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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Free for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Battlestar Galactica Online screenshot
Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Keep that in mind before you tell that me the games that fill out the following list of "best-looking browser-based MMORPGs" are ugly as sin. Sure, some of them are an acquired taste, but I wanted to display just how much variety there is now in browser gaming. It's not the delivery system it once was; we have had fancier-looking Flash-based titles for a while, but now with engines like Unity or Silverlight and even HTML5 coding, we have games that look no different from their client-based counterparts.

There are still some ugly-as-sin games out there as well, but they have endearing qualities all the same. So keep that in mind; this is my top 10 list. If you want to suggest your own in the comments section, I would love to hear them!

Now, on to the list, in no particular order...

Continue reading Free for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs

MassivelyFree for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landarcane-legendsbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointcity-of-steamdragons-of-atlantisdrakensang-onlineEAf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiuminnogamesjagexkabamkartugalord-of-ultimamad-otter-gamesmilmoopinionrunescapespacetime-studiosvelvet-ropeWed, 20 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Pot o' gold edition, March 11 - 17, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-stream-team-pot-o-gold-edition-march-11-17-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-stream-team-pot-o-gold-edition-march-11-17-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-stream-team-pot-o-gold-edition-march-11-17-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stream Team Pot o' gold edition, March 11 17, 2013
It's a magical time: Throughout this week there will be sightings of leprechauns, lucky shamrocks will sprout up everywhere, and folks will be chasing rainbows hoping to find a special treasure. It's also the time I can say "blarney" without everyone looking at me askance! Yup, Saint Paddy's is right around the corner, the day that capstones a week when untold masses find their inner-Irish self. Those brave enough to admit they've adopted the traditions of this time can stand up and be counted in the poll at the end.

Need more to do while awaiting Sunday's revelry and pinch-a-thon? Why not watch a smorgasbord of tomfoolery on Massively TV. You can join your favorite Stream Team hosts in chat or even in game and be a part the trouble they get themselves into! Just check the schedule for the when and the where. You can also catch previous shows at your own convenience and laugh at the crazy antics displayed (and trust us, they are plenty crazy). It's all waiting for you after the break!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Pot o' gold edition, March 11 - 17, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Pot o' gold edition, March 11 - 17, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landaction-mmoactivisionaionanetarenanetascensionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccpccp-gamesconquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodiablodnddotae-sporteaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiiesporteveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfuncomgrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguild-wars-2gw2heart-of-the-swarmheroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhonhorrorinternet-spaceshipskartugakid-friendlykidskids-mmoleap-daylight-of-novalivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslucasartsmassively-metamassively-tvmetamobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftneverwinterpath-of-exileperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3poepollps3pvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararoguelikervrs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmstarcraft-iistreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtortanktankstelonthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptortriontrion-worldstruly-freetswtwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarwarcraftwargaming.netwarstory-europe-in-flamesworld-of-tanksworld-of-warcraftwotwowMon, 11 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Kartuga]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/rise-and-shiny-kartuga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/rise-and-shiny-kartuga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/rise-and-shiny-kartuga/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kartuga screenshot
MMOs are a very serious business these days. If you ask someone what type of MMO she prefers, you're more likely to get an explanation that sounds as if she's telling you what political party she belongs to. As a person who writes about games, it's easy to slip up and suggest that these virtual worlds we play in should offer different types of gameplay and even offer different ways to pay for them. If you're not careful, your readers can get angry and call you insensitive and inaccurate names like noob, sell-out or, even worse, journalist.

In steps Innogames. On the surface, the developer and publisher doesn't seem to be more than a peddler of semi-challenging browser-based games, but spend a few weeks with the lineup and you'll find yourself appreciating not only the innovation in the German game-maker's lineup but also the variety.

Kartuga is the latest to come from Innogames, and it's fun. I know, I know... fun seems to have become a dirty word when it comes to MMOs (it's not immersive or hardcore?!), but I for one am so happy it came along.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Kartuga

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Kartuga originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbetabrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopclosed-betaf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-oninnogameskartugalivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinyselling-powerstreamtwitchtwitch-tvvideowarstory-europe-in-flamesSun, 10 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Cult fever edition, March 4 - 10, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/the-stream-team-cult-fever-edition-march-4-10-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/the-stream-team-cult-fever-edition-march-4-10-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/the-stream-team-cult-fever-edition-march-4-10-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stream Team MLT edition, March 4 10, 2013

It can strike out of nowhere: that random line or twenty from one of the movie greats just rockets out of your mouth. But I'm not talking about some box office smash. Oh no, I'm talking about the truly defining films of our culture -- the cult classics! With their quirkiness, their courage to stretch beyond the boundaries of the industry, and of course those sensationally memorable lines, these films embedded themselves in our psyches and helped shape our social environment.

Wouldn't it be great to have been at the dawning of these bits of history? Well why not be at the start of a budding cult classic? While there are no guarantees, there's certainly a possibility that one of Massively TV's shows will rise up and join the hallowed annals of cult status. You never know, so why deny yourself the opportunity and live with regret?

Check out this week's Stream Team schedule after the cut and be a part of history in the making, all while enjoying the crazy commentary of your favorites hosts as they show off new betas and old standbys alike. Then vote for your favorite movie to MMO conversion in our poll at the end.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Cult fever edition, March 4 - 10, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Cult fever edition, March 4 - 10, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanetarenanetbiowarebrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playccpccp-gamesclone-warsclone-wars-adventuresconquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studioscwadc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodiablodnddotae-sporteaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiiesporteveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfamilyfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfuncomgame-of-thrones-ascentgrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguild-wars-2gw2heart-of-the-swarmheroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshonhorrorinternet-spaceshipskartugakid-friendlykidskids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentLeap-Daylivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslobbylucasartsmassively-metamassively-tvmetaminigameministry-of-warmobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftneverwinterpath-of-exileperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpiratepirate101piratesplaystation-3playstation3poepollps3pvppweRenaissance-Heroesriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararoguelikervrs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldshakes-and-fidgetskill-basedSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarcraft-2starcraft-iistarcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarmstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtortelonthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptortriontrion-worldstswtwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgMon, 04 Mar 2013 09:00:00 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[MMObility: Innogames' Fabio Lo Zito on cash shops, quality, and PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/mmobility-innogames-fabio-lo-zito-on-cash-shops-quality-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/mmobility-innogames-fabio-lo-zito-on-cash-shops-quality-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/mmobility-innogames-fabio-lo-zito-on-cash-shops-quality-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Innogames lineup screenshot
One of the greatest parts of my job is having the ability to take a peek into the minds of some of the industry's most creative developers. If an interview goes really well, I come away from it with not only a deeper understanding of mechanics or policies but some knowledge about the creative process. For me, MMOs represent a perfect storm of writing, music, art, and math; they click my creativity into hyperdrive. I couldn't write about MMOs if I didn't love them so much.

I'm not sure why I didn't notice German-based developer Innogames until relatively recently, but its lineup is more varied, challenging, and immersive than many of its rivals. It makes titles that offer a variety not only of gameplay but of accessibility. All of its titles can be played in a browser, and now a handful are available even on mobile.

I sat down with Innogames' Fabio Lo Zito during a livestream earlier this week to discuss what makes it all work.

Continue reading MMObility: Innogames' Fabio Lo Zito on cash shops, quality, and PvP

MassivelyMMObility: Innogames' Fabio Lo Zito on cash shops, quality, and PvP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfabio-lo-zitofeaturedforge-of-empiresgrepolisinnogameskartugalagooniammobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonesmartphonesocialsocial-gamingthe-westtribal-warsUltima-OnlineFri, 15 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn about the ships of Kartuga with this new video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/learn-about-the-ships-of-kartuga-with-this-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/learn-about-the-ships-of-kartuga-with-this-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/learn-about-the-ships-of-kartuga-with-this-new-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

karTOOOOOOOguh
Boats! Who doesn't love 'em? If you just answered "me," you're probably not the key demographic for the upcoming pirate battle game Kartuga.

But if you do like boats, oh boy have we got news for you. Three different ship sizes and 40 visual types -- it's ship heaven in there. Small ships are speedy but can't really take a hit, large ships are virtually unsinkable but not so quick at maneuvering into position, and medium ships take all things in moderation.

You don't just get to look at these ships, oh no! You get to fight in 'em. At the core of Kartuga is cooperative PvP. You'll go head-to-head with other captains in teams of four. The game goes into closed beta at the end of February, and you can preregister now.

Skip below the cut to take a good, hard look at the boats.

[Source: InnoGames press release]

Continue reading Learn about the ships of Kartuga with this new video

MassivelyLearn about the ships of Kartuga with this new video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoclassesinnogameskartugaon-a-boatpirate-mmopiratespvpshipshipstake-a-good-hard-look-at-the-boatthis-boat-is-realvideovideosFri, 01 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New video shows off Kartuga's Mayan, Mediterranean, and Oriental locales]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/new-video-shows-off-kartugas-three-in-game-locales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/new-video-shows-off-kartugas-three-in-game-locales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/new-video-shows-off-kartugas-three-in-game-locales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

New Kartuga video shows off various locales
While last month's video highlighted one of Kartuga's classes, the Destroyer, the latest trailer shows off the visual diversity of the upcoming action-MMO's three different kingdoms. Players will be able to battle each other while dodging among the architecture and landscapes of the Mediterranean-flavored Ithosia, the Mayan-inspired Kartu, and the Oriental-themed Empire of the Sun.

Within each locale are sectors divided into PvP or PvE mission areas. Kartuga will start with nine different sectors for players to explore. Philipp Arlt, game designer, stated, "We want to show that the wonderful world of pirates can be more diverse than what is out there now. Players can expect a lot of visual variety from Kartuga." Check out the stylings of the three kingdoms in the clip after the cut.

[Source: InnoGames press release]

Continue reading New video shows off Kartuga's Mayan, Mediterranean, and Oriental locales

MassivelyNew video shows off Kartuga's Mayan, Mediterranean, and Oriental locales originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoInnoGameskartugakingdomslocalsPhilipp-ArltpiratesPvPtrailervideoThu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Kartuga's first pirate class is the Destroyer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/massively-exclusive-kartugas-first-pirate-class-is-the-destro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/massively-exclusive-kartugas-first-pirate-class-is-the-destro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/massively-exclusive-kartugas-first-pirate-class-is-the-destro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Kartugas first pirate class is the Destroyer
Earlier this year at E3, we got a hands-on taste of the sea-faring battles in the upcoming action-MMO Kartuga, where players engage in PvP as pirate ships. Today, we get to introduce you to the first of the three ship classes -- an agile, all-purpose weapon aptly christened the Destroyer. Built to be the aggressor in battle, the Destroyer deals massive damage while counting on speed and maneuverability instead of durability to avoid sinking when attacked.

While there are only three pirate classes, players will be able to further customize each one by unlocking skill trees that branch into three different specializations. As Destroyers, players can become a Raider, a Ravager, or a Brawler. Raiders specialize in hit-and-run tactics, whereas the Brawler has the thickest armor and can wade into the battle. The Ravager, however, is best played from a distance, lobbing attacks from long range.

Want to see what this class can do? Watch the trailer after the break. And if the game looks right up your fjord, head on over to the official site to sign up for a chance to participate in the closed beta planned for early 2013.

[Source: InnoGames press release]

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Kartuga's first pirate class is the Destroyer

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Kartuga's first pirate class is the Destroyer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoexclusiveInnogamesKartugamassively-exclusivematchespiratesPvPtrailervideoWed, 05 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

GDC Online information screenshot
GDC Online was fantastic this year. Really, it's great every year, but I found more bits of goodness this time around than ever before. It's simply my favorite convention, possibly because it's aimed more at press and devs than at fans. There's a wonderful lack of loudspeakers booming dance music and only a handful of booth babes. In other words, GDC Online is quieter, smaller and more professional than a typical fan convention. For a grumpy old gamer like yours truly, it's heaven. I can actually talk to developers without having to scream over music.

What did I find, and what excited me this year? A lot. We've already written up or recorded many interviews so far, but I wanted to take this week's Free for All and MMObility to recap the stuff that truly got me excited.

Let's get to it... there's simply too much to see!

Continue reading Free for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1

MassivelyFree for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeaustinbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedconconferenceconventionf2pfeaturedffaforge-of-empiresfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gdc-onlinegdc-online-2012gdcogdco-2012grepolisherokon-onlineinnogamesjustin-beckkartugalagooniamobileopinionparallel-kingdomparallel-mafiaparallel-zombiesperblueunityvelvet-ropeWed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2012: InnoGames talks pirate MMOs, strategy titles, and games for women]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/e3-2012-innogames-talks-pirate-mmos-strategy-titles-and-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/e3-2012-innogames-talks-pirate-mmos-strategy-titles-and-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/e3-2012-innogames-talks-pirate-mmos-strategy-titles-and-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

E3 2012 InnoGames
At this year's E3, we had a nice long chat with German studio InnoGames about its MMO repertoire. The company actually started out quite small with three college buddies, who released their first game only to their close friends. That game, Tribal Wars, and its original servers are still around, albeit with some updated graphics to keep things looking fresh, but we wanted to focus on the team's more recent offerings.

While InnoGames has several titles under its belt, including Bounty Hounds, we focused primarily on Kartuga, a pirate-themed strategy MMO; Lagoonia, a social building game created by and aimed at women; and Forge of Empires, which is similar to the Age of Empires series. All three games are free-to-play browser games, and we even got a pinch of hands-on time.

Continue reading E3 2012: InnoGames talks pirate MMOs, strategy titles, and games for women

MassivelyE3 2012: InnoGames talks pirate MMOs, strategy titles, and games for women originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresbetabrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-mmocity-managementconconventionconvention-coveragee3e3-2012electronic-entertainment-expoexpof2pfeaturedforge-of-empiresfree-to-playgames-for-womengrepolishands-oninnogameskartugalagooniapiratepirate-themepiratespreviewpreviewspvprtswomenThu, 07 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST