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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Vendetta celebrating 10-year anniversary, prepping new content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/vendetta-celebrating-10-year-anniversary-prepping-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/vendetta-celebrating-10-year-anniversary-prepping-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/vendetta-celebrating-10-year-anniversary-prepping-new-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Vendetta Online - 10 year anniversary
Ten years is an eternity in the game industry, and MMOs that manage to hang around for a decade or more are few and far between. One such title is Vendetta Online, which originally released on April 20th, 2002 and is still going strong today.

Guild Software is hosting a couple of celebration events this weekend. The company has also announced that its massive 1.9 patch is coming later this year, followed by an even more massive expansion in 2013.

Vendetta is unique among MMOs for its twitch-based space combat and extensive trading, mining, and exploration gameplay. Large space battles, dynamic territory control, and player-generated content systems round out the feature set, all of which is coded and maintained by a four-man dev team. The single-universe game server is accessible from a number of different platforms that include Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. In March 2011, Vendetta became the first PC MMO to jump to mobile platforms, and it spent several weeks as the number one paid app on Android devices.

Check out the game's official website for more info, and don't forget to sign up for the trial while you're there. You can also read Massively's latest game impressions in Some Assembly Required.

[Source: Guild press release]

MassivelyVendetta celebrating 10-year anniversary, prepping new content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideventsexplorationguildguild-softwarein-game-eventsinternet-spaceshipslinuxmacmac-mmosminingmobileplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxspace-combattradinguser-generated-contentvendettavendetta-10-year-anniversaryvendetta-anniversaryvendetta-onlinevendetta-ten-year-anniversaryFri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you game on a Mac?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-game-on-a-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-game-on-a-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-daily-grind-do-you-game-on-a-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

War. War never changes... the platform war, that is. But even those of us who game from the comfort of decked-out PCs can feel sorry for our Mac brethren when one of the Apple MMO offerings, already in short supply, goes dark. That's exactly what's happening to the Mac version of classic EverQuest: SOE is sunsetting the single Mac server due to low population and ancient code. Apple gamers must get a PC or sample one of the other Mac-friendly MMOs like Warhammer Online, Fallen Earth, Ryzom, or Free Realms.

So today we ask: Do you play MMOs on a Mac, and if so, which games? And is it really as bad as PC-loyalists like to think?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you game on a Mac? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebrianna-royce-tdgdaily-grindeqeq-maceverquesteverquest-macfallen-earthfree-realmsmacmac-mmoopinionpcplatform-warryzomsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsunsettdgthe-daily-grindwarhammer-onlineSat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest Mac fans fight for survival; SOE responds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/everquest-mac-fans-fight-for-survival-soe-responds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/everquest-mac-fans-fight-for-survival-soe-responds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/everquest-mac-fans-fight-for-survival-soe-responds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EverQuest Mac
While many players are celebrating the announcement of EverQuest's upcoming free-to-play transition, there is one EQ community that was crushed by the news. The small but dedicated fanbase of EverQuest: Macintosh Edition found out that with F2P, EQMac and its one server would be sunsetted on the same date.

EQMac fans have begun to stage a campaign to save their favorite game, but it looks like there will be no budging SOE's mind on the matter. SOE President John Smedley took to the forums today to answer specific questions about the shutdown. "It breaks my heart to have to do this," he laments, before admitting that it's a done deal. Smedley cites the fact that the codebase is so ancient that only one SOE programmer knows how to work it, the player population is too small, and SOE was never that "proud" of the version.

However, Smedley promised that he will run a poll to see if there's enough interest in a Mac port of the current version of EverQuest. If the response is big enough, he says, the company will consider doing it. Meanwhile, the game will be available for current players free of charge until the March 29th shutdown. SOE has a celebration planned for its final hurrah.

EQMac came out in 2003 and was unique for remaining "frozen in time" in the years since, receiving no further active development or expansions. We will be covering this game and its shutdown more in-depth in a future Game Archaeologist column, so stay tuned.

MassivelyEverQuest Mac fans fight for survival; SOE responds originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleeqeq-forumseqmaceverquesteverquest-macintosheverquest-macintosh-editionf2pforumsfree-to-playjohn-smedleymacmac-editionmac-portmac-versionpollshutdownsmedleysoeSony-Online-EntertainmentsunsetsunsettingTue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare: Mac version of Star Wars: The Old Republic is something it's 'looking at next']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-mac-version-of-star-wars-the-old-republic-is-something/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-mac-version-of-star-wars-the-old-republic-is-something/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-mac-version-of-star-wars-the-old-republic-is-something/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk are quite dedicated to their fans. At least that's a recurring theme for them when talking about their company's moves in new directions, to which both repeatedly referred during a recent interview in midtown Manhattan. "We know there's a big Mac audience of BioWare fans ... we know that's an important and large audience. And we want to serve that audience," Muzyka told me when asked about a potential Mac version of the his company's latest major release, Star Wars: The Old Republic.

"I'd say 'not yet,'" Zeschuk assured me when I told him that, as a BioWare fan, I'm unable to play The Old Republic on my less than two-year-old MacBook. Though Muzyka was quick to remind me that I can technically play the game on a Windows partition, he also admitted that it wasn't an ideal situation. "We've done a lot of Mac ports before of our games. We haven't announced any details yet for The Old Republic, but we know that's an important and large audience."

Neither would offer a strict timetable on the Mac version, but Zeschuk did note, "That's definitely one of the things we're looking at next. We want to get this launch under our belt and everything stabilized and happy, and then we'll look at other platforms, and that's obviously one of the first ones."

MassivelyBioWare: Mac version of Star Wars: The Old Republic is something it's 'looking at next' originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-labeleaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukmacosxpcportray-muzykastar-wars-the-old-republicMon, 02 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Burning Dog announces cross-platform plans for Origins of Malu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/burning-dog-announces-cross-platform-plans-for-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/burning-dog-announces-cross-platform-plans-for-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/burning-dog-announces-cross-platform-plans-for-origins-of-malu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Origins of Malu - landscape screenshot
We've got some more Origins of Malu news today courtesy of the team at Burning Dog Media. A new press release on the sandbox MMORPG's official website is touting a partnership with Dell and Alienware that will generate awareness of the sci-fi title as it heads into its beta phase and eyes a 2012 launch. The release also mentions cross-platform functionality, and though it doesn't elaborate, we contacted lead developer Michael Dunham for clarification.

As it turns out, the Origins team is aiming for both PC and Mac clients, and some sort of mobile/tablet functionality is in the works as well.

We'll keep you up to date on that as we learn more, and in the meantime you can head to the Origins website to read up on the game. Before you go, be sure and check out Massively's exclusive interview with the dev team.

MassivelyBurning Dog announces cross-platform plans for Origins of Malu originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwareburning-dogburning-dog-mediacross-platformcross-platform-functionalitydellmacmac-clientmarketingmobileoriginsorigins-of-malupartnershippress-releasesandboxsci-fitabletsTue, 01 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Conquer Online arrives on Facebook]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/conquer-online-arrives-on-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/conquer-online-arrives-on-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/conquer-online-arrives-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Conquer Online
NetDragon's Conquer Online is looking to live up to its namesake by spreading to every platform possible. First it was Macs, then the iPad, and now Facebook. The top-down, free-to-play title has launched the beta version of its Facebook client for all to experience.

The Facebook version is very similar to the regular Conquer Online except that the default screen size is smaller (it can be expanded to full-screen mode, however). NetDragon hopes that by expanding to the popular social networking site, Conquer Online will gain an even larger audience.

You can watch the trailer for the Facebook edition after the jump -- and we dare you to do so without thinking of the Roseanne theme song. You can't, can you?

Continue reading Conquer Online arrives on Facebook

MassivelyConquer Online arrives on Facebook originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowserconquerconquer-onlinef2pfacebookfree-to-playipadmacnetdragonroseannetrailervideoThu, 13 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist uncovers Shadowbane: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Way back when I used to haunt the corridors of Gamestop and not shun the place due to its stinky evil, I remember being enticed with these fancy-pantsy "MMORPG" boxes when I'd see them on the shelf. I must have picked up Shadowbane a dozen or so times to check out the blurbs on the back, mentally weighing whether or not this would be the one to introduce me to online gaming, but ultimately it was not to be.

It's probably for the best, considering that Shadowbane was primarily PvP and I'm a PvE guy at heart. Plus, the title never really took off the way that publisher Ubisoft had hoped, spending most of its six years of operation lurking in the background of the MMO industry instead of sharing the spotlight.

But still, six years! That's far longer than any of the titles we've been talking about these past couple months, and considering that Shadowbane won last week's poll to become this month's topic, there are obviously strong feelings lurking among you. What did Shadowbane try to do differently, how did it stay alive as long as it did, and what was its downfall? Hit the jump to find out!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist uncovers Shadowbane: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist uncovers Shadowbane: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineappleapple-versiondaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfallddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeqeverquestf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgamestopgamezoneguild-citieshistoryLouis-Lamarchemacmac-versionmudopen-world-pvppatch-22player-built-citiesplayer-citiesplayer-citypolitical-systemprimeresetreset-buttonreset-switchrise-of-chaossandboxshadowbaneshadowbane-rebootshadowbane-resetsiege-warfarethe-game-archaeologistthrone-of-oblivionubisoftwolfpackwolfpack-studiosTue, 02 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ryzom now available on Apple Store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ryzom-now-available-on-apple-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ryzom-now-available-on-apple-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ryzom-now-available-on-apple-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Good news for all citizens of Atys and Mac users! Fresh on the heels of Ryzom's recent port to Linux, Winch Gate has just announced that its open source MMO is now available in the Apple Store. Boasting the title of "the first and only MMORPG available in the Mac Apple Store," Ryzom recently went free-to-play, allowing players to progress to skill level 125 without paying a single red cent. And now you can do that on a Mac, too!

If you're in the market for a unique MMO with a strong emphasis on open-ended leveling, story, and even roleplaying but just couldn't find one that would cooperate with your fancy Mac, now's your chance to get your feet wet with Ryzom without even opening your wallet!

MassivelyRyzom now available on Apple Store originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-storef2pfree-to-playmacmacintoshRyzomwinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedTue, 03 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Conquer Online coming to the Mac on May 3rd]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/conquer-online-coming-to-the-mac-on-may-3rd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/conquer-online-coming-to-the-mac-on-may-3rd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/conquer-online-coming-to-the-mac-on-may-3rd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mac MMORPGs have come a long way. Titles as wide-ranging as World of Warcraft, Fallen Earth, and Free Realms now boast their own native clients, and Conquer Online is set to join the ranks of OS X-flavored MMOs on May 3rd.

TQ Digital has just announced the creation of a new Conquer Online server (dubbed Garden of Eden) exclusively for Mac users. The free-to-play title originally launched way back in 2003 and sports a 2.5D game world set in ancient China. The Mac version of the game is undergoing beta testing through April 26th, and you can download the beta client via a number of sources including FTP and bit torrent. Mac beta testers will be kitted out with equipment, skills, and necessary in-game items according to a TQ press release, and you can learn more at the official Conquer Online website.

MassivelyConquer Online coming to the Mac on May 3rd originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-chinaapplebetaconquerconquer-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playmacmac-betamac-f2pmac-free-to-playmac-mmomac-serveros-xosxtqtq-digitalWed, 20 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamigo opens the news floodgates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

"Cry havoc, and unleash the titles of war" might as well be gamigo's cry, as today it has seen fit to give us what can only be termed as a new title news explosion. Aside from offering up an interesting tidbit on its upcoming space dogfighter, Black Prophecy, the company has released information on a handful of other new titles that should pique the interest of gamers who are looking for something beyond the standard free-to-play MMO fare. Better still, some of these titles will be available in-browser, helping to open up more "jump in and game" free-to-play options.

Grimlands offers something for players who have been waiting for a post-apocalyptic title that promises the ability to evolve their own playstyles -- and cities. UFO Online: Fight for Earth features a tactics-heavy browser-based MMO environment where players will battle against each other and enemy NPCs in a world overrun with gobsmackingly enormous amounts of aliens. Magic Campus offers adventure in a turn-based world where players build a powerful cadre of pets and mentor others in the ways of magic -- all in their browsers.

Sound intriguing? Join us behind the break for a first look at screenshots and video from these upcoming gamigo titles!

Continue reading Gamigo opens the news floodgates

MassivelyGamigo opens the news floodgates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsbetablack-prophecybrowser-basedconcept-artcross-platformf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playgallerygamigoGrimlandsjrpgmacmagic-campusmmommofpsmmoomgmmorpgmmortsnew-titlespcpost-apocalypticpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotsteaser-trailertrailerufo-onlineufo-online-fight-for-earthunityunity-enginevideoThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms now available for your Mac]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/free-realms-now-available-for-your-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/free-realms-now-available-for-your-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/free-realms-now-available-for-your-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mac users rejoice, you've got another option when it comes to MMORPGs thanks to SOE and Free Realms. While OS X fans have seen their list of available titles grow in recent years, AAA games are still fairly scarce, with World of Warcraft, EverQuest, and Fallen Earth being a few of the more notable exceptions.

Free Realms isn't dumping you on a Mac-segregated server either, but rather the same shards inhabited by the free-to-play title's PC users. With fourteen million registered players, you're bound to find someone to hang out with, so head over to the official website to download the client and get started.

Free Realms features a large virtual world, customizable avatars, and a huge variety of minigames designed to provided hours of safe online entertainment for kids and whole families. Check out Massively's in-depth look at the game for more information.

MassivelyFree Realms now available for your Mac originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applef2pfree-realmsfree-to-playmacmacintoshos-xsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 03 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms available to Mac users later this fall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/free-realms-available-to-mac-users-later-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/free-realms-available-to-mac-users-later-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/free-realms-available-to-mac-users-later-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sony Online Entertainment is opening the doors to even more Free Realms players later this year with the release of Free Realms Mac.

While there's not a specific date for launch on this new platform, it's definitely going to happen in 2010 -- "later this fall," specifically. SOE's president John Smedley expects an enthusiastic response: "There is no denying the overwhelming player demand for Free Realms on the Mac platform."

Free Realms Mac users will be integrated into the same servers, community forums, and marketplace as the current community. Keep an eye on the Free Realms site for more details as release time approaches.

MassivelyFree Realms available to Mac users later this fall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-realmsfree-realms-macfree-to-playftpjohn-smedleymacsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 06 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captains of DarkTide enters open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/captains-of-darktide-enters-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/captains-of-darktide-enters-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/captains-of-darktide-enters-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Captains of DarkTide, the quirky pirate-slash-fantasy MMO introduced back in May, is finally ready for open beta as of today.

The game has undergone quite a few changes and improvements in the past months as the devs worked on every area of the game. Basic game glitches along the way have been fixed, of course, but much more has been improved as well. Crafting and inventory have been greatly simplified. Enemies have been rebalanced and combat changed to make battles a bit less frustrating.

If you've been participating in closed beta, there was a full character wipe so you'll be starting fresh with today's open beta. If you're new to Captains of DarkTide, it's browser-based, available on both PC and Mac, and free-to-play, so giving it a try couldn't be easier.

MassivelyCaptains of DarkTide enters open beta originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowser-basedcaptains-of-dark-tidecaptains-of-darktidecodtf2pfantasyfree-to-playftpmacopen-betapiratessilverlodesilverlode-interactiveTue, 03 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth Mac beta updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/fallen-earth-mac-beta-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/fallen-earth-mac-beta-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/fallen-earth-mac-beta-updates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Heads up, all you Apple-obsessed wastelanders! Icarus has updated their OS X Fallen Earth beta client, and they want you to take it for a spin. Notable fixes for this version include a Wine core update to 1.2RC2 (which includes a lengthy list of technical optimizations), and a tweak for the updater executable file which corrects the "initiating download sequence" error that has hamstrung some testers.

If you're already using the Fallen Earth Mac Beta client, you can update by downloading new versions of the FallenEarth.app file as well as the FEUpdaterMac.exe file.

You can also peruse the Mac Beta FAQ on the official site, as well as pick up the new 500 MB download that includes the latest Wine binary and Mac updater. Additionally, you can check out the original press release and accompanying forum post.

MassivelyFallen Earth Mac beta updates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefallen-earthicarus-studiosmacmac-betamac-clientmac-mmoos-xwineTue, 08 Jun 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon MMOs not coming to Mac or consoles any time soon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/nexon-mmos-not-coming-to-mac-or-consoles-any-time-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/nexon-mmos-not-coming-to-mac-or-consoles-any-time-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/nexon-mmos-not-coming-to-mac-or-consoles-any-time-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

There's been quite a bit of talk coming out of Nexon from the time of the GDC -- revealing two games, more news on the venerable MapleStory, and even a developer initiative announced shortly before the conference. But if you were waiting for the other shoe to drop, there is one after a fashion, because the company still has no plans to develop anything for the Mac or for consoles. Both Vindictus and Dragon Nest are apparently popular choices for players to request on consoles, but according to Nexon America vice president Min Kim, neither one is planned for development for the console platform.

Kim went on to explain that his company's base of operations in Korea meant that Mac support was a distant afterthought at best -- the market for non-PC games in Korea is minimal. Of course, in both cases he said that the support is something they would like to expand to eventually, but for now there's just not enough reason to expand. Which is sad news if you're one of the many users who prefer a fruit-based computer, especially with more and more games expanding to be playable on any platform.

[Thanks Tracey!]

MassivelyNexon MMOs not coming to Mac or consoles any time soon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmoconsolesdevelopmentdevelopment-plansdragon-nestgdc-2010koreamacmac-mmomaplestorymin-kimnexonnexon-americavindictusMon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth gets a Mac client]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/fallen-earth-gets-a-mac-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/fallen-earth-gets-a-mac-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/fallen-earth-gets-a-mac-client/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Perhaps you've watched Shawn's recent Fallen Earth exploits in Choose My Adventure, or heard all about the post-apocalyptic fun on Massively Speaking. Well, the team at Icarus Studios have heard the call from the Apple-loving contingent for a client of their own -- and have just announced that they have a beta Mac-compatible client ready for you to download and try out!

The new client is made possible thanks to the open-source project, Wine, which helps to create cross-compatibility for different platforms. The Fallen Earth Mac beta client works on Intel Macs, and is optimized for systems running under OS X 10.5 Leopard or later that have dedicated graphics hardware. No word on a Linux client at this time, but a connection with Wine is certainly a very positive first step if they do choose to open up further cross-compatibility to Linux users in the future.

"The Mac OS X compatibility project is something we've been excited to see implemented for quite a while," said Brad Lineberger, Chief Technical Officer of Icarus Studios. "Our goal for the project is to allow Mac users to run all of our existing and future games in their native OS." All you have to do if you'd like to get in on the Mac beta is to head over to the Fallen Earth site and check out their beta FAQ page. Of course, you have to have an active Fallen Earth account, or sign up for a 10-day trial first, but for post-apocalyptic loving Mac fans, this is certainly some great news.

MassivelyFallen Earth gets a Mac client originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-mmobrad-linebergerbreakingcross-platformfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfallen-earth-macfeaturedicarus-studiosleopardmacmac-mmomacintoshopen-sourceos-xwineWed, 10 Mar 2010 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Imprudence 1.2 viewer for Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/imprudence-1-2-viewer-for-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/imprudence-1-2-viewer-for-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/imprudence-1-2-viewer-for-second-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Imprudence viewer logoThe Imprudence project has released version 1.2 of their Second Life viewer. Imprudence is one of our favorite after-market Second Life viewers, and after some months in beta (and a couple of false starts), the latest release version of this viewer is available.

There are some user-interface changes this time around, the ability to backup and restore your own intellectual property, an improved radar/minimap, improved third-party simulator support, RLVa support, optional vertical IM tabs, double-click go-to and teleports, more world map data and a host of other tweaks and features.

Continue reading Imprudence 1.2 viewer for Second Life

MassivelyImprudence 1.2 viewer for Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alissa-sabreana-lutetiacodebastard-redgraveemerald-viewergeneko-nemethimprudence-viewerinteljacek-antonellikitty-barnettlilly-zenovkalinuxmacmccabe-maxstedmeerkat-vieweropen-sourcepatchessecond-lifesecond-life-viewersource-codetorley-lindenvirtual-worldsFri, 27 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online, now with 100% more Mac support]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/warhammer-online-now-with-100-more-mac-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/warhammer-online-now-with-100-more-mac-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/warhammer-online-now-with-100-more-mac-support/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There have been some big changes in Warhammer Online of late -- that's undeniable. But the game is pressing steadily onward, making a major change that oddly hasn't altered a single element of the gameplay. No, this change is entirely targeted at the players, as the game has now launched the Macintosh version of its client. They've been hinting at it and talking about it for quite some time, but it has gone live and is available, complete with full support for the game's free trial for any Mac gamers still on the fence regarding whether or not they want to dive in.

Certainly there's been some discussion among the game's community about whether or not the Mac client has been necessary or even desirable, with the common statement being "well, everyone can just run Boot Camp for it." But there's no doubt that a native solution is better than a workaround, and it makes the game more appealing to people who would prefer not to fuss around with Boot Camp. Take a look at the official question-and-answer page to see the details about the new client, or if you'd rather be a malcontent, start demanding Warhammer Online for Linux next.

MassivelyWarhammer Online, now with 100% more Mac support originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleboot-campeaelectronic-artslinuxmacmacintoshmythicmythic-entertainmentnews-itemswarwarhammer-onlineThu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR for the Mac gets a release date ]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/war-for-the-mac-gets-a-release-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/war-for-the-mac-gets-a-release-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/war-for-the-mac-gets-a-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While nobody could really argue about how pretty Macs are, it certainly isn't the platform of choice if you're interested in gaming. The sad truth is that there are nowhere nearly as many Mac-native games as there are for Windows. This means Mac users are often left to deal with running games in Boot Camp, emulators, or just having to do without. But in a gambit to open up their market a bit more, Mythic have been working on a Mac client for those wanting to get their RvR on. It seems that testing has come to an end as today they've announced a release date.

Set to launch on October 28th, this new Mac version of Warhammer Online will be free to download for those who already have Warhammer Online accounts. For those North American players who have been waiting for the Mac release to take the plunge, you'll be able to snag a digital download copy at Gametreeonline.com for $19.95, which will include 30 days of game time. There is currently also a 10-day free (open beta) trial open for those of you of the Mac persuasion, if you're not sure if WAR is right for your shiny Mac.

MassivelyWAR for the Mac gets a release date originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamacmacintoshmythicmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What MMOs would you like to see on the Mac?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/the-daily-grind-what-mmos-would-you-like-to-see-on-the-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/the-daily-grind-what-mmos-would-you-like-to-see-on-the-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/the-daily-grind-what-mmos-would-you-like-to-see-on-the-mac/#commentsFiled under: , ,


With yesterday's official word on Warhammer Online coming to the Mac, the age-old Mac vs. PC debates are rising to the surface again, yet you can't deny the fact that this can only be good for the game. Of course it's not forcing PC WAR fans to go out and buy a Mac, it's simply allowing Mac users that option to play more games.

So if you are a Mac user, and you're excited about this news enough to resub to WAR, we're curious about the other possibilities you'd like to see. Keep in mind that for the sake of this argument, Boot Camp doesn't count. So what other existing or upcoming MMO would get you to buy it if it came to the Mac?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What MMOs would you like to see on the Mac? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applemacmacintoshopiniontdgthe-daily-grindFri, 31 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online is coming to the Mac]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/warhammer-online-is-coming-to-the-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/warhammer-online-is-coming-to-the-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/warhammer-online-is-coming-to-the-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're a Mac user and you've ever wondered what other games out there are available for your preferred platform, rest assured that Warhammer Online will be joining those ranks soon. According to a recent announcement on their website, the Mac version will be available some time during fall of 2009. For now, Mac users can try out the beta version to see how it runs on their machines.

If you're curious about how this works exactly, the official announcement page explains the technical details: "WAR for the Mac is made possible using the CiderTM Portability Engine from TransGaming that acts as a "wrapper" around the game software, enabling it to run seamlessly on Intel-based Macs."

Check out the rest of the announcement for system requirements and information on downloading the beta version.

MassivelyWarhammer Online is coming to the Mac originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebetamacmacintoshmythicwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 30 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Luckily, they're friendly... for now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/one-shots-luckily-theyre-friendly-for-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/one-shots-luckily-theyre-friendly-for-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/one-shots-luckily-theyre-friendly-for-now/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It seems like while we may see a lot of glitches from Warhammer Online, no game is immune. Take, for example, this weird group of NPC spawns in Age of Conan. What is this gaggle of followers all about? Today's contributor Mac, who found this strange crowd, has some ideas: Normally, the "Followers of Derketo" NPCs spawn in the Age of Conan village of Bubshur in groups of four or five. When my Stygian Assassin, Khessek, stumbled across this mob scene of goddess acolytes on the Set server, I could only imagine that it was some sort of NPC convention. Either that, or they were all lining up early for the release of Star Wars: The Old Republic! "By Crom!" they chant. "We shall have our non-suck Star Wars MMORPG, or someone will die!"

If you've found a group of errant NPCs on the verge of mutiny, a huge battle, or anything else interesting in your favorite MMO, grab a screenshot and email it to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the game it came from and a quick description. We'll share it with the world and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots




MassivelyOne Shots: Luckily, they're friendly... for now originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocfuncomherdKhessekmacmob-glitchone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsFri, 24 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively looks at Capsuleer 2.0, an iPhone app for EVE Online part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/massively-looks-at-capsuleer-2-0-an-iphone-app-for-eve-online-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/massively-looks-at-capsuleer-2-0-an-iphone-app-for-eve-online-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/massively-looks-at-capsuleer-2-0-an-iphone-app-for-eve-online-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I was dreading having to manually enter that long API string linked to my EVE account, but Capsuleer's system made it quite easy. Can you tell me about the Import Control System?

Roc: The Import Control System was Sam's brainchild. Nobody wants to manually enter that string, myself included, but I also don't like applications "scraping" my game login data from the EVE Online website. The entire point of an API is to be able to access it without using your game login credentials. Since the iPhone doesn't do copy/paste (prior to OS 3.0), Sam came up with this method for effortlessly and securely importing your data to your device.

Sam: As Roc said, the API is all about security. CCP introduced it so that 3rd party applications didn't need your username and password anymore. It's a secure and simple way to provide access to a limited subset of data without exposing the credentials needed to log into your account. My initial prototype had you typing in the big long API key, and man I don't think I got it right more than twice in a row. I knew that we needed a better alternative. That's when I came up with the Import Control System. We have been foiled a bit by a few email clients that don't like the evechar:// url syntax that we use (they try to validate it and can't because they don't recognize the prefix), but with 2.0 we have an alternative http:// based url that can be used as well, so that should hopefully clear up the issues that people ran into.

Continue reading Massively looks at Capsuleer 2.0, an iPhone app for EVE Online part 2

MassivelyMassively looks at Capsuleer 2.0, an iPhone app for EVE Online part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apiapocryphaapp-storeccp-gameschris-whitefordeveeve-apieve-onlinefactional-warfareimport-control-systemiphoneiskmacmacintoshmarcus-dickinsonmilitiapvppyjamasamroc-wielerskill-queueskill-trainingskillpointsskillsThu, 09 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life viewer 1.22 goes final]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/second-life-viewer-1-22-goes-final/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/second-life-viewer-1-22-goes-final/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/second-life-viewer-1-22-goes-final/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The 1.22 series of Second Life viewer release candidates has at last come to an end and has "gone gold" as they say. The 1.22 viewer today replaces the 1.21 viewer as the official Second Life viewer after a series of release candidates stretching back to last November.

There are an enormous number of fixes in this viewer release, though there's some known problems with advanced water presets and isolated reports of voice issues on all platforms. There's also a ton of localization work gone into this release, adding Polish, Hungarian and Danish support, and reworking some of the existing translations. Check after the fold for the full release notes.

Continue reading Second Life viewer 1.22 goes final

MassivelySecond Life viewer 1.22 goes final originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linden-lablinuxmacpatchessecond-lifesecond-life-viewersl-version-1.21sl-version-1.22Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online interview confirms details of retail release]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/eve-online-interview-confirms-details-of-retail-release/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/eve-online-interview-confirms-details-of-retail-release/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/eve-online-interview-confirms-details-of-retail-release/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of announcements that came out of EVE Online's most recent Fanfest was news that the game will be sold on retail shelves this March, with the release of the Apocrypha expansion. A publishing deal struck between EVE's developer CCP Games and Atari means that the game may well see an influx of players in the coming months.

MMORPG.com's Managing Editor Jon Wood caught up with Ryan Dancey, Chief Marketing Officer at CCP Games, and the two discussed how EVE's shift away from being a purely digital product will affect the game. Also notable is that Dancey gives the details of what that $39.95 (€39.99) for the box will buy: Mac and PC versions; a Career Guide for new pilots; 60 days of game time that can be converted into PLEX; automatically have needed standings for factional warfare; a VIP pass which functions like the Buddy Program; and a shuttle with expanded cargo capacity. These extras were previously rumored to be included with the EVE retail purchase, but Ryan Dancey's comments in the MMORPG.com interview would seem to confirm those rumors.

Have a look at the rest of the interview focused on EVE Online's retail release for more on how the publishing deal between CCP Games and Atari is shaping up.

MassivelyEVE Online interview confirms details of retail release originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaatariboxbox-salesbuddy-programbusiness-modelscareer-guideccp-gamesccp-ryan-dccp-ryandeveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2008eve-onlineexpansionsfanfestinterviewsjon-woodmacmmorpg.compcplexretailryan-danceysci-fivip-passMon, 23 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games drops Linux client support for EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/ccp-games-drops-linux-client-support-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/ccp-games-drops-linux-client-support-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/ccp-games-drops-linux-client-support-for-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One of the nicer aspect to EVE Online, in terms of accessibility, is that you can play it across the trinity of operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux. The latter two have been made possible through the CCP Games partnership with TransGaming Technologies, via their Cider and Cedega technology, respectively. Unfortunately, while the Mac client has attracted (and retained) a number of users, the same cannot be said for the EVE Linux client. We received word from affected players over the weekend that CCP is dropping support for the Linux client, but it's official as of this morning.

CCP Whisper stated, "I am sorry to announce that from the 10th of March onwards CCP will no longer be officially supporting the Linux operating system. The low amount of users of the Linux client did not justify the degree of additional complexity having three operating systems imposes on our development and release schedules." He states that he and CCP Games are fully aware of the disappointment this will cause but the resources the company has devoted to Linux support could be put to better use elsewhere, in ways that benefit more players.

Continue reading CCP Games drops Linux client support for EVE Online

MassivelyCCP Games drops Linux client support for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arend-stuhrmannccpccp-gamesccp-whispercedegaciderdevdev-blogeveeve-onlinelinuxmacsupporttransgamingtransgaming-technologiesMon, 09 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online kicks off Mac open beta for high-res graphics engine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/eve-online-kicks-off-mac-open-beta-for-high-res-graphics-engine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/eve-online-kicks-off-mac-open-beta-for-high-res-graphics-engine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/eve-online-kicks-off-mac-open-beta-for-high-res-graphics-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The next EVE Online expansion, called Apocrypha, will launch on March 10 and promises to bring a long-missing feature to the Mac client: high res graphics. The Trinity graphics engine (aka Premium graphics) has been available to players using the Windows client since December of 2007. As of today, all active accounts using the Mac client can opt to download a second enhanced client to try out EVE's Premium graphic content on the Singularity test server.

EVE's Community Manager CCP Wrangler says, "This is the culmination of over a year of effort on the part of development teams at both CCP Games and Transgaming and we are extremely happy to see EVE running in all its splendor on the Mac OS." That splendor, however, may not be coming for some EVE players running older Mac hardware.

Continue reading EVE Online kicks off Mac open beta for high-res graphics engine

MassivelyEVE Online kicks off Mac open beta for high-res graphics engine originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaatariccpccp-gamesccp-wranglerclassiceveeve-onlineexpansionsgraphicsgraphics-enginemacmac-clientopen-betapremium-graphicssingularitytest-servertrinityTue, 13 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on with the City of Heroes Mac Client]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/hands-on-with-the-city-of-heroes-mac-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/hands-on-with-the-city-of-heroes-mac-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/hands-on-with-the-city-of-heroes-mac-client/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Recently NCsoft gave us the chance to get our hands on the beta version of the City of Heroes Mac client, letting us finally run around Paragon City and the Rogue Isles from the comfort of Mac OS X.

While the client doesn't deliver anything new to the City of Heroes gameplay table, it is a really well done port over to OS X. The client still connects to the main City of Heroes servers, allowing Mac users to play seamlessly with their PC friends. Nothing like EverQuest for Mac, more like the EVE Online port for OS X.

What really surprised me about this port is just how well it runs on the Mac compared to other games. Especially when the Mac in question is a laptop that sports an Intel integrated graphics chip instead of a powerhouse nVidia or ATI video card.

Continue reading Hands on with the City of Heroes Mac Client

MassivelyHands on with the City of Heroes Mac Client originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebetacity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-macfeaturedhands-onjoystiqfeaturesmacmacbookncsoftncwestpreviewThu, 08 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next EVE Online expansion named Apocrypha, launches March 10]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/next-eve-online-expansion-named-apocrypha-launches-march-10/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/next-eve-online-expansion-named-apocrypha-launches-march-10/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/next-eve-online-expansion-named-apocrypha-launches-march-10/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The other day we picked up on a video interview with the CEO of CCP Games, who announced a firm March 10th release date for the next EVE Online expansion -- but until today, that expansion wasn't given a name. CCP Games announced the "Apocrypha" expansion this morning, and a bit of what it'll bring to EVE.

The Apocrypha feature page isn't up yet -- so more details are likely to emerge -- but thus far they've confirmed two new game mechanics will be coming to EVE in March. Wormhole exploration is an upcoming feature that will allow EVE's explorers to discover new technology, used to create the next iteration of ships in New Eden -- Tech III. These modular ship designs will potentially allow for thousands of different configurations of ships to suit different purposes, and are a far cry from the Tech I and Tech II ship hulls currently flown in New Eden. In addition, Apocrypha will bring Epic Mission Arcs. The release states: "These branching, far-reaching mission strings are full of meaningful stories and more intelligent and deadly adversaries."

Continue reading Next EVE Online expansion named Apocrypha, launches March 10

MassivelyNext EVE Online expansion named Apocrypha, launches March 10 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaatariboxbreakingccpccp-gamesciderepic-mission-arcepic-mission-arcseveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicslaunchesmacmac-clientmmo-industrynew-edennew-featuresnew-player-experiencepremium-graphicsrelease-daterelease-datesretailretail-releasesci-fiThu, 08 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes saves the day on the Mac]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/city-of-heroes-saves-the-day-on-the-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/city-of-heroes-saves-the-day-on-the-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/city-of-heroes-saves-the-day-on-the-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Mac users, have no fear! City of Heroes is here! Yes, the original superhero MMO is swooping down onto Apple computers everywhere as NCsoft releases the City of Heroes Mac open beta test, with a release date set for January of 2009. Now Mac users can join in the fight for Paragon City or create chaos in the Rogue Isles without having to dual boot their computers or another medium.

Yet, the fun doesn't stop there for Mac CoH players. An exclusive mission teleport power, which allows the player to instantly teleport to their active mission location, and Valkyrie costume set will be made available to all players who purchase the game via digital download in January. Getting the game for your Mac and getting the ability to save time while looking cool? Very superheroic indeed.

MassivelyCity of Heroes saves the day on the Mac originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebetabreakingcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovmacmac-cohncsoftncwestopen-betavalkyrievalkyrie-costumeThu, 18 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes to get Mac Special Edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/city-of-heroes-to-get-mac-special-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/city-of-heroes-to-get-mac-special-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/city-of-heroes-to-get-mac-special-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


NCsoft just announced that City of Heroes will soon have a Mac client, joining the likes of World of Warcraft and EVE Online as MMOs that can played on OS X. It'll be made possible through partnership with Transgaming, the creators of the Cider portability engine, which acts as a 'wrapper' for the standard PC client, allowing it to run within OS X on an Intel Mac.

While Blizzard's Mac client for World of Warcraft was written from the ground up, NCsoft's newest City of Heroes 'Good vs. Evil edition' client will be playable through Transgaming's Cider, and thus will be the same client gamers are accustomed to on the PC. This method of bringing the PC client to Mac without porting or rewriting is the same avenue CCP Games took with their EVE Online client for OS X. The City of Heroes Mac Special Edition includes two exclusive items:

Continue reading City of Heroes to get Mac Special Edition

MassivelyCity of Heroes to get Mac Special Edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreakingcidercity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclientcohcovexpansionsmacmac-clientmacintoshncsoftos-xosxtransgamingvirtualizationThu, 30 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CrossOver allows MMO gameplay on Mac, free Tuesday only]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/crossover-allows-mmo-gameplay-on-mac-free-tuesday-only/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/crossover-allows-mmo-gameplay-on-mac-free-tuesday-only/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/crossover-allows-mmo-gameplay-on-mac-free-tuesday-only/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Most people don't pick up a Mac to use as their primary gaming machine, but for players of titles like World of Warcraft and EVE Online, the OS X client makes MMO gaming possible for them. But the majority of MMO clients are PC only, requiring Mac users to turn to Boot Camp and dual boot Windows XP or Vista. Another option open to MMO players who use Macs is CrossOver from Codeweavers, which allows virtualization of PC programs and games within OS X (and Linux), with no Windows license required.

Our friends over at TUAW came across a one-day price reduction on CrossOver... that price being 'free'. That's right, all of Codeweavers' products -- CrossOver Mac, CrossOver Games, and CrossOver Linux -- will be free on Tuesday, October 28, but only for that day. There's a bit of a story behind this, which you can read all about over at TUAW, who have all of the details and restrictions related to this offer. But for MMO gamers who are into their Macs, all you really need to know is that CrossOver will allow you to play quite a number of games, MMO and otherwise. Check out the full list of games supported, and get ready to download your free copy. Your 24-hour window to get CrossOver begins at midnight on Tuesday, October 28th. The CrossOver deal is a $40 license giveaway, limited to one license per person, and requires an Intel Mac running either Tiger or Leopard.

MassivelyCrossOver allows MMO gameplay on Mac, free Tuesday only originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblizzardboot-campccp-gamescross-overcrossoveremulationeveeve-onlinelinuxmacos-xosxtuawvirtualizationworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 27 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life 1.21 release candidate now gold]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/second-life-1-21-release-candidate-now-gold/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/second-life-1-21-release-candidate-now-gold/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/second-life-1-21-release-candidate-now-gold/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The 1.21 series of Second Life viewer release candidates has come to an end and has "gone gold" as they say. The 1.21.6 viewer today replaces the 1.20 viewer as the official Second Life viewer.

As yet, Linden Lab has not announced the update, nor provided release notes for the new viewer, but that's alright, because we've got that information for you. The list of changes from 1.20 is quite a long one. Seriously. Hang on to your hats, because nearly every part of the viewer got some loving from the Lab engineers. Everything from group chat moderation to some long standing cleanups of text that was literally years out of date.

Check after the fold for the the full release notes (as nearly as we were able to assemble them, in the absence of a final set from the Lab), and download links to the new viewer.

Are you a part of the most widely-known collaborative virtual environment or keeping a close eye on it? Massively's Second Life coverage keeps you in the loop.

Continue reading Second Life 1.21 release candidate now gold

MassivelySecond Life 1.21 release candidate now gold originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linden-lablinuxmacpatchessecond-lifesecond-life-viewersl-version-1.20sl-version-1.21Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac and Linux client improvements roll out today in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/mac-and-linux-client-improvements-roll-out-today-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/mac-and-linux-client-improvements-roll-out-today-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/mac-and-linux-client-improvements-roll-out-today-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


EVE Online has a much smaller playerbase than some of the other top-tier MMOs on the market. Despite this fact, CCP Games was willing to provide an even smaller subset of players -- Linux and Mac users -- with an EVE client, via Transgaming's Cedega (Linux) and Cider (Mac). While the 'premium' Trinity graphics are only supported on the Windows client, this writer can attest that the Mac client has improved a great deal since its release.

That said, there have certainly been some issues with providing a stable client for multiple operating systems. The Empyrean Age 1.1.2 patch for Mac and Linux, which was scheduled to deploy during downtime today, should bring with it numerous small fixes to these clients. On the Mac side, Empyrean Age 1.1.2 changes how autopatching works, improves issues with international keyboard layouts, and especially resolves the issue with how station interiors display. If the changes go through smoothly, this funky anomaly will be no more. This gallery may be a last look at the black, translucent interiors of stations that some Mac users have been reporting:

Gallery: Mac client station anomalies

Continue reading Mac and Linux client improvements roll out today in EVE Online

MassivelyMac and Linux client improvements roll out today in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autopatcherautopatchingbugsccpccp-falloutccp-gamescedegaciderclientempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinegallerieslinuxmacpatchpatch-notespatchessci-fitransgamingtrinityWed, 08 Oct 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Production Second Life viewer 1.20.16 available now [updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/production-second-life-viewer-1-20-16-available-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/production-second-life-viewer-1-20-16-available-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/production-second-life-viewer-1-20-16-available-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A new Second Life viewer is available. Not a release candidate, but an update to the 1.20 series -- what's generally referred to as an 'official' or production viewer. The version number for this release is 1.20.16 (97603), and only contains one listed change over 1.20.15.

The lone change appears to be security-related. The text of the change (not yet available in Wiki release notes) is "Discard messages sent over UDP that should not be trusted."

It isn't clear exactly which messages those are, precisely, and whether they might be sent from servers or spoofed from other hosts (or if they should simply be being carried on another transport protocol) -- however if it was important enough to release a fresh production viewer with just this one change, it is likely to be an important upgrade for users.

The new viewer is available for download now for Linux, Windows, or Mac (universal binary). We assume that if you've had problems running the 1.20.15 viewer, 1.20.16 will not work any better for you.

Linden Lab has not yet announced this release on any of its blogs.

Are you a part of the most widely-known collaborative virtual environment or keeping a close eye on it? Massively's Second Life coverage keeps you in the loop.

Continue reading Production Second Life viewer 1.20.16 available now [updated]

MassivelyProduction Second Life viewer 1.20.16 available now [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linden-lablinuxmacpatchesrelease-candidate-viewersecond-lifesecond-life-viewersl-version-1.20Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CrazyKinux answers EVE Online questions for WoW players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/crazykinux-answers-eve-online-questions-for-wow-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/crazykinux-answers-eve-online-questions-for-wow-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/crazykinux-answers-eve-online-questions-for-wow-players/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're a World of Warcraft player looking for something completely different, head over to CrazyKinux's blog and read what he has to say to WoW players looking to make the move to the alien beast that is EVE Online. It reads a bit like one of those articles designed to ease PC users into a transition to Apple's Mac computers.

EVE blogger, Drone Bay podcast co-host, and former Massively contributor CrazyKinux covers many of the bases, noting many of the strongest differences (skill-based instead of level-based character advancement, everyone is on one server instead of scattered between hundreds of small servers, etcetera). He also links to several articles written by him and others that are helpful to newbies.

It's a fantastic post -- a perfect starting point for anyone considering the switch, or even for folks just curious about what EVE is all about. CrazyKinux ends on a pretty funny quote, too: "EVE is like a sandbox with land mines. Deal with it." But don't let that scare you. Really. We named it our #1 Sci-Fi MMO a while back; admittedly that's not saying much, but it ought to count for something, right?

MassivelyCrazyKinux answers EVE Online questions for WoW players originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>articlesconvertingcrazykinuxeveeve-onlinefresh-meathelpintroductionmacmovingnewbiepcserversskill-basedswitchingworld-of-warcraftSat, 13 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lab makes the call: No Panther]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/lab-makes-the-call-no-panther/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/lab-makes-the-call-no-panther/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/lab-makes-the-call-no-panther/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Back in May, Linden Lab said it was considering dropping support for Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther). Well, the deliberations are over, and the Lab has just announced that that is what is going to happen.

Development for Panther 10.3.9 will cease, and no more QA will be done. If you are one of the few remaining users logging into Second Life with this venerable operating system version, you'll need to stay with the 1.19 viewer series. Eventually, that's going to stop working -- and you won't have access to many new features (like the upcoming Mono).

Support for all other supported systems (Windows XP, Linux, Windows Vista, and later Mac OS X versions) is not planned to change.

MassivelyLab makes the call: No Panther originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linden-labmacosxosx-panthersecond-lifeThu, 17 Jul 2008 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Tools of the trade: Scratch for SL]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/tools-of-the-trade-scratch-for-sl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/tools-of-the-trade-scratch-for-sl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/tools-of-the-trade-scratch-for-sl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MIT Media Lab's Eric Rosenbaum has produced a wonderful little tool called Scratch for Second Life (S4SL). Available for Mac or Windows (but not Linux at present, alas) S4SL allows you to create scripts by assembling simple colorful shapes (a bit like plastic bricks).

S4SL is based on MIT's Scratch, and allows you to put together some useful functionality very simply. S4SL isn't going to make you a star creator of scripts overnight, though -- anyone who knows Second Life's LSL scripting language and has a modicum of programming skill can do much more, but that's not the point here.

Continue reading Tools of the trade: Scratch for SL

MassivelyTools of the trade: Scratch for SL originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric-rosenbaumlogolslmacmitmit-media-labopinions4slscratchscriptingsecond-lifevideoMon, 14 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMOS X: WoWPlot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/mmos-x-wowplot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/mmos-x-wowplot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/mmos-x-wowplot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I was trolling through the forums at Arstechnica not too long ago, and saw someone chatting up his latest project: WowPlot. Immediately, that thread went into the well for future column ideas.

WoWPlot is a graphical combat log analyzer for World of Warcraft, in a similar vein to WoW Web Stats. According to the developer, "Its main focus lies in evaluating time-dependant combat performance in a very free-form fashion, which is in contrast to the mainly statistical approach of other tools such as Wow Web Stats." From a technical standpoint, you'll need OS X 10.5.x and, obviously, a Macintosh. As I stupidly found out the hard way, you'll also need combat logs from 2.4 or later. I know it sounds obvious, but early testing and subsequent error messages led to a face-palming, "no duh!" moment on my behalf -- it's been a while since I've raided, so I ended up having to beg some logs from a guildie.

Now, before I get too heavy into my discussion on this, this is early beta software. Rather than just e-mail the developer with my thoughts, I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone: I can make my deadline and maybe get him some more exposure and feedback if some of you try it out.

Continue reading MMOS X: WoWPlot

MassivelyMMOS X: WoWPlot originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macos-xraid-analysistoolsMon, 30 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab considers dropping Panther support]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/linden-lab-considers-dropping-panther-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/linden-lab-considers-dropping-panther-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/linden-lab-considers-dropping-panther-support/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Linden Lab is looking for feedback on the matter of dropping support for Mac OSX 10.3 Panther (though retaining support for Tiger and Leopard). According to Linden Lab, this affects 0.25% of "the entire base of Second Life" users. Now assuming they actually mean the entire user-base (as opposed to some lesser figure that we don't have access to), that's just under 34,000 users.

Unfortunately, asking for feedback on a blog entry where only 150 people can comment on the post, and -- moreover -- posting for feedback at a time where much of the Second Life grid had become effectively unusable was perhaps not an ideal way to garner useful feedback on the move. Most of the responding comments are not on the topic of Mac OSX Panther.

If it is decided to drop Panther support, we are told it there will be 60 days notice, though the message is unclear as to whether the clock is already ticking on that 60 days.

MassivelyLinden Lab considers dropping Panther support originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 May 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linden-labmacosxosx-panthersecond-lifeTue, 06 May 2008 01:30:00 EST