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[HBO's Game of Thrones advertises for League of Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/hbos-game-of-thrones-advertises-for-league-of-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/hbos-game-of-thrones-advertises-for-league-of-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/hbos-game-of-thrones-advertises-for-league-of-legends/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Game of Thrones
League of Legends will be partnering up with HBO's Game of Thrones for a cross-promotional effort in the coming weeks.

Riot Games said that HBO contacted the studio with the offer, saying that there was a shared interest between the two franchise's fanbases. Riot released League of Legends assets to HBO, which will then be turned into a trailer spotlighting both the MOBA and TV series.

The game studio gave an overview of the promotion in an interview today: "HBO is doing a three-week activation in advance of their series premiere on April 6th. They're going to be getting some marketing assets, whether that's logo bugs or website takeovers. But we're also working with their team to produce a mash-up trailer. They're giving us some exclusive sneak peaks into footage that hasn't been seen before."

MassivelyHBO's Game of Thrones advertises for League of Legends originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Mar 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcross-promotiondotae-sportesportf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-of-throneshboleagueleague-of-legendslolmobariotriot-gamesMon, 24 Mar 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Third Annual Frindie Awards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/01/massivelys-third-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/01/massivelys-third-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/01/massivelys-third-annual-frindie-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Continue reading Massively's Third Annual Frindie Awards

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landachaeaarcane-legendsbeau-hindmanbrowserdeepworldDinostormeldevinever-janef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumfrindiefrindie-awardsfrindiesgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgrepolisherokon-onlinehunted-cow-studiosinnogamesistariaistaria-chronicles-of-the-giftedlife-is-magiclinden-labmad-otter-gamesmanylandmilmomystmyst-onlinemyst-online-uru-liveopinionparallel-kingdomperbluepocket-legendsRed-Robot-LabsRyzomsecond-lifesocial-mmospacetime-gamesspacetime-studiosStar-Stablethe-westTherethere-mmovelvet-ropevillagers-and-heroeswurm-onlineWed, 01 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Franchises that would make great MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/04/the-perfect-ten-franchises-that-would-make-great-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/04/the-perfect-ten-franchises-that-would-make-great-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/04/the-perfect-ten-franchises-that-would-make-great-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Perfect Ten Franchises that would make great MMOs
Any MMO player worth his or her salt has a binder full of ideas for games, usually based on a favorite book, television, or movie franchise. We've talked about it before. We've discussed whether or not it's a good idea to even have IP-driven MMOs. But you know what we've never done? We've never consulted me.

I'm hurt, to be honest. I know that I'm just one of millions of MMO players, but I have a binder too! It's a vintage Trapper Keeper with a wizard on the cover who is dashing among abstract geometric shapes. My mom thought it was cool and my friends think it's totally rad. Inside are the secrets to hit MMOs that studios are just too scared to make but would be bigger than World of Warcraft if someone would just take the chance. I know it.

Today I'm going to open up that binder and shove my ideas in your face. And then, knowing how these things go, I will raise up every geek voice against my picks in the comments section. Bring it on. My wizard can handle all of you.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Franchises that would make great MMOs

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Franchises that would make great MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Jul 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captain-ncaptain-n-the-game-masterfalloutfeaturedfranchisefranchisesgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgame-of-thrones-seven-kingdomsharry-potterhumoripipsopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenplanescape-tormentpokemonready-player-oneroundupsimpsonsthe-dark-towerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthe-simpsonstop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtrapper-keeperwarehouse-13world-of-warcraftThu, 04 Jul 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones' Dinklage to voice main companion in Destiny]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/game-of-thrones-dinklage-to-voice-main-companion-in-destiny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/game-of-thrones-dinklage-to-voice-main-companion-in-destiny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/game-of-thrones-dinklage-to-voice-main-companion-in-destiny/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Game of Thrones' Dinklage to voice main character in Destiny
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, there's no denying the fact that Tyrion Lanister is one of the most enduring characters in both the books and the HBO series. Actor Peter Dinklage is to credit on the TV side of things, and now the seasoned vet is branching out to do some voice work in Bungie's Destiny MMO.

As your interactive companion, Ghost, Dinklage's voice (sans faux British accent) will be with your character wherever you go in the game. In addition to Dinklage, Bungie is also working with the iconic Sir Paul McCartney for the game's music.

Continue reading Game of Thrones' Dinklage to voice main companion in Destiny

MassivelyGame of Thrones' Dinklage to voice main companion in Destiny originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieconsoledestinygame-of-thronesgeorge-r-r-martinghostgothbopeter-dinklagesci-fishooterThu, 13 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Game of Thrones, MUDs, and the perfect quest text]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/mmo-blender-game-of-thrones-muds-and-the-perfect-quest-text/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/mmo-blender-game-of-thrones-muds-and-the-perfect-quest-text/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/mmo-blender-game-of-thrones-muds-and-the-perfect-quest-text/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Game of Thrones Ascent screenshot
Nothing seems to suck me into a game more than a good story. The brilliant thing is that the story doesn't have to be complicated or intense as long as it's original and easy to follow. I want characters to meet, locations to discover. I need to immerse myself into a story more than I need to raise a level or obtain powerful loot. In this edition of MMO Blender, I wanted to use three main games as prime examples of systems that, when combined together in some form, would deliver the best story-driven experience I can imagine.

There are several factors to consider: story, movement, character, and interaction. I want to use War of Dragons as an example of movement in a mostly text environment, Gemstone IV for character and interaction, and Game of Thrones Ascent for story. Hopefully, when I am done, I'll have convinced someone to give me a few million dollars to create this dream MMO.

Continue reading MMO Blender: Game of Thrones, MUDs, and the perfect quest text

MassivelyMMO Blender: Game of Thrones, MUDs, and the perfect quest text originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armchair-game-designbeau-hindmanbrowserfavorite-mmofeaturedgame-designgame-mechanicsgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgemstone-ivmechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologymudopiniontext-basedwar-of-dragonsFri, 19 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones Ascent ties updates to Season 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/game-of-thrones-ascent-ties-updates-to-season-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/game-of-thrones-ascent-ties-updates-to-season-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/game-of-thrones-ascent-ties-updates-to-season-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Game of Thrones Ascent ties updates in with Season 3
Watch out, Defiance: You're not the only transmedia synergy wiz-kid on the block! Game of Thrones Ascent announced that it's started to release weekly updates that will tie into the previous night's broadcasted TV episode.

As the first episode of Game of Thrones' third season premiered last night, the first episode of Ascent's new content went live today. It's titled Episode 1: Valar Dohaeris and adds "dozens" of new quests, multiplayer alliance challenges, a power leaderboard, and a siege workshop.

Developer Disruptor Beam released some stats for the title (which is still in beta!). The studio says that 43% of the players so far have pledged allegiance to the Starks, 25% to the Targaryens, and 15% to the Lannisters. More players choose to fight (35%) than any other action, and the Neck is the most popular destination in the game world (16%).

[Source: Disruptor Beam press release]

MassivelyGame of Thrones Ascent ties updates to Season 3 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-song-of-ice-and-fireasoifbetabetasdefiancedisruptor-beamepisode-1facebookgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgotgot-ascenthbotie-intransmedia-synergyMon, 01 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Game of Thrones Ascent screenshot
There are several things that Game of Thrones Ascent, a social game by Disruptor Beam, does right. At the top of that list is the way the game works as a vehicle for easily digestible content, content that comes from some of the densest reading material in modern fantasy. For the record, I still haven't read any of the books that the Game of Thrones television series is based on, but luckily I have a wife who will simply burst with excitement when she reads some new tidbit... unless she tells the nearest person (me).

It must be hard making a game based on such a popular piece of fiction. The fact is that I didn't expect the little-known developers to do much good. I thought players would be smashing through a game that served as nothing but a cheap commercial for the HBO series. I was very wrong.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandisruptor-beamf2pfacebookfeaturedfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascenthands-oninnogamesinterviewinterviewsjon-radoffkartugalivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinysocial-gamingstreamtwitchtwitch-tvunityvideoSun, 03 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Dragon's Call]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/rise-and-shiny-dragons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/rise-and-shiny-dragons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/rise-and-shiny-dragons-call/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon's Call screenshot
When I play a game like Dragon's Call by GameDP, I am reminded of a riff on that old meme: "In Russia, game plays you." If you do what I do and explore almost any MMO or MMO-like game you can, you often find yourself joining in to play games that really boggle your mind and challenge your perception of what an MMO should be like. Dragon's Call is one of those games. Now, look, I'm up on all of the latest trends, even the ones that are super-fringe and crazy-bad; these are the trends that really interest me the most because they eventually filter into the West quietly but effectively. One of these trends is putting out games that are essentially nothing more than a button pushing contest.

I've talked about the Chinese market before and how it is absolutely filled with browser-based MMOs, some of them lasting for only a few months until they are shut down. The crowd plays as hard as it can, hopes to get ranked highly, and then moves on to the next game. It's so odd.

Dragon's Call has to come from this sort of design mindset, if not from China directly. The good news is that many games from the East are phenomenal, and just like the market in the West, the Eastern market offers a smaller percentage of good games versus bad -- but the good titles are really good. Unfortunately, Dragon's Call is not one of the good ones.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Dragon's Call

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Dragon's Call originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afkAFK-mechanicbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedDragons-Callf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgameDPhands-onlivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinystreamtwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 24 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Slaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/slaughter-your-frenemies-on-facebook-with-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/slaughter-your-frenemies-on-facebook-with-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/slaughter-your-frenemies-on-facebook-with-game-of-thrones-ascent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Slaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent
If there's one problem with Facebook, it's that there isn't nearly enough backstabbing and politics. Game of Thrones Ascent aims to fix that appalling lack by bringing users into Westeros, where they can wage war alongside some of the most beloved and reviled characters from the popular book and TV series. Game of Thrones Ascent has just launched its Facebook open beta. All game content is currently open to players, and Disruptor Beam has plans for adding new and player-requested features as time goes on.

You'll have the opportunity to start and rule your own house, give your loyalty to one of the Great Houses from the series, stockpile resources, and jockey for position. There's room for cooperative and decidedly uncooperative maneuvers with other players. There's no word yet on whether or not House Targaryen players get a bonus for recruiting siblings.

Skip below the cut to check out the game's trailer.

[Source: Disruptor Beam press release]

Continue reading Slaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent

MassivelySlaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-song-of-ice-and-fireasoifbetabetasdisruptor-beamfacebookgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgotgot-ascenthboopen-betatrailertrailersvideovideosThu, 21 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever attempted a large-scale building project in an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attempted-a-large-scale-building/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attempted-a-large-scale-building/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attempted-a-large-scale-building/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

King's Landing in Minecraft
In case you missed it, a hundred enterprising souls spent the past four months reconstructing A Song of Ice and Fire's capital city of King's Landing in Minecraft. And when I say reconstructed, I don't mean they simply made a model of the Red Keep or the Sept of Baelor and called it a day.

I mean they built the entire bloody town, right down to the interior decorations for 3,000 unique buildings.

Now, I've undertaken a few MMO building projects in my time, but all of that pales in comparison to what goes on in Minecraft. What about you, Massively readers? Have you ever participated in a big construction project in an MMO or co-op title?

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: Have you ever attempted a large-scale building project in an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-song-of-ice-and-firedaily-grindgame-of-thronesminecraftminecraft-kings-landingopinionsandboxtdgthe-daily-grindThu, 31 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones MMO announces full name, upcoming trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/game-of-thrones-mmo-announces-full-name-upcoming-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/game-of-thrones-mmo-announces-full-name-upcoming-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/game-of-thrones-mmo-announces-full-name-upcoming-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Game of Thrones MMO announces full name, upcoming trailer
The upcoming MMO by Bigpoint now has a full name: Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms.

Producer Max Pfaff is relieved to have this major step out of the way: "Selecting a game's title can be quite an arduous process, especially in the free-to-play space where games must be easily discoverable by players around the world. By selecting Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms, we're confident that we've chosen an identifiable name that will resonate with the global community of diehard Thrones fans."

The project, which is being developed with HBO's cooperation, is set to make its grand entrance at this year's Comic-Con. It's there that the studio will show an exclusive game trailer, which promises to show the Seven Kingdoms' visual aesthetic and gameplay.

If you haven't already, definitely check out our interview with Bigpoint about Seven Kingdoms from this year's GDC!

[Source: Bigpoint press release]

MassivelyGame of Thrones MMO announces full name, upcoming trailer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combatBigpointbrowsercomic-concomic-con-2012comicondirectional-action-combatf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-mmogame-of-thrones-seven-kingdomshbomax-pfaffseven-kingdomstrailerMon, 02 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones Facebook title in the works]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/game-of-thrones-facebook-title-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Joffrey golf-clapping
HBO's Game of Thrones is getting the online gaming treatment for the second time in the space of a calendar year. First it was Bigpoint's free-to-play browser MMO, and now it's a Facebook game called Game of Thrones Ascent, which is being developed by Disruptor Beam, a social gaming company headed by former GamerDNA CEO Jon Radoff.

The company says that players will "lead the life of a noble during the time of upheaval as portrayed in the books and the series thus experiencing a new type of game that unites both story and strategy."

Precious little info is given on the title, including a release date, but we'll bring you the latest as it becomes available.

[Source: Disruptor Beam press release]

MassivelyGame of Thrones Facebook title in the works originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disruptor-beamf2pfacebookfacebook-gamesfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentgreat-ideajon-radoffsocialsocial-gamesMon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Bigpoint discusses the Game of Thrones MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-bigpoint-discusses-the-game-of-thrones-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-bigpoint-discusses-the-game-of-thrones-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-bigpoint-discusses-the-game-of-thrones-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Game of Thrones screenshot
The Game is coming.

It had to be said. And for fans of George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, that one little phrase elicits some powerful and mixed emotions: excitement (to actually wander about Westeros) and dread (will it actually be Westeros?). There was even a collective cringe among some Massively staff when the announcement was made that Game of Thrones was becoming an MMORPG. Could such a complex world translate well into the virtual realm? It made the transition to television pretty well in HBO's series, but a free-to-play browser-based MMO is a whole other beast.

We're pleased to say that fans of the books and the series can breathe a little easier and even look forward to the upcoming title becuse it's going to be gritty, it's going to be gory, and power will shift like the winds across the Dothraki Sea. Massively was able to sit down with Jorgen Tharaldsen (Producer at Artplant), Alan Dunton (Public Relations Director at Bigpoint), and Rob Ollett (Executive Producer at Bigpoint) to discuss details about what's coming.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Bigpoint discusses the Game of Thrones MMO

MassivelyGDC 2012: Bigpoint discusses the Game of Thrones MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combatalan-duntonArtplantBigpointbrowserbrowser-gamecash-shopconconferenceconventiondirectional-action-combatfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012game-of-thronesgdcgdc-2012george-r-r-martininterviewinterviewsitem-progressionjorgen-tharaldsenpolitical-systempreviewpreviewspvpRob-Ollettsandboxsiegesiege-systemsiegesFri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/massively-speaking-episode-190-gdc-wednesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/massively-speaking-episode-190-gdc-wednesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/massively-speaking-episode-190-gdc-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking
Massively Speaking Episode 190 brings us another installment of the wild and wacky adventures of Massively's GDC crew. Today the entire ensemble has assembled, with Shawn, Jef, Karen, and MJ hogging the mike and sharing their impressions and experiences from the convention. Also, Karen rules from the Iron Throne, so do not mess with her or she'll send you to the Wall.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesbattleshipbattleshipsbigpointbiowarebrantbrianna-royceccpccp-gamesconsoledark-legendsdustdust-514eveeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgame-of-throneshistoricalhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemmofpsmwoopinionpiranhapiranha-gamesplaneplanesplaystationplaystation-3podcastpodcastingpodcastsps3pvpsci-fishooterspacetime-studiostanktanksthe9triontrion-worldswarwargaming-netwargaming.netwarplanewarplaneswobworld-of-battleshipsworld-of-tanksworld-of-warplaneswotwowpThu, 08 Mar 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 190Massively.com Staff00:28:20podcasts<![CDATA[Bigpoint's A Game of Thrones MMO to debut at GDC 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/bigpoints-a-game-of-thrones-mmo-to-debut-at-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/bigpoints-a-game-of-thrones-mmo-to-debut-at-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/bigpoints-a-game-of-thrones-mmo-to-debut-at-gdc-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- A Game of Thrones
Brace yourselves; GDC is coming. And with it comes the first ever public demonstration of Bigpoint's upcoming MMO title based on George R.R. Martin's hit fantasy series, A Game of Thrones. For the first time ever, players will be able to get a look at the world of Westeros brought to life in all its browser-based glory.

Bigpoint CEO and founder Heiko Hubertz is understandably optimistic about the title, stating that the devs "intend to build a game that resonates intimately with its diehard community of followers, while also creating an authentic gaming experience that attracts newcomers to the franchise." So if you're heading to GDC 2012 and you want to take a look, just make a trip on over to Bigpoint's booth and see for yourself. What's that? You're not going to GDC this year? Well, then it's a good thing we're going for you! You can look for more info from our impressions coming later next week.

Andremember: When you play the game of thrones, you win or you corpse run.

[Source: Bigpoint press release]

MassivelyBigpoint's A Game of Thrones MMO to debut at GDC 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesagotbigpointbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-gamebrowser-based-mmof2pfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012game-of-thronesgdcgdc-2012george-r-r-martingeorge-rr-martingrrmWed, 29 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 187: Hodor! Hodor!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/massively-speaking-episode-187-hodor-hodor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/massively-speaking-episode-187-hodor-hodor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/massively-speaking-episode-187-hodor-hodor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hodor!
Massively Speaking Episode 187 knows that not only is winter coming, but it is here! And because of that, we've invited Game of Thrones' own Hodor, Kristian Nairn, to join us for a lively round of MMO discussion. Kristian is an avid MMO gamer, and when he isn't serving the Starks on HBO, he's likely to be found hip-deep in Star Wars: The Old Republic and RIFT.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 187: Hodor! Hodor!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 187: Hodor! Hodor! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgame-of-throneshodorinterviewkristian-nairnmassively-metamassively-speakingoriginalpodcastriftstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortwitterTue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 187Massively.com Staff01:08:18podcasts<![CDATA[BioWare: SWTOR could've been a Game of Thrones MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-swtor-couldve-been-a-game-of-thrones-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-swtor-couldve-been-a-game-of-thrones-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-swtor-couldve-been-a-game-of-thrones-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Arya Stark reacts to the Bigpoint Game of Thrones announcement
The Force may be with BioWare, but it might interest you to know that the Canadian RPG giant wasn't married to the Star Wars IP when it began discussing its initial foray into the MMO space. According to an article at PC Gamer, everything from the Lord of the Rings, to the Dark Tower, to A Song of Ice and Fire was on the table when the team began drawing up its design documents.

"If we were going to do a Game of Thrones MMO, what kind of rules and what kind of gameplay elements would really bring that world to life? Each [design document] had that, but we always focused on the story at the fore," says BioWare's James Ohlen.

Ultimately, the devs forsook Westeros for the fertile setting they helped create in the Knights of the Old Republic series, and George R. R. Martin fans are left to ponder the differences between a huge BioWare production and a Bigpoint browser title.

MassivelyBioWare: SWTOR could've been a Game of Thrones MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesbigpointbiowaregame-of-thronesinterviewskill-10-lannistersmmo-industrysong-of-ice-and-firestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorwhyyyyyyyyyWed, 21 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones producer digs Kingdom of Loathing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/game-of-thrones-producer-digs-kingdom-of-loathing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/game-of-thrones-producer-digs-kingdom-of-loathing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/game-of-thrones-producer-digs-kingdom-of-loathing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Game of Thrones producer D.B. Weiss
Chalk this one up to eagle-eyed nerds with too much free time on their hands, but apparently Game of Thrones producer D.B. Weiss is a fan of online RPGs. The Wonderland blog snapped a pic of the writer and HBO show-runner wearing a Kingdom of Loathing t-shirt during a recent promotional reel for the fantasy drama's second season (which is currently in production).

Kingdom of Loathing is a browser-based quasi-MMO that launched in 2003 and is known for its acerbic wit, pop culture references, and stick-figure graphics. You can see Weiss's t-shirt -- as well as the rest of the GoT season two trailer -- on HBO's website, and don't forget to check out the Kingdom of Loathing site while you're at it.

MassivelyGame of Thrones producer digs Kingdom of Loathing originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesculturedb-weissf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgeek-culturekingdom-of-loathingMiscellaneousmmo-industrynerd-cultureSun, 11 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Occupy Azeroth edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/mmo-report-occupy-azeroth-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/mmo-report-occupy-azeroth-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/mmo-report-occupy-azeroth-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report, Casey wonders whether we're occupying Azeroth yet -- after all, Blizzard seems to be one of the few MMO companies capable of losing a million players while increasing profits. "You guys gonna have to sell your Lear jets in order to cover your yacht maintenance costs?" wonders Casey. No. No, they are not.

The Beard also discusses EverQuest II's latest free-to-play transition ("people are still paying for that game?!"), The Secret World's Templar week, Minecon in Las Vegas this weekend, and Bigpoint's Game of Thrones MMO -- an IP we'll probably be sick of "before the game even comes out."

Casey winds down with a list of winners for the ongoing MMO Report drinking game contest and an amendment to the rules: "Taking a drink every time I say something sarcastic is not a drinking game. That's just called drinking. Because it never ends."

Make the jump for the full MMO Report!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Occupy Azeroth edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Occupy Azeroth edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BigpointblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcasey-schreinereqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfree-to-playfuncomgame-of-thronesmineconminecraftmmo-reportnewsoccupy-azerothsoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttemplartemplar-weektemplar-weekeq2the-mmo-reportthe-secret-worldtswvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 17 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint working on Game of Thrones MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/bigpoint-working-on-game-of-thrones-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/bigpoint-working-on-game-of-thrones-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/bigpoint-working-on-game-of-thrones-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A golden crown
Winter is coming, and according to USA Today, so is a rogue's gallery of games based on George R.R. Martin's trendy Song of Ice and Fire IP. In addition to the recently released A Game of Thrones: Genesis strategy title, the lands of Westeros will be featured in an upcoming single-player RPG, a social networking game, and an MMO.

The massively multiplayer entry is being developed by Bigpoint, a German browser-game specialist known for its Battlestar Galactica game and its love of selling in-game advantages.

Whether you're excited about the prospect of killing 10 Lannisters or slitting your wrists over the inevitable MMOification of another beloved fantasy world, the next few months should be interesting to watch.

MassivelyBigpoint working on Game of Thrones MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesa-song-of-ice-and-firebreakingbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgeorge-r-r-martinkill-10-lannistersmmo-industrymmoificationnooooooooosong-of-ice-and-firetrendyvalar-morghuliswesterosWed, 09 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If there's one thing that came out of Fan Faire about EQ Next, it's that no one will talk about EQ Next. No matter who you talked to, any time the subject came up, the answer was always, "I can't talk about that." However, Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson sat down with Massively during Fan Faire to talk more about EverQuest II, and during that interview, he did give a tiny glimpse into what that game would be like.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, Massively gets the scoop on Beastlords, the dungeon builder, Freeport's revamp, and much more.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akil-hooperaltsbeastlordbeastlordscitadelcrushbonedave-georgesondesign-your-own-dungeondungeon-builderdungeon-finderemily-tayloreqeq-nexteq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2EverQuest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefan-faire-2011freeportgame-of-thronesitemizationnasa-moon-shotorcpetpet-classplanetside-2ps2revamprich-waterstattered-notebookveliouswarderwarlockMon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Gaming with Game of Thrones]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/free-for-all-gaming-with-game-of-thrones/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/free-for-all-gaming-with-game-of-thrones/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/free-for-all-gaming-with-game-of-thrones/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have really been enjoying the new series Game of Thrones over on the HBO network. In fact, when I recently changed to a faster internet provider, I deliberately added on the exclusive channel just for the series. Even though I have never read the books, a 15-minute preview of the show was enough to convince me to watch it. While I am truly enjoying the break from fantasy that is chock-full of smart-alec modern-day references (all delivered by smirking hipsters with swords), I admit to still being a little afraid that the series will take a turn for the goofy or overly dramatic. If a single vampire shows up in this one, I am going to turn it all off and go on a long vacation.

So far, though, it's been a delightful romp into a cold, realistic world. After I watch a new episode, I avoid the internet for fear of random spoilers or the temptation to look at character bios. I simply do not want to know what's going to happen, so please do not tell me. Since the series has started, I have begun to notice how I enjoy the same basic entertainment in my gaming.

I want political intrigue, amazing landscapes, and the occasional epic, bloody fight. Join me past the cut and let's look at some games that provide those three things.

Continue reading Free for All: Gaming with Game of Thrones

MassivelyFree for All: Gaming with Game of Thrones originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesa-song-of-ice-and-firealganonankamaAtysbeau-hindmanbrowser-basedf2pface-of-mankindfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpgame-of-thronesgeorge-martingeorge-r-r-martingotillyriadmin-kimmmortsnexonnexon-americaryzomsean-beanSquare-Enixvindictuswakfuwinter-is-comingWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 11 May 2011 14:30:00 EST