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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Line of Defense Tactics makes in-roads with mobile devices]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/line-of-defense-tactics-makes-in-roads-with-mobile-devices/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/line-of-defense-tactics-makes-in-roads-with-mobile-devices/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/line-of-defense-tactics-makes-in-roads-with-mobile-devices/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/launches/" rel="tag">Launches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mobile/" rel="tag">Mobile</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/line-of-defense-tactics-makes-in-roads-with-mobile-devices"><img alt="tactics" data-credit="AOL" data-credit-link-back="undefined" data-mep="595232" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/229796132f23c6ada9969e40fa8a8732/201190019/loddd.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-Defense/"><em>Line of Defense Tactics</em></a>, the RTS spin-off of the upcoming sci-fi MMOFPS by <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/derek-smart">Derek Smart</a>, is now available <a href="http://lodmmo.com/news/lod-tactics-update/">on both Windows 8.1 and Windows Mobile</a>. The game costs $9.99 and $4.99, respectively.<br />
<br />
The team's also added a $9.99 version on iOS devices that includes the full Lyrius campaign, in-game currency, and weapons. Both Android and iOS mobile platforms have access to the first three missions of the squad-based game for free.<br />
<br />
<em>Line of Defense Tactics </em>actually allows players to query the MMO database for information on units and equipment to help in their tactical battles.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/line-of-defense-tactics-makes-in-roads-with-mobile-devices/">Line of Defense Tactics makes in-roads with mobile devices</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 03 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/line-of-defense-tactics-makes-in-roads-with-mobile-devices/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/21002400/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/line-of-defense-tactics-makes-in-roads-with-mobile-devices/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000AD</category><category>android</category><category>beta</category><category>beta-test</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>dev-blog</category><category>early-access</category><category>ios</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>line-of-defense-tactics</category><category>lod</category><category>lodmmo</category><category>mmofps</category><category>mobile</category><category>rts</category><category>steam</category><category>test</category><category>windows</category><category>windows-mobile</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Line of Defense's Derek Smart recaps ongoing test phase]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/line-of-defenses-derek-smart-recaps-ongoing-test-phase/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/line-of-defenses-derek-smart-recaps-ongoing-test-phase/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/line-of-defenses-derek-smart-recaps-ongoing-test-phase/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/business-models/" rel="tag">Business Models</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/line-of-defenses-derek-smart-recaps-ongoing-test-phase"><img alt="Line of Defense" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/03/jumpgate.jpg" style="height: 292px; width: 530px;" //></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/3000AD/">3000AD</a>'s <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/DerekSmart/">Derek Smart</a> has penned a new <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-Defense/">Line of Defense</a></em> developer blog outlining the current state of the MMOFPS title's <a href="http://lodmmo.com/status-update141028/">early access test phase</a>. Smart explains that more than half of the game's world stations have been opened to testers so far, with two more stations expected to open soon. The final four will unlock when aircraft are patched in.<br />
<br />
Smart also says that his team is working on a public roadmap website so that players can track release progress and vote on new features. He thanks his testers for their patience with the "staggered" test schedule. " It is for the greater good," he writes. "Been doing this a very - very - long time, so you just have to trust that I know what I'm doing."<br />
<br />
Earlier this fall, <em>Line of Defense</em> launched on Steam's early access program, but an error allowed the public to download the game without paying for a founder's pack, leading to negative reviews when the games were confiscated and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps/">eliciting a fiery response from Smart</a>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/line-of-defenses-derek-smart-recaps-ongoing-test-phase/">Line of Defense's Derek Smart recaps ongoing test phase</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/line-of-defenses-derek-smart-recaps-ongoing-test-phase/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20985807/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/line-of-defenses-derek-smart-recaps-ongoing-test-phase/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000AD</category><category>beta</category><category>beta-test</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>dev-blog</category><category>early-access</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>lodmmo</category><category>mmofps</category><category>steam</category><category>test</category><category>testing</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brianna Royce]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Betawatch: September 20 - 26, 2014]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/business-models/" rel="tag">Business Models</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/launches/" rel="tag">Launches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betawatch/" rel="tag">Betawatch</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/misc/" rel="tag">Miscellaneous</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014"><img alt="Trove" data-credit="Trove" data-mep="476941" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/e862a57f91ecb948957015137b2dc4f7/200822930/%5BTrove%5D%2BDracolyte%2BVista.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Trion-Worlds/">Trion Worlds</a> ended <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/trove-transitions-to-beta-on-thursday/"><em>Trove's</em></a> alpha yesterday... and soft-launched its paid beta (complete with a <a href="http://www.trionworlds.com/trove/2014/09/25/flipping-out-for-the-neon-ninja/">brand-new class</a>) in its place. Beta, mind you, will not be wiped again, but you've still got to <a href="http://www.trionworlds.com/trove/store/">pony up</a> for a starter pack of one flavor or another to access it. What else is new in the land of MMO testing this week?

<ul>
	<li>After <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/pathfinder-onlines-early-enrollment-is-delayed-yet-again/">multiple delays</a>, <a href="https://goblinworks.com/blog/comprehensive-schedule-update/"><em>Pathfinder Online's</em></a> early enrollment period has been reset to <a href="https://goblinworks.com/blog/comprehensive-schedule-update/">October 30th</a>.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/global-agenda-2s-closed-beta-expected-before-the-end-of-the-ye/"><em>Global Agenda 2's</em></a> closed beta is expected before the end of the year, Hi-Rez says.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/albion-online-makes-it-onto-steam/"><em>Albion Online</em></a> and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/shroud-of-the-avatar-has-already-been-greenlit-on-steam/"><em>Shroud of the Avatar</em></a> were both successfully greenlit on Steam. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/test-shroud-of-the-avatar-get-a-hat/"><em>Shroud</em></a> is offering special hats to testers.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps/"><em>Line of Defense's</em></a> test phase mislaunched on Steam.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/stormthrone-debuts-and-offers-alpha-signups/"><em>Stormthrone</em></a> opened alpha signups.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/tug-cuts-its-staff-in-half-to-keep-moving-forward/"><em>TUG</em></a> cut loose half of its staff to keep itself afloat.</li>
</ul>
Read on for the complete <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Betawatch/">Betawatch</a> roundup.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Betawatch: September 20 - 26, 2014</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/">Betawatch: September 20 - 26, 2014</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 26 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20967819/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/betawatch-september-20-26-2014/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>albion-online</category><category>alpha</category><category>alphas</category><category>beta</category><category>beta-test</category><category>beta-testing</category><category>betas</category><category>betawatch</category><category>brianna-royce-betawatch</category><category>closed-beta</category><category>ga2</category><category>game-testing</category><category>global-agenda-2</category><category>launch</category><category>launches</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>massively-meta</category><category>open-beta</category><category>pathfinder-online</category><category>roundup</category><category>shroud-of-the-avatar</category><category>sota</category><category>stormthrone</category><category>testing</category><category>trove</category><category>tug</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brianna Royce]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Derek Smart responds to Line of Defense early access mishaps]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/launches/" rel="tag">Launches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps"><img alt="Well, we all knew how this would go down once we got on this ship." data-credit="3000AD Inc" data-mep="474175" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/115ab47101af870a59cf8c8cb86222b5/200816403/lod-dereksmartstrikesback-epl-925.jpg" /></a></div>
So guess what happens when you flag a game as both early access and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/">free-to-play</a> on Steam? Apparently, everyone can get in and play with or without buying the founder's packs that your game is selling. That was the lesson that the <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-Defense/">Line of Defense</a></em> crew learned last week when that exact scenario took place. Some players were a little miffed by that turn of events, which led to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Derek-Smart/">Derek Smart</a>'s <a href="http://lodmmo.com/news/steam-early-access-launch-notice/">penning an explanation and response to the situation</a>.<br />
<br />
Smart lambastes those who peppered the game's store page with negative reviews based upon the unexpectedly revoked access, claiming that those who did not own the game but submitted negative reviews were violating the terms of service for Steam. He stresses that the game is currently still very much in testing and access is not being given away to any form of media simply because the game is far from feature-complete at this time. You can read the full update <a href="http://lodmmo.com/news/steam-early-access-launch-notice/">on the official site</a>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps/">Derek Smart responds to Line of Defense early access mishaps</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20967578/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/25/derek-smart-responds-to-line-of-defense-early-access-mishaps/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000AD</category><category>3000AD-inc</category><category>beta</category><category>beta-access</category><category>betas</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>early-access</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>goofs</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>mistakes</category><category>news</category><category>news-items</category><category>snafu</category><category>steam</category><category>steam-early-access</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Betawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/business-models/" rel="tag">Business Models</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betawatch/" rel="tag">Betawatch</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/crowdfunding/" rel="tag">Crowdfunding</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014"><img alt="ArcheAge" data-credit="ArcheAge" data-mep="450456" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/63e37e20d63a1a58a1b0823d04b5e100/200745899/aa.jpg" /></a></div>
We say farewell to <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/ArcheAge/">ArcheAge</a></em> this week as it emerges from open beta into its head start period. What else is new in the land of MMO testing?

<ul>
	<li><a href="http://valiance.shogn.net/forum?func=view&amp;catid=12&amp;id=2127&amp;limit=12&amp;start=168#3407"><em>Valiance Online</em></a> has launched its pre-alpha (thanks, JustAnotherNate).</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/perfect-world-to-launch-open-beta-testing-for-3d-mmorpg-legend-of-the-condor-heroes-on-september-25-274867361.html"><em>Legend of the Condor Heroes</em></a> is set to launch open beta on September 25th.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/pathfinder-online-further-delays-early-enrollment-to-include-mor/"><em>Pathfinder Online</em></a> delayed its "early enrollment" once again.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/landmark-adds-toilets-opens-itself-for-potty-jokes/"><em>Landmark's</em></a> beta added toilets and released its official <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/07/landmark-releases-official-combat-trailer/">combat trailer</a>.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/09/albion-onlines-closed-beta-trailer-promotes-player-cities-and-m/"><em>Albion Online</em></a> released a closed beta trailer.</li>
	<li><a href="https://forums.station.sony.com/eq/index.php?threads/sign-up-for-the-darkened-sea-beta.213415/"><em>EverQuest's Darkened Sea</em></a> expansion is taking beta signups.</li>
	<li>Massively's Mike continued his adventures in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-elite-dangerous/"><em>Elite: Dangerous</em></a>, which today announced its <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/elite-gets-release-pricing-but-no-release-date-yet/">release pricing</a>.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/09/the-repopulations-new-alpha-trailer-features-pets-housing-and/"><em>The Repopulation</em></a> posted a new alpha trailer.</li>
	<li><em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/">TUG</a>'s</em> alpha says multiplayer is still on the way.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/08/blade-9-closed-beta-starts-september-9/"><em>Blade 9's</em></a> closed beta starts September 9th.</li>
	<li><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/line-of-defense-targets-september-16th-for-early-access/"><em>Line of Defense</em></a> targeted September 16th for early access.</li>
	<li>And of course, we bid <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/08/destinys-launch-day-roundup/"><em>Destiny</em></a> adieu, as it's now launched.</li>
</ul>
The complete <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Betawatch/">Betawatch</a> roundup lies ahead.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Betawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/">Betawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20961520/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>albion-online</category><category>alpha</category><category>alphas</category><category>beta</category><category>beta-test</category><category>beta-testing</category><category>betas</category><category>betawatch</category><category>blade-9</category><category>brianna-royce-betawatch</category><category>closed-beta</category><category>destiny</category><category>elite</category><category>elite-dangerous</category><category>everquest</category><category>game-testing</category><category>landmark</category><category>launch</category><category>launches</category><category>legend-of-the-condor-heroes</category><category>legend-of-the-condor-heroes-zero</category><category>lod</category><category>massively-meta</category><category>open-beta</category><category>pathfinder</category><category>pathfinder-online</category><category>roundup</category><category>testing</category><category>the-repopulation</category><category>tug</category><category>valiance-online</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brianna Royce]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Line of Defense targets September 16th for early access]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/line-of-defense-targets-september-16th-for-early-access/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/line-of-defense-targets-september-16th-for-early-access/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/line-of-defense-targets-september-16th-for-early-access/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/promotions/" rel="tag">Promotions</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/line-of-defense-targets-september-16th-for-early-access"><img alt="line of defense" data-credit="AOL" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/ac2cd212f2989d375f392530d85ea1c8/200746231/lod.jpg" data-mep="450571" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-Defense/"><em>Line of Defense</em></a> is just a few short days from beginning its early access program, <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/266620/">which will begin on Tuesday, September 16th</a>.  Fans of the game can go ahead and buy their way into it with one of three early access packages.<br />
<br />
However, from now until the 16th, the early access packs are half-off on Steam.  So instead of costing between $40 and $100, they currently range from $20 to $50 for this limited time.<br />
<br />
What will <em>Line of Defense's </em>early access content look like?  It will mostly be sight-seeing, as we understand it.  According to <a href="http://steamcommunity.com/games/266620/announcements/detail/242389070256583028">a dev post on Steam</a>, players will be able to check out the Heatwave starbase and poke around a nearby orbiting Starguard carrier.  "Since this is a world testing build, no weapons, vehicles, aircrafts, inventory items, etc. are player usable. You will be able to explore both of these massive areas and carry out various actions," <a href="http://lodmmo.com/faqs/what-is-early-access/">the early access FAQ states</a>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/line-of-defense-targets-september-16th-for-early-access/">Line of Defense targets September 16th for early access</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/line-of-defense-targets-september-16th-for-early-access/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20961585/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/line-of-defense-targets-september-16th-for-early-access/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000AD</category><category>alpha</category><category>beta</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>early-access</category><category>early-access-fee</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>line-of-defense-tactics</category><category>line-of-defense-tactics-tactical-advantage</category><category>lod</category><category>promotion</category><category>sale</category><category>steam</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Derek Smart justifies Line of Defense's early access fee, new playable female characters]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/16/derek-smart-justifies-line-of-defenses-early-access-fee-new-pl/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/16/derek-smart-justifies-line-of-defenses-early-access-fee-new-pl/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/16/derek-smart-justifies-line-of-defenses-early-access-fee-new-pl/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/business-models/" rel="tag">Business Models</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/16/derek-smart-justifies-line-of-defenses-early-access-fee-playab"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/10/line-of-defense.jpg" //></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july/">3000AD announced last week</a> that its MMOFPS <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-Defense/">Line of Defense</a></em> will arrive on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july/">Steam's early access platform</a> in July, sporting a hefty $99 buy-in. In response to gamer rumblings over the status of the early release and the price, studio president and lead developer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Derek-Smart/">Derek Smart</a> posted on <a href="http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1s24opq">Twitlonger</a> to explain that the game is fully funded already but can't afford to let "freeloaders" in:

<blockquote class="bq-standard">"The $99 EA price tag - which has a LOT of perks - ensures that only serious people who can provide meaningful feedback through their commitment, need apply. And for that they get a lot more than they would if they waited for the final game release. We're simply not interested in letting freeloaders gain early access to the game, not provide meaningful - if any - feedback, while we foot the bill for the backend services, servers, bandwidth etc. We're a SMALL independent game dev making a MASSIVE game in a genre dominated and monopolized by SOE and their popular @planetside2 series. [...] And unlike those other guys, we don't take your money, then plonk you in useless assets (how do you like that hanger now?), a largely unfinished product or a product that may not even see the light of day."</blockquote>
Smart also alerts potential players to the fact that the studio has altered its original plans to omit female characters from the game: "My decision to now fund and add two bad-ass female characters comes from the fact that, well, we as an industry need to start making a concerted effort to cater to our female players because good faith can only get you so far."<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/16/derek-smart-justifies-line-of-defenses-early-access-fee-new-pl/">Derek Smart justifies Line of Defense's early access fee, new playable female characters</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 16 Jun 2014 17:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/16/derek-smart-justifies-line-of-defenses-early-access-fee-new-pl/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20913582/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/16/derek-smart-justifies-line-of-defenses-early-access-fee-new-pl/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000AD</category><category>alpha</category><category>beta</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>early-access</category><category>early-access-fee</category><category>female-characters</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>line-of-defense-tactics</category><category>line-of-defense-tactics-tactical-advantage</category><category>lod</category><category>steam</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brianna Royce]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2014 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Line of Defense heads to early access in July]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/business-models/" rel="tag">Business Models</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/promotions/" rel="tag">Promotions</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july"><img alt="Line of Defense" data-credit="Line of Defense" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/cab051bfe79bda0e3e11c5859413c1db/200269835/Lod.jpg" data-mep="300696" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/3000AD/">3000AD</a> has today <a href="http://lodmmo.com/news/e3-2014-lod-headed-to-steam-early-access/">announced</a> that <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-Defense/">Line of Defense</a></em> will head into exclusive early access on Steam in July. The MMOFPS made noise about a beta test <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/02/line-of-defense-approaches-beta-test-phase/">as far back as December of last year</a>, but the studio has decided to combine the public beta with an early access program. The press release explains,

<blockquote class="bq-standard">The first phase of Early Access will feature the Heatwave planetary starbase and the GCV-Starguard carrier in orbit around the Lyrius planet. New features and areas will frequently unlock as the testing phase progresses, including new levels, new vehicles, and new weapons leading up to the game's official release later this fall. [...] This staggered release allows the team to focus on each aspect of the game during the public Beta testing. Meaningful feedback from the public will enable the team to address issues, concerns and gameplay suggestions in a timely fashion as each aspect of the game is unlocked and extensively tested.</blockquote>
Early access purchasers will pay $99.99, which covers the game, an item kit valued at $69.99, special early access commander perks, and a copy of <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-defense-tactics">Line of Defense Tactics</a></em>. The full release of the game is expected before the end of the year.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july/">Line of Defense heads to early access in July</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 12 Jun 2014 18:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20911535/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/12/line-of-defense-heads-to-early-access-in-july/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000AD</category><category>alpha</category><category>beta</category><category>early-access</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>line-of-defense-tactics</category><category>line-of-defense-tactics-tactical-advantage</category><category>lod</category><category>steam</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brianna Royce]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2014 18:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[MMObility: Line of Defense Tactics is a fun start for an IP]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/mmobility-line-of-defense-tactics-is-a-fun-start-for-an-ip/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/mmobility-line-of-defense-tactics-is-a-fun-start-for-an-ip/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/mmobility-line-of-defense-tactics-is-a-fun-start-for-an-ip/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmorts/" rel="tag">MMORTS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmobility/" rel="tag">MMObility</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/buy-to-play/" rel="tag">Buy-to-Play</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/mmobility-line-of-defense-tactics-is-a-fun-start-for-an-ip/"><img alt="Line of Defense Tactics screenshot" data-credit="AOL" data-mep="125840" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/c78217f4c06c39771483006898c23535/Screenshot (493).jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://lodmmo.com/"><em>Line of Defense</em></a> is an upcoming MMOFPS created by <a href="http://www.3000ad.com/">3000AD</a>. It looks like an interesting twist on the shooter genre, complete with large battles and vehicles to control. It offers only a beta sign-up right now, so if you are interested in diving into the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-Defense/"><em>LoD</em></a> universe, you can download the newly released <a href="http://lodmmo.com/tactics/"><em>Line of Defense Tactics</em></a> standalone game. It's not an MMO, but it still introduces players to the IP. If you're a fan of real-time turn-based combat and challenging gameplay, you might want to give it a go on your portable device <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/267220/">or PC</a>.<br />
<br />
I downloaded a version of <em>Tactics</em> from Steam and tried it on my Android tablet as well. Both experiences felt pretty much the same, and my game save synced between both devices easily. Today I am going to cover the mobile version mostly, but it should be noted that the PC version looks and acts pretty much identically.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/mmobility-line-of-defense-tactics-is-a-fun-start-for-an-ip/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>MMObility: Line of Defense Tactics is a fun start for an IP</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/mmobility-line-of-defense-tactics-is-a-fun-start-for-an-ip/">MMObility: Line of Defense Tactics is a fun start for an IP</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/mmobility-line-of-defense-tactics-is-a-fun-start-for-an-ip/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20829206/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/mmobility-line-of-defense-tactics-is-a-fun-start-for-an-ip/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>beau-hindman</category><category>browser</category><category>browser-based</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>featured</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>line-of-defense-tactics-tactical-advantage</category><category>Lod</category><category>mmobility</category><category>mmofps</category><category>mmorts</category><category>mobile</category><category>mobile-gaming</category><category>mobile-mmo</category><category>opinion</category><category>phone</category><category>smartphone</category><category>squad-based</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Beau Hindman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Line of Defense approaches beta test phase]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/02/line-of-defense-approaches-beta-test-phase/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/02/line-of-defense-approaches-beta-test-phase/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/02/line-of-defense-approaches-beta-test-phase/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/02/line-of-defense-approaches-beta-test-phase/"><img alt="Line of Defense" data-credit="AOL" data-mep="43559" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/18c66b3440935c5eb80bd6eea1e51981/lod.jpg" /></a></div>
After a few months of silence, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/derek-smart">Derek Smart</a> is back with a <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/line-of-defense/"><em>Line of Defense</em></a> update. He reports that the title <a href="http://lodmmo.com/in-pursuit-of-awesomeness/#">is preparing to transition from alpha to beta testing</a>, even with "setbacks" due to switching the game engine.<br />
<br />
The team transitioned the game from an internal engine to the Havok Vision engine, which oversees the 25 middleware engines that handle aspects like the AI, atmospheric effects, networking, and more. He says that optimizing the game has been "touch and go for the most part," however.<br />
<br />
Smart predicts that next year should be interesting for <em>Line of Defense</em>. "All things being equal, we should be rolling in awesomeness by Q2 2014," he writes. "Prepare to have your mind blown. Guaranteed."<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/02/line-of-defense-approaches-beta-test-phase/">Line of Defense approaches beta test phase</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 02 Dec 2013 17:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/02/line-of-defense-approaches-beta-test-phase/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20779999/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/02/line-of-defense-approaches-beta-test-phase/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>alpha</category><category>alpha-test</category><category>beta</category><category>beta-test</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>dev-blog</category><category>dev-diary</category><category>dr-derek-smart</category><category>dynamic-jump-pad</category><category>game-universe</category><category>game-world</category><category>jump-gate</category><category>jump-gates</category><category>jumpgate</category><category>jumpgates</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>lyrius</category><category>moons</category><category>planets</category><category>sectors</category><category>transportation</category><category>travel</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 02 Dec 2013 17:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3000AD partners with DC for Line of Defense comic]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/3000ad-partners-with-dc-for-line-of-defense-comic/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/3000ad-partners-with-dc-for-line-of-defense-comic/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/3000ad-partners-with-dc-for-line-of-defense-comic/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News Items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/misc/" rel="tag">Miscellaneous</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/3000ad-partners-with-dc-for-line-of-defense-comic/"><img alt="Line of Defense" data-src-height="300" data-src-width="530" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/10/line-of-defense.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" //></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Derek-Smart/">Derek Smart</a>-led <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/line-of-defense/">Line of Defense</a></em> developer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/3000AD/">3000AD</a> announced this week that it has partnered with <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/dc-comics/">DC Comics</a> to create a digital comic book set in the<em> Line of Defense</em> universe. The comic, built as a 12-part miniseries, will cover four separate stories from both factions of the game's core conflict. One story will launch each quarter, with the first hitting shelves this month and the final set due in July of 2014.<br />
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While the <em>Line of Defense</em> comic is mostly stuck in the digital world, a limited edition printing of the first story, Payback, will be available as a free giveaway at DC Comics' booth during <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/new-york-comic-con/">New York Comic-Con</a>. Ten thousand copies will also be distributed to comic book stores; <em>Line of Defense</em> fans who can't make the con can pick up a free copy October 16th at their local nostalgia dungeon.<br />
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The <em>Line of Defense</em> game, meanwhile, continues its cruise through a very extended beta.<br />
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[Thanks to Saucelah for the tip!]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/3000ad-partners-with-dc-for-line-of-defense-comic/">3000AD partners with DC for Line of Defense comic</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 10 Oct 2013 21:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/3000ad-partners-with-dc-for-line-of-defense-comic/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20742413/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/10/3000ad-partners-with-dc-for-line-of-defense-comic/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000ad</category><category>comics</category><category>dc-comics</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>f2p</category><category>fps</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>indie</category><category>indie-mmofps</category><category>indies</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>mmo-shooter</category><category>mmofps</category><category>new-york-comic-con</category><category>Payback</category><category>sci-fi</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Foster]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2013 21:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Derek Smart teases new Line of Defense E3 preview]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/derek-smart-teases-new-line-of-defense-e3-preview/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/derek-smart-teases-new-line-of-defense-e3-preview/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/derek-smart-teases-new-line-of-defense-e3-preview/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/galleries/" rel="tag">Galleries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/screenshots/" rel="tag">Screenshots</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New Titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/derek-smart-teases-new-line-of-defense-e3-preview/"><img alt="Derek Smart teases new Line of Defense E3 preview" data-src-height="298" data-src-width="530" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/header-1370615967.jpg" style="margin:4px" /></a></div>
We haven't heard much out of the <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Line-of-Defense/">Line of Defense</a></em> camp lately, but <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/3000AD/">3000AD</a>'s <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Derek-Smart/">Derek Smart</a> tossed out a few screenshots to get us ready for the sci-fi MMO's showing at E3 next week.<br />
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The six screenshots below don't tell us anything juicy like a release date, but we can still admire the art direction taken by the game and be assured that it's still in development.<br />
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If you're curious about gameplay, we spent some<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-forty-minutes-with-derek-smart-and-line-of-defense/"> quality time with the game</a> during last year's GDC. We'll be sure to keep you up-to-date on any <em>Line of Defense</em> news coming from E3.<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/">Line of Defense screens</a></strong></p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942614"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/9638835997068367197972046174300o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942615"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/965332599706886719792715117751o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942617"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/966146599706903386457651525862o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942618"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/9667065997068333864641906192823o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942621"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/977238599706910053123987658517o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/derek-smart-teases-new-line-of-defense-e3-preview/">Derek Smart teases new Line of Defense E3 preview</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/derek-smart-teases-new-line-of-defense-e3-preview/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20603515/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/derek-smart-teases-new-line-of-defense-e3-preview/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000ad</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>e3</category><category>e3-2013</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>preview</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>screenshots</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Shawn Schuster]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jumping out an airlock is a legitimate mode of travel in Line of Defense]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/"><img alt="Line of Defense" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/03/lod-1332961914.jpg" /></a></div>
Contrary to many of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/derek-smart/">Derek Smart's</a> previous expansive computer titles, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/line-of-defense/"><em>Line of Defense</em></a> will be "streamlined" to focus on a small corner of the galaxy. <a href="http://lodmmo.com/world-line-defense/">In a new dev blog</a>, Smart outlines the scope of the MMO's territory and how it connects to his previously established game universe.<br />
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<em>Line of Defense</em> consists of four space regions, each with its own planets and moons. The regions are connected by jump gates in the Sirius/Barnard's Star systems pathway. However, when the game first launches, players will only have access to the planet of Lyrius, with other planets and moons coming afterward.<br />
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Players can teleport from base to base on planets using Dynamic Jump Pads or can transfer to a station via a carrier. Jumpgates, however, will allow players in vehicles to traverse entire regions. But probably the most interesting mode of transportation is to let loose with an orbital drop from a space station down to the planet surface below.<br />
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The one thing that <em>Line of Defense </em>won't have, however, is the ability to seamlessly transition between planets, bases, and regions without loading screens.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/">Jumping out an airlock is a legitimate mode of travel in Line of Defense</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20203180/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>derek-smart</category><category>dev-blog</category><category>dev-diary</category><category>dr-derek-smart</category><category>dynamic-jump-pad</category><category>game-universe</category><category>game-world</category><category>jump-gate</category><category>jump-gates</category><category>jumpgate</category><category>jumpgates</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>lyrius</category><category>moons</category><category>planets</category><category>sectors</category><category>transportation</category><category>travel</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Line of Defense gets gung-ho in its latest trailer]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/line-of-defense-gets-gung-ho-in-its-latest-trailer/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/line-of-defense-gets-gung-ho-in-its-latest-trailer/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/line-of-defense-gets-gung-ho-in-its-latest-trailer/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/trailers/" rel="tag">Trailers</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/line-of-defense-gets-gung-ho-in-its-latest-trailer/"><img alt="Line of Defense" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/03/lod.jpg" /></a></div>
Listen up, maggots, 'cause I'm only going to tell you this once: If any of you bubblegum-chewing, Jersey Shore-watching couch potatoes thinks that space combat is a jolly good time, then... well, yes it is! Quite delightful, really. Lots of thrills, stunts, occasional headshots -- all those sorts of things. Afterward we will convene for scones and group cheers.<br />
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I guess that means it's time for your assignment of the day, which is to eyeball <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Derek-Smart/">Derek Smart's</a> <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/line-of-defense/"><em>Line of Defense</em></a> trailer and let us know your professional opinion. It's a high-octane trip through the game's flexible combat locations, from drop ships to jeeps to parachutes to good old-fashioned ground firefights.<br />
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You can see how <em>Line of Defense</em> is shaping up after the jump!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/line-of-defense-gets-gung-ho-in-its-latest-trailer/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Line of Defense gets gung-ho in its latest trailer</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/line-of-defense-gets-gung-ho-in-its-latest-trailer/">Line of Defense gets gung-ho in its latest trailer</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/line-of-defense-gets-gung-ho-in-its-latest-trailer/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20183987/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/line-of-defense-gets-gung-ho-in-its-latest-trailer/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>3000ad</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>f2p</category><category>fps</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>mmofps</category><category>preview</category><category>shooter</category><category>trailer</category><category>video</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Massively's exclusive look at Line of Defense, a new MMOFPS]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/massivelys-exclusive-look-at-line-of-defense-a-new-mmofps/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/massivelys-exclusive-look-at-line-of-defense-a-new-mmofps/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/massivelys-exclusive-look-at-line-of-defense-a-new-mmofps/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-Fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/galleries/" rel="tag">Galleries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/screenshots/" rel="tag">Screenshots</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/interviews/" rel="tag">Interviews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-Play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-interviews/" rel="tag">Interviews (Massively's)</a></p><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/"><img border="1" hspace="4" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/02/770px-iodjanuary03-copy.jpg" /></a></div>
We all enjoy a good shooter, don't we? It's even more fun if we can play it with dozens (if not hundreds) of our closest friends, so we were excited to hear about the new MMOFPS that <a href="http://www.bc3000ad.com/">3000AD</a> and <a href="http://www.dereksmart.com/">Derek Smart</a> are making and will publishing through <a href="http://www.qol.com/live/">Quest Online</a>. It sounds like there will be some cool twists and unique innovations in this new title, a game called <em><a href="http://lodmmo.com">Line of Defense</a></em>, so we were happy to ask someone at the source. <br />
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Mr. Smart, President of QOL, was kind enough to give us the scoop on this upcoming game. Grab a comfortable seat, because this interview has a <em>lot</em> of information for you to digest. Check it out after the cut! <br />
<br />
<strong>[Update: We've added some additional exclusive screenshots to the gallery, courtesy of Derek Smart. We also corrected the information about the proper publisher and creator of the game.]</strong><br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/">Line of Defense screens</a></strong></p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942614"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/9638835997068367197972046174300o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942615"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/965332599706886719792715117751o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942617"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/966146599706903386457651525862o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942618"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/9667065997068333864641906192823o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/line-of-defense-screens/#5942621"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2013/06/977238599706910053123987658517o_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/massivelys-exclusive-look-at-line-of-defense-a-new-mmofps/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Massively's exclusive look at Line of Defense, a new MMOFPS</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/massivelys-exclusive-look-at-line-of-defense-a-new-mmofps/">Massively's exclusive look at Line of Defense, a new MMOFPS</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/massivelys-exclusive-look-at-line-of-defense-a-new-mmofps/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19822853/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/massivelys-exclusive-look-at-line-of-defense-a-new-mmofps/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>beau-hindman</category><category>derek-smart</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>ftp</category><category>line-of-defense</category><category>lod</category><category>Microtransactions</category><category>mmofps</category><category>planetside</category><category>planetside-next</category><category>qol</category><category>quest-online</category><category>shooter</category><category>tribes</category><category>tribes-universe</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Beau Hindman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building MMO landscape scenes]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/world-of-warcraft/" rel="tag">World of Warcraft</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/screenshots/" rel="tag">Screenshots</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/age-of-conan/" rel="tag">Age of Conan</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/everquest-ii/" rel="tag">EverQuest II</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lord-of-the-rings-online/" rel="tag">Lord of the Rings Online</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO Industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hands-on/" rel="tag">Hands-On</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/academic/" rel="tag">Academic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/virtual-worlds/" rel="tag">Virtual Worlds</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/bloggers/brendan-drain/"><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2009/11/landscape-title2.jpg" alt="" /><br />
</a></div>
Landscapes have been a staple component of almost every MMO in recent memory. With the exception of some <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/sci-fi/">sci-fi titles</a>, most MMOs take place on the land of some imagined island or continent. Some use <a href="http://www.wow.com/gallery/around-azeroth/644711/">stylised fantasy landscapes</a> that run smoothly on even low-end computers while others have managed <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/gallery/age-of-conan-goonrushalem-city-gallery/965723/">almost photo-realistic visuals</a> at the cost of performance. But have you ever thought about what's going on behind the scenes in your favourite MMO? Most of us don't think about how the computer is actually drawing the terrain we run around on. We don't give much thought to the different ways each MMO renders the water in lakes, rivers and oceans. And just how does your computer render so many trees and plants without grinding to a halt? As part of my masters degree in computer science, I got to grips with a number of these techniques and found it a fascinating thing to learn about. Now when I play a new game or see MMO screenshots, I can't help but think about what the computer is doing in the background and how particular visual effects could have been achieved.<br />
<br />
In this technical article, I talk about some of the components of an MMO landscape scene and a few of the techniques used in creating the graphics behind them.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Building MMO landscape scenes</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes/">Building MMO landscape scenes</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19230674/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>age-of-conan</category><category>billboard</category><category>engine</category><category>everquest-2</category><category>everquest-ii</category><category>graphics</category><category>heightmap</category><category>lake</category><category>landscape</category><category>lighting</category><category>lod</category><category>lord-of-the-rings-online</category><category>ocean</category><category>plants</category><category>river</category><category>scenery</category><category>scenic</category><category>technology</category><category>terrain</category><category>terrain-rendering</category><category>textures</category><category>trees</category><category>water</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brendan Drain]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building MMO landscape scenes, part 2]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes-part-2/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes-part-2/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes-part-2/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes-part-2/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Building MMO landscape scenes, part 2</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes-part-2/">Building MMO landscape scenes, part 2</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://legal.aol.com/terms-of-service/full-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes-part-2/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19246945/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/building-mmo-landscape-scenes-part-2/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>age-of-conan</category><category>billboard</category><category>engine</category><category>everquest-2</category><category>everquest-ii</category><category>graphics</category><category>heightmap</category><category>lake</category><category>landscape</category><category>lighting</category><category>lod</category><category>lord-of-the-rings-online</category><category>ocean</category><category>plants</category><category>river</category><category>scenery</category><category>scenic</category><category>technology</category><category>terrain</category><category>terrain-rendering</category><category>textures</category><category>trees</category><category>water</category><category>world-of-warcraft</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brendan Drain]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>