Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Beyond Shawn's Thunderdome]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/mmo-blender-beyond-shawns-thunderdome/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/mmo-blender-beyond-shawns-thunderdome/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/mmo-blender-beyond-shawns-thunderdome/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Blender Beyond Shawn's Thunderdome
If there's one thing I've noticed about these MMO Blender articles, it's that the Massively staff members seem to really like their sandboxes. Maybe it's not even so much a staff preference as it is a statement about where we all are as MMO players. Themeparks have been done and have been perfected, but many of us want to stretch the limitations of a truly persistent and open online world.

At least that's what I'd like to think. It's an ideal situation I can dream about, but do we all really want a truly open world with limitless possibilities? What would we do with so few rules?

My perfect MMO has what I'd consider to be the best of all worlds. The trick is, of course, getting it all to work in one game.

Continue reading MMO Blender: Beyond Shawn's Thunderdome

MassivelyMMO Blender: Beyond Shawn's Thunderdome originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertaction-mmoarmchair-game-designatitdbiowareeaegenesisegyptelectronic-artsf2pfallen-earthfantasyfavorite-mmofefeaturedfree-to-playg1game-designgame-mechanicsgamersfirsthistoricallucasartsmad-maxmechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologymythologynexonnexon-americanexon-entertainmentopinionpost-apocpost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtortaletellingthe-old-republictorvindictuswastelandsFri, 16 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth rated M for Mature by ESRB]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/fallen-earth-rated-m-for-mature-by-esrb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/fallen-earth-rated-m-for-mature-by-esrb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/fallen-earth-rated-m-for-mature-by-esrb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Fallen Earth is the upcoming post-apocalyptic massively multiplayer online game where players will soon be carving out a living in a world ravaged by viral and nuclear armageddon. Not that we really thought a game where fending off packs of mutated anarchist bikers out in the wasteland Mad Max-style was really going to be "family-oriented entertainment", but Fallen Earth LLC has now made it official.

Circatrix from the Fallen Earth team writes, "Thought you all should be the first to know that we've received our rating from the ESRB board and we're classified as an M (Mature). You'll start to see this in our ads and videos moving forward." We're glad to hear that they're not toning down the game's themes simply to reach a younger audience, and Massively will be keeping an eye on Fallen Earth as it gets closer to launch.

MassivelyFallen Earth rated M for Mature by ESRB originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circatrixentertainment-software-rating-boardesrbfallen-earthfallen-earth-llclegalmad-maxmaturemmo-industrymutantspost-apocalypticratingrating-boardratingssci-fiFri, 10 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Post mortems for Uru Live and Auto Assault relive the pain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/post-mortems-for-uru-live-and-auto-assault-relive-the-pain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/post-mortems-for-uru-live-and-auto-assault-relive-the-pain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/post-mortems-for-uru-live-and-auto-assault-relive-the-pain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

An interesting piece at 1Up talks about the effects of closing down an under-performing MMO, both on the players and the developers. Getting the "don't look back in anger" treatment are Cyan Worlds's Uru Live and NCsoft's Auto Assault. Containing snippets of quotes from the creators of both games, there are lessons here for upcoming MMO devs that should be heeded.

Interestingly, there is mention of an indie MMO being developed by some of the Auto Assault team called Apokalypsos, apparently featuring a post-apocalyptic setting. Combining FPS gameplay with vehicular combat, this sounds like Mad Max for the massively multiplayer crowd. We'll keep an eye open for further developments.

MassivelyPost mortems for Uru Live and Auto Assault relive the pain originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apokalypsosauto-assaultcyan-worldsmad-maxncsoftpost-mortemuru-liveSat, 31 May 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Earthrise screenshots dawn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/new-earthrise-screenshots-dawn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/new-earthrise-screenshots-dawn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/new-earthrise-screenshots-dawn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


After weeks of the same old handful of screenies, Masthead Studios has doled out three new Earthrise screenshots to the gang at MMORPG. The one above gives me goose bumps. I love me some post-apocalyptic ruin, and this magnificent shot brings a tear of joy to my eye. It's... magnificent.

And yes... I do dream of being Mad Max, zipping around the Australian wastelands in my souped up death mobile. Thank you very much.

MassivelyNew Earthrise screenshots dawn originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earthrisemad-maxMasthead-StudiosMMORPG.compost-apocalypticroad-warriorscreenshotsThu, 06 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-apocalyptic MMO Earthrise announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/post-apocalyptic-mmo-earthrise-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/post-apocalyptic-mmo-earthrise-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/post-apocalyptic-mmo-earthrise-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We just began discussion earlier this month on a horror-flavoured MMO, Requiem: Bloodymare. As sci-fi, pirates, and tales of the undead begin to fill in where once only fantasy dared to tread, we're starting to see more and more new games stray from the norms of the MMO genre. Today's announcement of a new post-apocalyptic game, then, shouldn't come as too much of a surprise.

Joining the in-the-works title Fallen Earth in the Mad Maxian genre, Earthrise is a title being developed by the Bulgarian studio Masthead. The game is to be set after a third world war, which finds our planet more-or-less a wasteland. Our species is on its way to the conclusion of all Darwinian evolution, but a few brave souls are fighting on to keep the light of civilization burning. A corporate-run government has created a semi-utopia, populated by clones of citizenry stored in massive genetic databases. Not all is well, of course - the government is fascist, keeping tight control over the meager resources available to the fledgling society. Rival factions are fighting for control of the hearts and minds of the cloned populace, and players will get to choose who they throw their influence behind.

Also, as you can see in the above screenshot, there looks to be monsters. Not sure how they fit in, but perhaps they're mutants left in the wake of the world war? The press release from the Masthead Studios indicates they're very keen on exploring PvP and market-based gameplay as well as tradition PVE gaming.

Do you think this is going to work out? Post-apocalyptic gaming is a very different animal from your standard fantasy fair. Another doomed niche product, or a breath of fresh air for the genre?

[Via Warcry]

MassivelyPost-apocalyptic MMO Earthrise announced originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbreakingearthrisemad-maxpost-apocalypticsci-fiWed, 23 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten Ton drops the Hammer on 2008]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/ten-ton-drops-the-hammer-on-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/ten-ton-drops-the-hammer-on-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/ten-ton-drops-the-hammer-on-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Almost all gaming sites this time of year weigh in with their predictions for what the new year will bring, but I particularly like what TenTonHammer has seen in their crystal ball. Plus, I just like saying "Ten Ton drops the Hammer." It's fun. Try it.

A few of their eight predictions hit close to home with me. In particular, their first prophecy regarding Jumpgate Evolution. I was a huge fan of NetDevil's now defunct MMO, Auto Assault. Not because their shop is only an hour north of me here in Colorado, or that I seemingly enjoy virtually everything NCsoft puts out, but because it was as close to a Mad Max movie as there was. I'm a post apocalyptic junkie. Sadly... it went the way of the Cuban Missile Crisis and died enigmatically. So I can't wait to see how they update their cult sci-fi game, and... well, see how it jumps out of the gate! Oy.

Next up, they forecast that Cryptic Studios will at long last release some information about Marvel Universe Online. If I was a gambler I might bet against this, but stranger things have happened. As an obsessed City of Heroes player (and confirmed alt-aholic), my love of the game grew from my passion for comic books. In particular, Marvel comic books. I want to see what the creators of my favorite spandex covered game can do with yet another spandex covered game that's different from the first one, and how are they going to get me to play that one just as much as this one. Confused? So is Britney, but she's doing fine. Sort of.

Anyway, be sure to check out Hammer's other prognostications and let us know what you think 2008 holds for this oh so massive industry!

MassivelyTen Ton drops the Hammer on 2008 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008Auto-AssaultCity-of-Heroescomic-booksCryptic-Studioscrystal-ballJumpgate-EvolutionMad-MaxMarvelMarvel-Universe-OnlineNCsoftNetDevilpredictionsTen-Ton-HammerTTHFri, 04 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Falling back to Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/falling-back-to-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/falling-back-to-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/falling-back-to-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fallen Earth is an upcoming MMO from Icarus Studios set in the year 2154, long after a plague known as the Shiva has killed off 90 percent of the world's population. Those who remain have divided into six factions (Children of the Apocalypse, Travelers, Enforcers, Techs, Vistas, and the Lightbearers) all struggle for dominance as they try to rebuild on the ashes of a fallen earth.

I geek out at all things post-apocalyptic. One of my favorite flicks is The Road Warrior (aka Mad Max 2). My favorite book is Stephen King's The Stand. Don't even get me started on the Fallout series (so yes, I am completely geeked about Fallout 3!). And I weeped a little when Auto Assault bought the farm. Now, combine all those apocalyptic bits and pieces, roll 'em all together and you got Fallen Earth. Supposedly. Hopefully.

The guys at Icarus updated the FE community a few days ago and things appear to be moving along accordingly. Seventy towns have been laid out with fifty or so functional (not polished, functional). Nearly 3,000 missions have been created and upwards of 7,500 items are locked and loaded into the database. The guys answer five burning questions (like how many weapons players have access to at one time, what recipes will be available to what factions, and so on). When is it coming out? Well, when it's done of course. For all the details check out the Fallen Earth forums.

MassivelyFalling back to Earth originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultfallen-earthfallouticarus-studiosmad-maxMMORPGpost-apocalypticroad-warriorstephen-kingthe-standThu, 13 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST