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[Betawatch: January 24 - 30, 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/30/betawatch-january-24-30-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/30/betawatch-january-24-30-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/30/betawatch-january-24-30-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In the last act, people still await revivals.
Valiance Online will soon be available on Steam Greenlight, making it the first of the spiritual City of Heroes revivals to make it to that hallowed step. That's right, folks, we were the sacrifice required to save City of Heroes. We would have brought back Star Wars Galaxies too, but you know, it's almost February, and ewoks in cupid wings? No. Jump on past the break for our list of other games in testing!

Continue reading Betawatch: January 24 - 30, 2015

MassivelyBetawatch: January 24 - 30, 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchborderlandsborderlands-onlinebrianna-royce-betawatchcity-of-heroesclosed-betacohcrowfalldas-taleqneverquest-nextgame-testinglandmarklaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betaotherlandroundupstar-wars-galaxiesswgtestingvaliance-onlineFri, 30 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: January 17 - 23, 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/betawatch-january-17-23-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/betawatch-january-17-23-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/betawatch-january-17-23-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Star Citizen
This week, crowdfund legend Star Citizen laid out a testing timeline for the next two years; it plans to publish the "planetside/social" and FPS betas this spring, while alpha for the persistent universe portion of the game is expected before the end of 2015. What else is new in the world of MMO testing? Read on for the full Betawatch list.

Continue reading Betawatch: January 17 - 23, 2015

MassivelyBetawatch: January 17 - 23, 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbrianna-royce-betawatchcity-of-titansclosed-betacrowfalldas-talecho-of-soulgame-testingh1z1heroes-in-the-skyheroes-of-the-stormhotslaunchlauncheslife-is-feudalmassively-metaopen-betapantheonpathfinder-onlineraph-kosterroundupskyforgestar-citizenstashtestingFri, 23 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes in the Sky brings out another WWII arcade battler]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/heroes-in-the-sky-brings-out-another-wwii-flight-sim/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/heroes-in-the-sky-brings-out-another-wwii-flight-sim/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/heroes-in-the-sky-brings-out-another-wwii-flight-sim/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

his
World War II fighter games, both in simulator and arcade format, have been on the scene since approximately 1946. Well look out below, because here comes another one: Heroes in the Sky.

Heroes in the Sky looks to provide a streamlined combat experience, as players will jump into PvE and PvP aerial battles with a mouse-and-keyboard setup. Dogfights can happen in the various WWII theaters, including Europe and the Pacific. It's been around for several years now but is only now making itself available worldwide.

If you're curious about giving it a try, you won't have to wait long: Heroes in the Sky will launch globally on February 5th with various in-game events. We've got a trailer for you after the break.

Continue reading Heroes in the Sky brings out another WWII arcade battler

MassivelyHeroes in the Sky brings out another WWII arcade battler originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadogfightflight-simglobal-launchheroes-in-the-skyjcjc-planetlaunchnew-titleworld-war-2world-war-iiww2wwiiThu, 22 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trove vows to become 'the ultimate sandvox']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/trove-vows-to-become-the-ultimate-sandvox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/trove-vows-to-become-the-ultimate-sandvox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/trove-vows-to-become-the-ultimate-sandvox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

trove
Trove Game Director Andrew Krausnick isn't above making grand statements, saying in his 2015 preview letter that he wants the title to become the ultimate sandvox. "Modest, right?" he begins. "Simply put, if there's something fun to do with voxels in an MMO adventure setting, we're going to be there and we're going to be the best."

With that out of the way, Krausnick goes on to outline some of the big goals for the coming year. He said that the team is working to add gliding, sky islands, rune crafting, water islands, fishing, swimming, more block types, more mechanics, and definitely more classes.

Another big focus Krausnick mentions is to expand the economy: "We also think it should be easy and rewarding for everyone to trade and participate in the economy, so we'll be creating a system this year to make the trade channel simply a small part of a larger economic system!"

He finished his letter by saying that the open beta test will be ending "sooner rather than later," indicating an early 2015 launch.

MassivelyTrove vows to become 'the ultimate sandvox' originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015-preview8-bitAndrew-Krausnickbetaclasseseconomyf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-director-letterlaunchopen-betapreviewproducers-lettersandboxsandvoxtriontrion-worldstrovevoxelSun, 18 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: January 10 - 16, 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/betawatch-january-10-16-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/betawatch-january-10-16-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/betawatch-january-10-16-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

H1Z1
SOE's zombiebox H1Z1 vaulted into early access on Steam this week against a backdrop of controversy surrounding its PvE servers, launch issues, and potentially pay-to-win game mechanics. What else is new in the world of MMO testing? Our complete Betawatch roundup awaits.

Continue reading Betawatch: January 10 - 16, 2015

MassivelyBetawatch: January 10 - 16, 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbrianna-royce-betawatchcamelot-unchainedclosed-betacrowfalleliteelite-dangerousgame-testingh1z1heroes-of-the-stormhotslaunchlaunchesmaestros-of-the-anthymnmaplestory-2massively-metaneverwinternosgothopen-betapantheonroundupskyforgetestingthe-repopulationtree-of-saviorFri, 16 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: January 3 - 9, 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/betawatch-january-3-9-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/betawatch-january-3-9-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/betawatch-january-3-9-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2
SOE confirmed this week that the beta for PlanetSide 2's PlayStation 4 edition will begin on January 20th. This month is shaping up to be a big one for the studio; its zombie MMO H1Z1 will kick off its own early access next week. What else is new in the world of MMO testing? Read on for our complete Betawatch roundup.

Continue reading Betawatch: January 3 - 9, 2015

MassivelyBetawatch: January 3 - 9, 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betaconsolecrowfalldivergence-onlineelevengame-testingglitchgloria-victisidentitylaunchlaunchesmaestros-of-the-anthymnmassively-metanova-genesisopen-betaplanetside-2playstationplaystation-4ps2ps4revivalroundupsoesurvariumtestingxsyonFri, 09 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: December 27, 2014 - January 2, 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/betawatch-december-27-2014-january-2-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/betawatch-december-27-2014-january-2-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/betawatch-december-27-2014-january-2-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
Pathfinder Online's early enrollment period opened for backers this week. If you're not a backer and still want to play, you can pony up $100 to join; that includes three months of access. Goblinworks' Ryan Dancey dropped by the Massively comments to assure readers that "from this point forward there are no planned server resets." Unplanned rollbacks and resets are a possibility, but accumulated XP "will never be revoked."

What else is new in the world of MMO testing this week? Our complete Betawatch roundup lies ahead.

Continue reading Betawatch: December 27, 2014 - January 2, 2015

MassivelyBetawatch: December 27, 2014 - January 2, 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad2460alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcity-of-titansclosed-betaclosers-onlinegame-testinggoblinworksgreenlightlandmarklaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlineproject-gorgeonroundupryan-danceyryan-scott-danceyshroud-of-the-avatarsotasteamtestingtree-of-saviorFri, 02 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online opens up early enrollment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This will either work out all right or backfire spectacularly.
The hour has come at last! Yes, we said that yesterday, but this time we really mean it! Pathfinder Online has entered early enrollment as of today, allowing backers to jump in and play the game in its early state. There are even some new screenshots (exclusive to Massively!) to go along with this stage of the game's slow rollout; they're embedded in the gallery below.

A new blog entry has also been posted, stating the game's design philosophy once again and explaining how the earliest stage of deployment will work out. If you really want to get in but aren't already a backer from the game's second Kickstarter, access will set you back $100 with three months of included game time.

[Source: Goblinworks press release]

MassivelyPathfinder Online opens up early enrollment originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabetascrowdfundingearly-enrollmentfantasygalleriesgallerygoblinworkslaunchlaunchesnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkscreenshotscreenshotsWed, 31 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: World of Warcraft High]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-high/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-high/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-high/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

World of Warcraft
Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft launched on November 23rd, 2004. For anyone having a hard time putting that date into context, consider this: My sister, who's now in college, was eight years old when WoW's gates first opened. Some of our readers with nice jobs and adorable children were still in middle school or high school. I've personally been playing WoW off and on since 2005, giving me about nine years of history with the game.

This month's Choose My Adventure was two parts adventure and one part nostalgia. And as it turns out, sometimes the past really does belong in the past.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: World of Warcraft High

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: World of Warcraft High originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmadraenorexpansionfantasyfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 31 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Early enrollment comes to Pathfinder Online tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tomorrow: Reality!
The hour has come at last! Almost. The hour of Pathfinder Online's early enrollment approaches swiftly with a scheduled start time of 1:00 p.m. EST on December 31st, assuming some horrible bug doesn't crop up between now and then. More posts will appear on the official site to detail how, exactly, one takes part in Early Enrollment if eligible; there will also be detailed information on how the game world moves and behaves so that no one is caught off-guard.

The last day of the alpha servers won't be quiet either; testers will be given access to developer powers, allowing them to make whatever ludicrously overpowered superheroes they want for fun. This starts today at 1:00 p.m. EST and runs until the servers go down for the last time before early enrollment. So have some fun today, and get ready to start in on the real thing tomorrow.

MassivelyEarly enrollment comes to Pathfinder Online tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingalphasbetabeta-launchesbeta-testingbetasearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkslaunchlaunchesnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkTue, 30 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: December 20 - 26, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/betawatch-december-20-26-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/betawatch-december-20-26-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/betawatch-december-20-26-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Say a little prayer for Mr. Fancy Pants - the whole world knows it's only clothes, and deep inside he's sad.
Alas, Transformers Universe, you were too beautiful for this world. Only you were not, in fact, too beautiful for anything; you were actually not beautiful enough to make it to launch. Yes, it happened a little while ago, but due to some holiday or another this has been a fairly slow week, and someone needs to shed a tear for the game. Or something like that.

What else was new in the world of MMO testing for the week? Jump on past the break for our full listing of games in testing!

Continue reading Betawatch: December 20 - 26, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: December 20 - 26, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betagame-testinggloria-victislaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlinerealm-zeroroundupshroud-of-the-avatarstar-citizentestingFri, 26 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: December 13 - 19, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/betawatch-december-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/betawatch-december-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/betawatch-december-13-19-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Elite Dangerous
Elite: Dangerous formally launched this week, departing our Betawatch (Gammawatch?) list and flying free into the wilds of the MMO jungle. What else is new in the land of MMO testing?
  • Landmark's closed beta launched PvE combat this week; SOE says it will shift full-time to working on EverQuest Next in early 2015.
  • Shroud of the Avatar's devs spoke to us about its community and development process.
  • Black Desert officially launched into open beta in Korea.
  • Sandvox SkySaga began its alpha phase for UK players.
  • Skyforge launched a beta contest and demoed two classes.
  • Cabal II's closed beta is taking signups; the first focus test is slated for this weekend.
  • Valiance Online kicked off a Steam Greenlight campaign. It's currently in pre-alpha stress testing.
  • Space strategy MMO AD2460 leaves testing and launches on December 29th.
  • MapleStory 2 will begin closed beta signups in Korea next week.
  • Albion Online's winter test begins January 26th.
  • Rainbow Saga softlaunched into open beta.
  • MMORTS Siegelord's closed beta began this week as well.
Read on for the complete Betawatch list.

Continue reading Betawatch: December 13 - 19, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: December 13 - 19, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad2460albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbrianna-royce-betawatchcabal-2cabal-iiclosed-betaeliteelite-dangerouseq-nexteverquest-nextgame-testinglandmarklaunchlaunchesmaplestory-2massively-metaopen-betarainbow-sagaroundupshroud-of-the-avatarsiegelordskyforgeskysagasotatestingvaliance-onlineFri, 19 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hearthstone now available worldwide on Android devices]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/hearthstone-now-available-worldwide-on-android-devices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/hearthstone-now-available-worldwide-on-android-devices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/hearthstone-now-available-worldwide-on-android-devices/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

hearthstone
After a soft launch in select countries on Android devices, Hearthstone is now available worldwide for Android gamers.

To run it, you'll need to have an Android device that's at least 6" or larger. Like the other platform versions, the Android edition of Hearthstone will sync up with your Battle.net account and allow you to use your existing cards (if you have any). Plans are in the works for an Android version to work on smaller-size phones.

Hearthstone recently won the award for Massively's Best Pseudo-MMO of 2014. Android players can snag it on Google Play or through Amazon.

MassivelyHearthstone now available worldwide on Android devices originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblizzardccgccgmmogoogle-playhearthstonelaunchmobiletcgtcgmmotrading-card-gameWed, 17 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite: Dangerous' launch-day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/elite-dangerous-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/elite-dangerous-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/elite-dangerous-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Elite
Successfully Kickstarted just over two years ago, David Braben's space MMO Elite: Dangerous formally launched early this morning, a rare buy-to-play entry in the MMO market and one of the most high-profile Kickstarter MMOs to actually reach launch to date. If you're heading to the comments right now to inform us that Elite isn't an MMO because of its single-player mode, know that the tide's against you; even Frontier, in the midst of controversy over the cancelation of its originally promised offline mode, justified that decision because Elite is an MMO and "technically [...] always has been."

Elite: Dangerous won Massively's Most Underrated MMO of the year by a hair just last week. Check out the launch trailer and our roundup of the best Elite news, streams, and hands-on articles by the Massively staff below!

Continue reading Elite: Dangerous' launch-day roundup

MassivelyElite: Dangerous' launch-day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingdangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfrontierfrontier-developmentsinternet-spaceshipkickstarterlaunchlaunch-daylaunch-rounduplaunchesround-uproundupsandboxsci-fispacespaceshipstestingTue, 16 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[True fans of the genre, get thee hence to Cabal II's closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/true-fans-of-the-genre-get-thee-hence-to-cabal-iis-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/true-fans-of-the-genre-get-thee-hence-to-cabal-iis-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/true-fans-of-the-genre-get-thee-hence-to-cabal-iis-closed-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

cabal 2
Are you a "true fan" of the MMO genre? If so, then according to a hyperactive press release by ESTGames, you'll surely want to sign up for Cabal II's closed beta on the official site.

The beta sign-ups for the sequel to Cabal Online are indeed live, and a focus test is already in the works for December 19th through the 22nd. Cabal II is an action-MMO with "fluid, skill-based combat"; it's aiming for a 2015 release in both North America and Europe.

[Source: ESTGames press release]

MassivelyTrue fans of the genre, get thee hence to Cabal II's closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Dec 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingcabalcabal-2cabal-2-onlinecabal-iicabal-ii-onlineestsoftkorealaunchsouth-koreatestingunderwearSun, 14 Dec 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: December 6 - 12, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/betawatch-december-6-12-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/betawatch-december-6-12-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/betawatch-december-6-12-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Glitch - Eleven
Glitch might be gone, but thanks to the generosity of the dev team and the hard work of players, the game lives on in at least two incarnations, one of which, Eleven, entered alpha this week. What else is new in the realm of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: December 6 - 12, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: December 6 - 12, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-ascentalphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbless-onlinebrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betadizzeleleveneliteelite-dangerousgame-testingglitchgloria-victush1z1launchlaunchesmassively-metamechwarrior-onlineoort-onlineopen-betaorigins-of-maluroundupshards-onlineskyforgetestingworld-of-warshipsFri, 12 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Crew accidentally erases player stats]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/the-crew-accidentally-erases-player-stats/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/the-crew-accidentally-erases-player-stats/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/the-crew-accidentally-erases-player-stats/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

the crew
Whoops: It seems as though The Crew's launch wasn't without a few speed bumps after all.

Ubisoft admitted that the game's servers had been erasing or showing incomplete player statistics due to a minor issue. Before you get frightened that the game has erased your identity and progress entirely, know that the good news is that "major data" weren't affected at all and that a patch is coming to fix the problem.

The Crew launched on Tuesday, December 2nd. Ubisoft refused to provide the media with review copies of the game.

MassivelyThe Crew accidentally erases player stats originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buglaunchmmo-racingnot-pre-screened-for-criticsprpublic-relationsracesracingracing-mmospinstatstatsthe-crewubisoftThu, 11 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite: Dangerous is due for zero more wipes, releases launch trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/elite-dangerous-is-due-for-zero-more-wipes-before-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/elite-dangerous-is-due-for-zero-more-wipes-before-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/elite-dangerous-is-due-for-zero-more-wipes-before-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Elite
If you weren't clear on whether Elite: Dangerous has launched yet, prepare to remain slightly unclear. Frontier Community Manager Edward Lewis hit the forums earlier this week to clarify that the gamma 2 test phase open to backers will not be wiped prior to next week's official launch:
Hi guys, This is just a quick update to confirm that there won't be a wipe at launch.
So it's not formally launched until December 16th, but it's pretty much launched in the ways that matter. Lewis further dismissed concerns about exploits benefiting early access players. "We're looking at ways to find people who have used exploits. Don't worry about that! But also, don't worry about it if you have used an exploit - the guys on the dev team know the difference between testing something out and abusing the systems!"

Massively's Mike Foster toured the game a few weeks ago, writing that "the gamma version finally brings Frontier's full vision into focus, and the result is a challenging, complex title." The buy-to-play MMO took home Massively's Most Underrated award this year.

We've got the new launch trailer tucked behind the break!

Continue reading Elite: Dangerous is due for zero more wipes, releases launch trailer

MassivelyElite: Dangerous is due for zero more wipes, releases launch trailer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadangerousdavid-brabenearly-accesseliteelite-dangerousfrontierfrontier-developmentsgamma-1internet-spaceshipkickstarterlaunchsandboxsci-fispacespaceshipstrailertrailersvideovideosWed, 10 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: I am so confused in World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-so-confused-in-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-so-confused-in-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-so-confused-in-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

World of Warcraft
Last week's Choose My Adventure polls for World of Warcraft set me on a very unexpected path. Male Blood Elf? Really? If you had asked me to predict the result of the class/race/gender/faction polls, I would have been extremely super-wrong. I thought for sure Massively's readership was full of carebear Alliance sympathizers who spend their WoW hours hosting hug parties in Darnassus.

Anyway. This week saw me creating our new character, using the included-with-Warlords of Draenor instant level 90 character boost, and diving through the Dark Portal to experience the starting moments of Blizzard Entertainment's latest bundle of WoW content.

It was... something.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: I am so confused in World of Warcraft

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: I am so confused in World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmafantasyfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 10 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: November 29 - December 5, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/betawatch-november-29-december-5-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/betawatch-november-29-december-5-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/betawatch-november-29-december-5-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Betawatch Landmark
Landmark's beta is getting PvE in 10 days! Because it's actually a beta! What else is new in the world of MMO testing? We've also purged the heck out of the Betawatch list after the cut thanks in large part to the eagle-eyed observations of Massively reader greaterdivinity. A number of games, including Archlord 2, Argo Online, Eclipse War Online, Face of Mankind, Legend of Silkroad, Legion of Heroes, Margonem, Strife, and Taikodom, have departed or moved around in our list due to changes in their open beta status (most of them soft launches, but some of them, like Argo, have simply disappeared from the internet... again). Many thanks to greaterdivinity!

Continue reading Betawatch: November 29 - December 5, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: November 29 - December 5, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinalphaalphasarchlord-2argoargo-onlinebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbrianna-royce-betawatchcamelot-unchainedclosed-betaclosers-onlineconsoleeclipse-war-onlineelder-scrolls-onlineelite-dangerousface-of-mankindgame-testinglandmarklaunchlauncheslegend-of-silkroadlegion-of-heroesluna-moonlight-thievesmargonemmassively-metaopen-betaroundupshards-onlinesoul-master-onlinestrifetaikodomtestingthe-crewthe-repopulationtugFri, 05 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Can't stop the World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/choose-my-adventure-can-t-stop-the-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/choose-my-adventure-can-t-stop-the-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/choose-my-adventure-can-t-stop-the-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

World of Warcraft
It's been 10 years since Blizzard Entertainment launched World of Warcraft and ignited the great MMO gold rush of the aughts. In that time, World of Warcraft has grown into something more than a game; it's a cultural icon, an immensely valuable piece of intellectual property, and a brooding presence any new MMO has to consider before launch. WoW has gravity.

Just when World of Warcraft's numbers start to slide and the naysayers start planning their "WoW is dead" parties, Blizzard finds a way to make WoW resurgent. Warlords of Draenor, WoW's fifth expansion, launched late last month, bringing three million subscribers back into the game's warm embrace. For those keeping score: That's more subscribers than most MMOs ever see at their peaks.

Warlords of Draenor reworks some core World of Warcraft systems, changes up character models, implements a version of housing, and more. And with so many people returning to check it out, there's no better time for Choose My Adventure to join the fray.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Can't stop the World of Warcraft

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Can't stop the World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmafantasyfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesubscriptionvotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 03 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hearthstone launches Goblins vs. Gnomes on December 8th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/hearthstone-launches-goblins-vs-gnomes-on-december-8th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/hearthstone-launches-goblins-vs-gnomes-on-december-8th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/hearthstone-launches-goblins-vs-gnomes-on-december-8th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Yes, this is a thing that's happening.
It seems as if it was only a month ago that Hearthstone players learned the title of the game's first expansion, Goblins vs. Gnomes. Probably because it was a month ago. That expansion is launching on December 8th, adding 120 new cards into the card pool and displaying an alacrity that other Blizzard titles could only dream of achieving. The new expansion cards can be crafted, purchased, or earned via the Arena, just like the existing packs except with new cards.

If you're interested in having a launch party, Blizzard is also interested in your launch party. If you plan your event, have it registered as a proper gathering by notifying the community team, and then submit pictures and stories about the event by December 22nd, you could win a little Hearthstone care package. Or you could just kick back and enjoy the new expansion by playing. Your call.

MassivelyHearthstone launches Goblins vs. Gnomes on December 8th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Dec 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardccgccgmmoexpansiongoblins-vs-gnomeshearthstonelaunchlaunch-datelaunch-eventspatchpatchesreleaserelease-datetcgtcgmmotrading-card-gameupdateupdatesWed, 03 Dec 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Wulin officially releases in Europe alongside a major update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/age-of-wulin-officially-releases-in-europe-alongside-a-major-upd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/age-of-wulin-officially-releases-in-europe-alongside-a-major-upd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/age-of-wulin-officially-releases-in-europe-alongside-a-major-upd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

age of wulin
It's a big day for Age of Wulin, as the martial arts sandbox is both officially releasing in Europe and pushing out a new content patch.

The update, Chapter 3: Wisdom is a Journey, marks the end of open beta for EU's counterpart to Age of Wushu. Wisdom is a Journey includes a new internal skill, a higher skill cap, team activities, titles for divorced characters, and PvP tournaments. For those who crave the game's open world PvP setting, there is now the option to become a "Jianghu treasure assassin" and kill all rivals who are out for the same glorious rewards.

You can read up on the patch notes for Chapter 3 as well as get an overview of the update's features on the official site.

MassivelyAge of Wulin officially releases in Europe alongside a major update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinage-of-wushuart-of-wushuchapter-3chinachinesechinese-mythologycontent-patchcontent-updatekung-fulaunchmartial-artspatchpatch-notesreleasesandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usaupdateupdate-noteswisdom-is-a-journeywushuwuxiaTue, 02 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's action-driving MMO The Crew launches today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/ubisofts-action-driving-mmo-the-crew-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/ubisofts-action-driving-mmo-the-crew-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/ubisofts-action-driving-mmo-the-crew-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Crew
Ubisoft's "action-driving MMO" The Crew launches worldwide on PC and multiple consoles today, but before you can drive your roadster across a virtual map of the USA, you'll first have to download the time-honored day-one patch. The patch flips on drivehub challenges and the faction war as well as fixes a slew of UI, PvP, and stability bugs.

Ubisoft's Serkan Hasan assured reporters last week that game would be free of the turmoil that usually accompanies MMO launches. The studio had taken criticism from refusing to grant launch previews to media because MMOs are just too hard to review without all the players in place.

The standard version of the game is available for around 60 bucks, depending on your platform and retailer of choice. The launch trailer is below.

Continue reading Ubisoft's action-driving MMO The Crew launches today

MassivelyUbisoft's action-driving MMO The Crew launches today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crewdriving-mmolaunchlaunchesthe-crewtrailertrailersubisoftvideovideosTue, 02 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Previewing SWTOR's Shadow of Revan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/hyperspace-beacon-playing-the-shadow-of-revan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Playing the Shadow of Revan
When I was first introduced to the expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic, there were two things I wanted to see: the continuation of the class story and Yavin 4. And I'm happy to say that this expansion delivered both of those in a satisfying way. When I spoke to studio game director James Ohlen and lead writer Charles Boyd about the expansion a few weeks ago, they told me that Shadow of Revan would close one major chapter and open a new book for SWTOR. After seeing the expansion, I have to agree that Shadow of Revan does put a great cap on a class stories and opens the door for an exciting future for the game.

I don't want to give you the impression that everything in the expansion is exactly what I wanted, though. There is a surprising lack of exploration, the amount of content fell short, and parts of the maps felt slapped together. The screenshots depict beautiful scenes, but sometimes form outweighs function.

Before I continue, I feel obligated to tell you that there are spoilers of previous content in this piece, but the important parts of the new content will remain unspoiled.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Previewing SWTOR's Shadow of Revan

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Previewing SWTOR's Shadow of Revan originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecharles-boydeaelectronic-artsexpansionfeaturedFirst-Impressionshands-onhyperspace-beaconjames-ohlenlaunchlaunch-daylauncheslucasartsopinionrevanrishisci-fishadow-of-revanstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorYavin-IVTue, 02 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft dismisses doubts about The Crew's launch, releases launch trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/ubisoft-dismisses-doubts-about-the-crews-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/ubisoft-dismisses-doubts-about-the-crews-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/ubisoft-dismisses-doubts-about-the-crews-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Well, you seem trustworthy.
Are you worried about the launch of The Crew being plagued by server issues, instability, and other issues? Don't be! None of that's going to happen at launch! Who said that? Ubisoft, of course! It seems trustworthy.

In the wake of Ubisoft's launch issues this year (Assassin's Creed: Unity), not to mention other high-profile online titles that have been plagued by server issues, lead designer Serkan Hasan has stated that The Crew's beta testing has adequately prepared the game for launch. He also promises that the game's console versions will perform well on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

The Crew launches tomorrow, December 2nd. The studio has not shown any advanced previews to media on the basis that playing the game before launch would involve sub-optimal play conditions.

[Update: We've included the launch trailer below.]

Continue reading Ubisoft dismisses doubts about The Crew's launch, releases launch trailer

MassivelyUbisoft dismisses doubts about The Crew's launch, releases launch trailer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crewlaunchlaunch-issueslaunchesnewsnews-itemsplaystation-4pre-launchps4serkan-hasanthe-crewubisoftxbonexbox-oneMon, 01 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Living and dying in the Elite: Dangerous gamma build]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/living-and-dying-in-the-elite-dangerous-gamma-build/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/living-and-dying-in-the-elite-dangerous-gamma-build/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/living-and-dying-in-the-elite-dangerous-gamma-build/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Elite: Dangerous
When we last looked at Elite: Dangerous during August's Choose My Adventure, the game was in a barebones beta format with just a few of its promised eventual features. Frontier Developments' crowdfunded space-sim certainly brought a lot to the table with its pretty graphics, realistic flight physics, and down-to-the-details sim structure, but anyone not interested in running courier missions or blowing up other ships was probably left wanting.

Now, however, Elite is a different beast. Just two weeks from final official launch, Elite is in what Frontier Developments is calling the "gamma" stage. It's as close to the finished version of the game anyone is going to get until launch on December 16th. So naturally, I took another dive in Elite to see what exactly has changed.

Continue reading Living and dying in the Elite: Dangerous gamma build

MassivelyLiving and dying in the Elite: Dangerous gamma build originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingdangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfeaturedfrontierfrontier-developmentsgammahands-oninternet-spaceshipkickstarterlaunchlaunch-daylaunchessandboxsci-fispacespaceshipstestingSun, 30 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: November 22 - 28, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/betawatch-november-22-28-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/betawatch-november-22-28-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/betawatch-november-22-28-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Elite
Elite: Dangerous launched its final gamma build for backers this week; official launch for everyone else is December 16th. Latecomers can still play the single-player version through the Mercenary edition. What else is new in the world of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: November 22 - 28, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: November 22 - 28, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbless-onlinebrianna-royce-betawatchcivilization-onlineclosed-betaeliteelite-dangerousgame-testingjourney-to-the-westlaunchlauncheslord-of-vermillionlost-sagamassively-metaopen-betarevelation-onlineroundupshroud-of-the-avatarskyforgesotastar-citizentestingthe-crewvaliance-onlineFri, 28 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: November 15 - 21, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/betawatch-november-15-21-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/betawatch-november-15-21-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/betawatch-november-15-21-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Betawatch - Lineage Eternal
Lineage Eternal wowed G-Star attendees with the news that it will beta in 2015 and hit its worldwide simultaneous launch in 2016. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: November 15 - 21, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: November 15 - 21, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertblessbless-onlinebrianna-royce-betawatchcivilization-onlineclosed-betadas-talelite-elite-dangerousg-starg-star-2014game-testinglaunchlauncheslineage-eternallost-arkmassively-metaopen-betapantheonpathfinder-onlineroundupshards-onlineshroud-of-the-avatarskysagasotastormthronetestingthe-crewtroveFri, 21 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TOME: Immortal Arena MOBA lands on Steam today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/tome-immortal-arena-moba-lands-on-steam-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/tome-immortal-arena-moba-lands-on-steam-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/21/tome-immortal-arena-moba-lands-on-steam-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

TOME
KIXEYE's brawler-MOBA -- not to be confused with those other daisy-picking MOBAs -- TOME: Immortal Arena officially launches on Steam this afternoon.

TOME's claim to fame is the voice of Evil Dead's Bruce Campbell, who acts as the title's in-game announcer. Feature-wise, it boasts short matches, in-lane healing, no last-hitting, auto-buying, and 20 playable characters to date.

The latest trailer awaits your eyes below.

Continue reading TOME: Immortal Arena MOBA lands on Steam today

MassivelyTOME: Immortal Arena MOBA lands on Steam today originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kixeyelaunchmobasteamtometome-immortal-arenatrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 21 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Think Tank: Assessing Draenor's launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-think-tank-assessing-draenors-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-think-tank-assessing-draenors-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/the-think-tank-assessing-draenors-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WoW
World of Warcraft's Warlords of Draenor launch has come and gone, driven by the chaos we've come to expect from this year's MMO launches. Was it a bad launch... or the baddest launch ever?! In today's Think Tank, I asked the Massively writers, as players or industry watchers, how the launch and Blizzard's response stacked up next to those of 2014's other offerings.

Continue reading The Think Tank: Assessing Draenor's launch

MassivelyThe Think Tank: Assessing Draenor's launch originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tttdraenoreditorialgroup-editoriallaunchlaunch-snafulaunchesmassively-staffmassively-teamopinionopinionsroundtableroundupthe-think-tankthink-tankwarlords-of-draenorWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 20 Nov 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: World of Warcraft has a new thing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/the-stream-team-world-of-warcraft-has-a-new-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/the-stream-team-world-of-warcraft-has-a-new-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/the-stream-team-world-of-warcraft-has-a-new-thing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

World of Warcraft
Massively's Mike Foster started his MMO career with World of Warcraft, cruising the hills of Stranglethorn on a completely incompetent priest. Later he became a Mage, Death Knight, a Rogue, a Shaman, and... everything but Paladin, basically. Thus, it's only fitting that he dive immediately into Warlords of Draenor, WoW's most recent expansion, to see what's new. Tune in tonight to watch Mike as he investigates some Warlords of Draenor content and attempts to re-learn his PvP-centric hotkeys.

The action starts at 7:00 p.m. EST, as long as the queue gods treat him right.

Game: World of Warcraft
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Monday, November 17th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: World of Warcraft has a new thing

MassivelyThe Stream Team: World of Warcraft has a new thing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasyhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylauncheslivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideoswarcraftwarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 17 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warlords of Draenor's rocky launch saga and Reddit controversy continue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/16/warlords-of-draenors-rocky-launch-saga-and-reddit-controversy-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/16/warlords-of-draenors-rocky-launch-saga-and-reddit-controversy-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/16/warlords-of-draenors-rocky-launch-saga-and-reddit-controversy-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

wow
We've heard a lot of "it's a good problem to have" in regards to the struggles that World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor has faced this past week, as a huge influx of players have met laggy servers, lengthy queues, and DDoS attacks. But we're sure that Blizzard would prefer no problems, period, which is why the studio has been updating the community on an hourly basis regarding its efforts to stabilize the game.

Blizzard says that it's currently monitoring the servers and has seen an improvement in performance around the world. In the past day, the studio has performed rolling restarts, hotfixes, and increased the population caps on various servers. Massively's own writers have had mixed experiences thus far; while we had to cancel Mike's Friday stream because of queues and the servers were down a large portion of Saturday, by Saturday night queues and lag issues were clearing up on some servers, like Bree's, no doubt thanks to increased capacity.

But some gamers are taking their reaction to the extreme. The core moderator of the WoW subreddit shut that subreddit down last night in protest over his personal login difficulties. While the forums have since been restored with apologies from other Reddit mods, participants are still arguing over the events. "r/WoW shouldn't be a hostage," Blizzard bluename Zarhym admonished via Twitter.

MassivelyWarlords of Draenor's rocky launch saga and Reddit controversy continue originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbugsdraenorexpansionfantasyhotfixhotfixeslaunchlaunch-issuesrolling-restartrolling-restartsserver-stabilityserverswarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 16 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vainglory mobile MOBA launching on Tuesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/15/vainglory-mobile-moba-launching-on-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/15/vainglory-mobile-moba-launching-on-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/15/vainglory-mobile-moba-launching-on-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

vainglory
Vainglory, "the MOBA perfect for touch," will be launching on the Apple app store in North America on Tuesday, November 18th.

"Once the game is live worldwide, you can look forward to future updates with more heroes, more player-requested features, and other fun stuff," the team promised.

If you want to give this free-to-play title a try, you're going to need an iPad 2 or better or an iPhone 5 or better. Vainglory is already out in other parts of the world and boasts a top-notch gaming experience for mobile devices. It was first mentioned during Apple's September press conference and was developed by former Blizzard, Riot, and Supercell developers.

MassivelyVainglory mobile MOBA launching on Tuesday originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Nov 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosipadiphonelaunchmobamobile-mobanew-titlespatchreleaseriot-gamesrockstarsuper-evil-megacorptablettablet-gamingtrailertrailersupdatevainglorySat, 15 Nov 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: November 8 - 14, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/betawatch-november-8-14-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/betawatch-november-8-14-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/betawatch-november-8-14-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest
World of Warcraft's Warlords of Draenor launched this week, departing the halls of Betawatch. What else is new in the world of MMO testing? Our complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: November 8 - 14, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: November 8 - 14, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcivilization-onlineclosed-betaelvenareverquesteverquest-2game-testingkingdom-riftlaunchlauncheslineage-eternallords-of-vermillionlost-arkmassively-metaopen-betapantheonpantheon-rise-of-the-fallenroundupshardsshards-onlinestar-vitizentestingzergidFri, 14 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft deals with downtime, bugs, DDoS attacks [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/world-of-warcraft-hurries-to-patch-warlords-of-draenor-bugs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/world-of-warcraft-hurries-to-patch-warlords-of-draenor-bugs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/world-of-warcraft-hurries-to-patch-warlords-of-draenor-bugs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

What do you call an expansion that's late and still rushed?
If you had been hoping to experience the launch of World of Warcraft's expansion without queues, well, that was never going to happen. If you had hoped to face the launch without issues like disconnecting from the servers as soon as your character moved or major Garrison bugs, well, that shouldn't be happening, but it apparently is. A number of hotfixes have already been applied to the game with more on the way, including several increased spawn rates for enemies in heavily congested zones. This comes on the heels of DDoS attacks that have made logging in and playing even more difficult and make it difficult to identify genuine bugs amidst server issues.

Fans have compiled a list of the most common errors experienced on launch, some of which seem perfectly normal (long queue times after many server merges prior to launch) and some of which are not (server crashes from flying mounts). If you want to take a little time off from trying to get in and play, you can take a look at the recently posted glance at the creatures of Nagrand. Otherwise, there's not much to be done other than waiting for the latest round of hotfixes and hoping that corrects the major issues.

[Massively's sister site WoW Insider has published a detailed editorial explaining the launch issues and who bears responsibility for which ones. Managing Editor Adam Holisky argues that while Blizzard is responsible for the quest bottlenecks, broken terrain, server funneling, and griefing toys, it can't do much about DDoS attacks and their resulting latency and lag and queues, and therefore the studio should not be blamed for them.]

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft deals with downtime, bugs, DDoS attacks [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbugbuggybugsdraenorerrorsexpansionfantasyhotfixhotrfixeslaunchlaunchesnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesupdateupdateswarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 14 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor launch-day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/world-of-warcraft-warlords-of-draenor-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/world-of-warcraft-warlords-of-draenor-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/world-of-warcraft-warlords-of-draenor-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

WoW
The fifth expansion to 2004's World of Warcraft MMO is now live.

First announced at BlizzCon 2013, Warlords of Draenor opened its doors at 3 a.m. EST this morning, so you would be forgiven for having slept through the start. And what would a launch day be without rolling restarts, giant patch notes, and overloaded, bottlenecked entry zones? Wheee!

In honor of the launch, we've rounded up the best WoW and Draenor stories from the past year for your perusal during today's inevitable downtimes. Who's playin'?

Continue reading World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor launch-day roundup

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor launch-day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdraenorexpansionfantasyfeaturedlaunchlaunch-daylauncheswarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 13 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: November 1 - 7, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/betawatch-november-1-7-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/betawatch-november-1-7-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/betawatch-november-1-7-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Trove
Trove departs the Betawatch list this week, having soft-launched with an open beta destined to go unwiped. Heroes of the Storm will head to closed beta on January 13th. And Blizzard announced Overwatch, a team-based online shooter that'll hit beta in 2015. What else is new in the world of MMO testing?
  • The Repopulation lowered its alpha access pledge prices from $100 to $25.
  • Elite: Dangerous will be emerging from beta and launching on December 16th.
  • Skyforge's first technical beta weekend begins November 13th.
  • MMOTCG HEX dropped its beta key requirement, so it's in open beta, but the studio says it's not in open beta. So yeah.
  • Dawngate announced a sunset while it was still in beta.
  • Korean MMO Echo of Soul immigrates to North America and Europe next year. Beta signups are live.
  • Gigantic will greatly expand its alpha test this fall.
  • Star Citizen passed $60 million in fundraising.
  • Watch two hours of in-beta Civilization Online unfold.
  • Indie MMOFPS Hunternet was revealed; it's currently in alpha.
  • The international version of Journey to the West enters closed beta tomorrow on November 8th.
  • Kingdom Rift began open alpha on November 3rd.
The complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: November 1 - 7, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: November 1 - 7, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcivilization-onlineclosed-betadawngateecho-of-souleliteelite-dangerousgame-testinggigantichexhunternetjourney-to-the-westkingdom-riftlaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betaoverwatchroundupskyforgestar-citizentestingthe-repopulationtroveFri, 07 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Braben says Elite: Dangerous' December 16th launch date is 'sensible']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/braben-says-elite-dangerous-december-16th-launch-date-is-sens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/braben-says-elite-dangerous-december-16th-launch-date-is-sens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/braben-says-elite-dangerous-december-16th-launch-date-is-sens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Frontier's David Braben has announced that Elite: Dangerous will launch on PC on December 16th.

Braben told Eurogamer that a game is "launch-ready when it is a great game," in spite of the flaws those close to the title might still see. He expressed concern over feature-creep and diminishing returns from gameplay polishing. "At Frontier we have been doing this for a long time," he said, "so we are confident the date we have announced is a sensible one."

Elite's third beta phase, open to those who've already ponied up for the game, began at the end of October. After spending September playing through the beta 1 release, Massively's Mike Foster wrote that he "would happily recommend it" but for the beta price tag. The Mercenary pre-order edition is available for $50 from the official site.

Continue reading Braben says Elite: Dangerous' December 16th launch date is 'sensible'

MassivelyBraben says Elite: Dangerous' December 16th launch date is 'sensible' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfrontierfrontier-developmentsinternet-spaceshipkickstarterlaunchsandboxsci-fispacespaceshipsFri, 07 Nov 2014 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Trove enters open beta, ArcheAge deploys Auroria in the EU]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/trove-enters-open-beta-archeage-deploys-auroria-in-the-eu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/trove-enters-open-beta-archeage-deploys-auroria-in-the-eu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/06/trove-enters-open-beta-archeage-deploys-auroria-in-the-eu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Well, points for committing to silly stuff.
Have you been looking for another pixel-polygon building game to call your home? After being in the test phase for so long that you could be forgiven for speculating that it would never be released, Trove has hit open beta, letting everyone log in and try the game for both bugs and just for the heck of it. There will be no more wipes of the database, so you could easily regard this as something of a soft launch for the game.

If you're not feeling that particular sort of building and you're over in the EU, you can instead try your hand with the latest update for of ArcheAge, which mirrors the patch deployed earlier this week on the US servers. Hopefully the EU rollout will not include the same login issues that hit the US servers as well. The patch is scheduled to go live today at 5:00 p.m. GMT.

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

MassivelyTrove enters open beta, ArcheAge deploys Auroria in the EU originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitaaarche-agearcheagebetabeta-testingbetasf2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunchlaunchesnewsnews-itemsopen-betapatchpatchespvpsandboxsandparksoft-launchtriontrion-worldstroveupdateupdatesvoxelxl-gamesxlgamesThu, 06 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST