-show-how-shroud-of-the-avatar-wins-at-player-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/garriott-and-long-show-how-shroud-of-the-avatar-wins-at-player-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/garriott-and-long-show-how-shroud-of-the-avatar-wins-at-player-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Garriott and Long show how Shroud of the Avatar wins at player-generated content
When you sit down to talk with Portalarium's Richard Garriott and Starr Long about Shroud of the Avatar, you hear much more than can possibly fit in just one article! Even though its currently in development, there's a lot to this title. Last week's Some Assembly Required focused on the upcoming sandbox's community aspect; as promised, this week's edition delves into SotA's amazing player-generated content capabilities. It's not surprising that PGC would be so prevalent in-game when these two devs have emphasized the importance of making a living, breathing, immersive world for players. When you get a great community together and then give it tools and freedom to create, what happens is phenomenal. As Long put it, "It's really humbling for me and the team to see what these players are willing to do... what they're doing with what we're giving them."

Read on, my friends, and see why Shroud of the Avatar may very well be the reigning king of the PGC hill even before it actually releases! (There might be a few morsels about upcoming development thrown in as well.)

Continue reading Shroud of the Avatar's Richard Garriott and Starr Long on how SOTA wins at player-generated content

MassivelyShroud of the Avatar's Richard Garriott and Starr Long on how SOTA wins at player-generated content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcrowdfundingfantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsinterviewinterviewskickstarterking-of-pgclord-britishopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentrichard-garriottsandboxsarshroudshroud-of-the-avatarsome-assembly-requiredSOTAstarr-longFri, 26 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TUG's investment deal goes through]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/tugs-investment-deal-goes-through/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/tugs-investment-deal-goes-through/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/tugs-investment-deal-goes-through/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hooray, this fully-funded Kickstarter is probably going to actually happen!
After all the stress that TUG went through with a series of layoffs and funding issues, it almost seemed like too much to hope that Nerd Kingdom would actually secure the investors they were looking for. But good news does come around this time of year. The game has its additional funding secure, which means that it's out of the woods, at least for now.

The multiplayer portion of the game continues in heavy development (there's a preview video just past the break) and supporters are implored to really go to town and help find bugs in that build. Players are also encouraged to check out the Nerd Kingdom booth at the upcoming PAX South. It's good news for fans of what the game is now and what it could eventually become, so keep your eyes peeled and breathe a sigh of relief that the money from the sky actually came through.

Continue reading TUG's investment deal goes through

MassivelyTUG's investment deal goes through originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetascrowdfundingfundinggame-mechanicsinvestmentkickstarternerd-kingdomnewsnews-itemssandboxthe-untitled-gametugvideovideosFri, 26 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part three]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-thr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-thr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-thr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's a climb we can make, if we try.
Today marks the last entry in my better models for MMO endgame progression series, the follow-up to my series on why MMO studios should abandon raiding. And that means providing two more possible models along with something of a thesis statement. But it also means that at this point I'm far more willing to wander off into the woods with these ideas. The first part had slight twists on standard formulas, the second had ideas that was a bit further afield, and this one features two ideas that are still almost entirely unrefined.

More specifically, today's concepts are more about tackling the very principle that progress has to be tied past a certain point to things that you get. You earn a thing and then you're better. But there's no reason that progress can't be oriented the other way, with the gear (etc.) just being a gating mechanism for your actual forward motion.

The funny part is that a lot of these systems aren't really at odds with one another; they can coexist without too much trouble. But then, that's the nature of the beast.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part three

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part three originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebetter-models-for-endgame-progressioncraftcraftingcraftseditorialendgameendgame-contentendgame-modelendgame-progressionendgamesfeaturedgame-balancegame-mechanicshigh-level-contentlevellevelsop-edopinionprogressprogressionprogression-modelrantrantssoapboxspeculationthe-soapboxWed, 24 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Yes, there must be a better way. And there are better ways.
If you read yesterday's Soapbox, the first in my Better models for MMO endgame progression series, with a fair bit of awareness, you probably noticed that the models I presented were, well... safe. Normal. Not too far outside of the realm of what we already have in some games, in other words. Oh, sure, they were functional and expanded compared to what you normally see in games, and they weren't reliant on high-end raiding, but they were still derived from the same space, which is part of the point.

But that's not nearly as far as the rabbit hole goes. So let's start moving further beyond what's already common. Let's start heading into stranger territory.

As before, the models presented here are not super-refined balanced labyrinths of systems; they're the outline, the skeletons, the fundamentals of how these concepts could work. And even at this stage, they're able to go in directions you don't find in numerous MMO endgames. So let's jump right into it, shall we?

Continue reading The Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part two

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part two originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>better-models-for-endgame-progressioncraftcraftingcraftseditorialendgameendgame-contentendgame-modelendgame-progressionfeaturedgame-mechanicsop-edopinionprogressionprogression-modelrantrantssoapboxspeculationthe-soapboxTue, 23 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/the-soapbox-better-models-for-mmo-endgame-progression-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I don't think the all-bear model is sustainable, though.
Last month, my three-part Soapbox series on reasons studios should abandon raiding as the core mechanic of their MMOs produced no shortage of comments. One of the persistent refrains from the pro-raid side was, as expected, "if you're so smart, why aren't you proposing alternatives?!"

The obvious answer would be that it wasn't the point of the articles. The series was about reasons to drop raiding, after all. But it's also not as simple as "here's what games should be doing" because there are countless alternatives. Tons of alternatives. I can think of at least six off the top of my head.

So for this new series, let's consider models that don't rely upon raiding as an endgame progression model. Some of these are close cousins to endgame models found in games currently on the market, some of them are not, and none of them has been designed with fine details or lore or what-not in mind. They're drag-and-drop, as it were. The point here is explaining the multitude of options available for an MMO's endgame that don't rely upon raiding for their focus. Today's article will cover the first two of six I have in mind.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part one

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Better models for MMO endgame progression, part one originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>better-models-for-endgame-progressioneditorialendgameendgame-contentendgame-progressionfeaturedgame-mechanicsop-edopinionprogressionrantrantssoapboxspeculationthe-soapboxMon, 22 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gloria Victis is all up in your beeswax]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/gloria-victis-is-all-up-in-your-beeswax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/gloria-victis-is-all-up-in-your-beeswax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/gloria-victis-is-all-up-in-your-beeswax/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

gloria victis
In yesterday's pre-alpha patch, Gloria Victis shattered all sense of boundaries and decided that it was going to make your beeswax its business. Yes indeed, we are finally living in an era when beeswax has been added to beehives in an MMO, and life will never be the same again. (Actually, my editor informs me that Ultima Online has that as well because it has everything.)

Other changes with the patch included global buffs for capture-the-flag winners, cattle horns as "by-products of [the] animal skinning process," a buff to gear durability, a higher change to get weapon drops from humans, and a rework of the mob spawning system.

MassivelyGloria Victis is all up in your beeswax originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetabeta-testingblack-eye-gamesdialoguegame-mechanicsgloria-victisnewsnews-itemspatchpatchespre-alphapre-alpha-patchtestingFri, 19 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SMITE explores Awilix in depth and kicks off Saturnalia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/smite-explores-awilix-in-depth-and-kicks-off-saturnalia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/smite-explores-awilix-in-depth-and-kicks-off-saturnalia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/smite-explores-awilix-in-depth-and-kicks-off-saturnalia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The lack of lore apparently meant that Awilix drank heavily from the well of Generic Fantasy Undress.
There are a lot of goddesses of the night or the moon, period, and there's no shortage of playable ones in SMITE, either. Awilix is also a figure without a whole lot of prominent lore trying to provide a different take on the general role of assassin. So how did the design team go from a name and a few details to a playable character? Through interplay with her pet jaguar, a different series of abilities, and an emphasis on mobility and hit-and-run tactics.

Already have all of the gods you need right now? You've still got a reason to log in to SMITE as the game runs its Saturnalia event, offering free bonus gems to everyone and doubled experience gains for each match played. A series of rolling sales on the pantheons of the game will also persist through the whole of Saturnalia, so if you decide you would like to pick up some new skins, you've got that option.

[Thanks to Sorenthaz for the tip!]

Continue reading SMITE explores Awilix in depth and kicks off Saturnalia

MassivelySMITE explores Awilix in depth and kicks off Saturnalia originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awilixcharactercharacterschristmaschristmas-2014f2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicshi-rezhi-rez-studiosholidayin-game-eventsmobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenanew-charactersnewsnews-itemsSmitetrailertrailersvideovideoswinter-2014winter-holidaywinter-holidayswinter-holidays-2014Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar's next big update and holiday surprise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/wildstars-chad-moore-previews-the-games-next-big-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/wildstars-chad-moore-previews-the-games-next-big-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/wildstars-chad-moore-previews-the-games-next-big-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Now if you'd jut say that Glory is available from shiphands, we'd be moving somewhere!
The first major WildStar update of 2015 is available on the test servers now. Yes, there's a little time before it actually goes live for everyone. Creative Director Chad Moore took the opportunity today to explain to the community everything contained within the new update, starting with the addition of two new dungeons (the Protostar Academy and the Ultimate Protogames), a new Shiphand mission, and the addition of veteran-level Shiphand missions that can still be cleared solo or in a group as you'd like.

This update also includes new housing options, cosmetic options for characters (including the ability to edit your appearance post-character creation), and the addition of the new Glory currency for completing dungeons and raids, which can be exchanged for high-end equipment. Last but not least, it's the update that includes the long-discussed drop of the Datascape raid down to 20 players, making it less of a challenge to assemble a roster for this content. While it remains to be seen how well the update actually plays, it looks to be filled with a number of positive changes for the game.

In other WildStar news today, the studio is running holiday promotion during December. "Carbine wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and spread some cheer by giving out 12 Days of Boom Boxes," wrote Community Manager Tony Rey yesterday. "Everyone that has logged into WildStar during the month of December (12/1-12/15) will receive these sweet little bundles of potential."

MassivelyWildStar's next big update and holiday surprise originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosdungeondungeonsendgameendgamesgame-mechanicsncsoftnewsnews-itemspatchpatch-previewpatchesraidraidssandparksci-fantasysci-fiupdateupdateswildstarwsTue, 16 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gloria Victis pre-alpha patch adds weather system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/gloria-victis-pre-alpha-patch-adds-weather-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/gloria-victis-pre-alpha-patch-adds-weather-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/gloria-victis-pre-alpha-patch-adds-weather-system/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

gloria victis
While it's still very much a work in progress, a weather system (with clouds!) has come to Gloria Victis with the advent of pre-alpha patch v.0.1.1.

The new patch isn't solely about additions that make Weather Channel fans geek out, of course. The title added an item decay and repair system, updated the world map, included more music, improved mob AI, and further optimized performance.

Still, if gorgeous sunsets and foggy days are the sort of eye candy that gets you excited about an MMO, the weather may be the biggest addition yet to Gloria Victis.

MassivelyGloria Victis pre-alpha patch adds weather system originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingbetabeta-testingblack-eye-gamesdialoguegame-mechanicsgloria-victisnewsnews-itemspatchpatchespre-alphapre-alpha-patchtestingweatherweather-systemFri, 12 Dec 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online enters beta testing for Community Warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/mechwarrior-online-enters-beta-testing-for-community-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/mechwarrior-online-enters-beta-testing-for-community-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/mechwarrior-online-enters-beta-testing-for-community-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

And they say bright colors can't be intimidating.
There's a lot of stuff packaged in with MechWarrior Online's Community Warfare update: Clan 'Mechs and hardware, the new Invasion gameplay mode, new maps, the dropship mechanic allowing players to get back into the action if their 'Mechs are destroyed. But you don't have to take our word for it. The update has entered open beta, so anyone who wants to start taking part in the conflict of the Inner Sphere against the marauding Clans can do so at his or her leisure.

Piranha Games has also made an update to the way that the game handles units. Previously, "disbanded" units were frequently just being remade under a different leader or faction, but the game's structure meant that keeping the same identifying marks required the intervention of customer service. This update removes disbanded units in one swoop, allowing players who wish to disband and remake a unit to do so with greater ease. Check out the full update for the fine details and the corner cases.

MassivelyMechWarrior Online enters beta testing for Community Warfare originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingbetasexpansionf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsmechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemini-expansionmwonewsnews-itemsopen-betapatchpatchespiranhapiranha-gamessci-fiupdateupdatesFri, 12 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eliotropes land in Dofus and Wakfu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/eliotropes-land-in-dofus-and-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/eliotropes-land-in-dofus-and-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/eliotropes-land-in-dofus-and-wakfu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

I don't see anything. Where am I supposed to be looking? I'm not seeing it.
The Eliotropes are coming! Wait, sorry, that's not quite right; the Eliotropes are here if you're playing Wakfu. They're also here if you're playing Dofus. Yes, both of the games based on the same lore are getting the same class on the same day. The class also promises to be a tricky one, as it's centered around making use of martial arts attacks projected over long distances through a series of portals.

Eliotropes can serve as healers and positioners in the game's combat system, launching powerful assaults through portals and slipping through those same portals to evade damage. But enemies can also use these portals for transport, making the class a bit more tricky to play well. Check out the videos on the new class just past the break because this new option is already here. And there. Lots of places, really.

[Source: Ankama press release]

Continue reading Eliotropes land in Dofus and Wakfu

MassivelyEliotropes land in Dofus and Wakfu originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaclassclassesdofuseliotropeeliotropesf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsnewsnews-itemspoliticspreviewsandboxsestrategystrategy-mmosubsubscriptiontrailertrailersturn-based-combatvideovideoswakfuWed, 10 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST