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[MMO Family: Four ways to improve kid-friendly MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mmo-family-four-ways-to-improve-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mmo-family-four-ways-to-improve-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mmo-family-four-ways-to-improve-kid-friendly-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Minecraft flame field
Right now, there's a small war going on in our house. It's winter, we're all cooped up inside, and we're interested in different games. What's particularly interesting is that my kids will tolerate most of the games I play and join in, except for one: Star Wars: The Old Republic. They aren't remotely interested in it, and any time I fire it up, they push back by demanding their favorite game, which is Minecraft.

It got me thinking about why kids would prefer a 16-bit, block-shaped world to a glitzy, voiced-over, multi-million dollar title. Adult gamers love to hash out why they love one game over another, but what makes games appealing from a kid's perspective? Furthermore, we often see differences in kid-friendly MMOs and their features compared to games for grown ups, but can those features be improved?

Continue reading MMO Family: Four ways to improve kid-friendly MMOs

MassivelyMMO Family: Four ways to improve kid-friendly MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechatchat-filterscollectible-petseaElectronic-Artsfeaturedgated-contentintrinsic-funkaren-bryankid-friendlykid-friendly-mmosminecraftminipetsmmo-familymojangpetpetsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorvanity-petszone-wallsWed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taun-taunts: Damion Schubert teases future SWTOR vanity pets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/taun-taunts-damion-schubert-teases-future-swtor-vanity-pets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/taun-taunts-damion-schubert-teases-future-swtor-vanity-pets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/taun-taunts-damion-schubert-teases-future-swtor-vanity-pets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
Recently, Star Wars: The Old Republic blog Inquisitor's Roadhouse got in touch with BioWare Lead System Designer Damion Schubert to talk about the game's "other" companions: vanity pets. While they may not be the fifth pillar of gameplay, vanity pets in SWTOR are desired by many collectors -- and Schubert has word that more are on the way.

While Schubert admits that vanity pets, such as the Hutt Observer and Mouse Droid, weren't at the top of BioWare's priority list in beta, he said the team knew they wanted them as part of the launched game. There are only a handful of pets in the game at this time, but more are to come in SWTOR's next big update. "I don't want to give out too big a hint, but they smell kinda bad on the outside," Schubert teased.

He confirmed that currently pets are not limited by faction, although there are some that are restricted to dark and light side players. Schubert said that BioWare will be using vanity pets as rewards for many aspects of gameplay, including the social and legacy systems.

Getting them in the future may be more complicated in a good way, however: "One of the things we want to do a lot more of is adding items that take a bit of communal exploration to discover - we're well aware of how popular datacrons and the magenta lightsaber crystal are - and minipets is one place where we've identified adding fun things like that could really pay off."

MassivelyTaun-taunts: Damion Schubert teases future SWTOR vanity pets originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredamion-schubertdatacroneaea-biowareinquistors-roadhouselegacy-systemminipetsnon-combat-petssmelly-the-tauntaunsocial-systemstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortauntaunvanity-petsFri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Oath offering real-world prizes for virtual contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/dragon-oath-offering-real-world-prizes-for-virtual-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/dragon-oath-offering-real-world-prizes-for-virtual-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/dragon-oath-offering-real-world-prizes-for-virtual-contest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The folks at ChangYou are introducing a new contest for their Dragon Oath players, and it's one that virtual pet fans are going to love. The contest is called "Pump up Your Pet," and it gives every entrant a free white fox pet along with a chance to win a Nintendo 3DS, a Tt eSports prize package, or one of three Amazon gift cards.

To enter, you'll need to have a Dragon Oath character of level 10 or above, and "like" the Dragon Oath Facebook page. Click the "promotions" tab on the Facebook page to receive a code to add the pet to your account, and then the real fun begins!

Your task is to level your new pet as much as you can by 1:00 p.m. EST on July 28th. When the deadline arrives, take a screenshot of your character and pet and send it to contests.dragonoath@gmail.com along with your character, account name, and the entry code you received to get your white fox pet. The top 10 players with the highest leveled White Foxes will be put in a raffle to win one of the prizes, and ChangYou will announce the winners on August 26th.

Best of luck to all who enter!

MassivelyDragon Oath offering real-world prizes for virtual contest originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changyoucontestdragon-oathf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlevelingminipetspetswhite-fox-petThu, 14 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate six years of Guild Wars with prizes and an exclusive update interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/celebrate-six-years-of-guild-wars-with-prizes-and-an-exclusive-u/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/celebrate-six-years-of-guild-wars-with-prizes-and-an-exclusive-u/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/celebrate-six-years-of-guild-wars-with-prizes-and-an-exclusive-u/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Let the celebration begin! Guild Wars is six years old, and as promised earlier this morning, ArenaNet has handed out the party hats and kicked off the festivities.

Here at Massively we've got plenty of party treats for you! Not only do we have the full scoop on the anniversary update, but we chatted with Guild Wars Live Team members John Stumme and Matthew Moore about the creation of the event. Finally, we've got a special Livestream look at the new content along with a pile of prizes for Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 fans, so follow along after the jump for all the details!

Continue reading Celebrate six years of Guild Wars with prizes and an exclusive update interview

MassivelyCelebrate six years of Guild Wars with prizes and an exclusive update interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6th-anniversaryanetanniversaryarenanetbirthdaycontestcontestseverlasting-tonicgiveawaygiveawaysguild-warsguild-wars-anniversaryguild-wars-birthdayguild-wars-sixth-anniversaryguild-wars-sixth-birthdaygwinterviewinterviewsjohn-stummematthew-mooreMinipetsminisncsoftsixth-anniversarytonicThu, 28 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Never leave home without it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/the-tattered-notebook-never-leave-home-without-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/the-tattered-notebook-never-leave-home-without-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/the-tattered-notebook-never-leave-home-without-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



This week, I decided it's time to dump the bag. My characters often accumulate items at such a rapid rate that my bags quickly resemble those of a typical teenager at the mall. Any time I resign myself to plunking down at the bank to sort my inventory, I end up shocked at some of the stuff I bring home. However, there are some items in EverQuest II that are lifesavers, and others that can really be handy in a pinch. Let's take a look at a few items that you should never leave home without.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Never leave home without it

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Never leave home without it originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingEQ2EQIIequipmenteverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedguideitemsLegends-of-NorrathMinipetsopinionrelicsrepair-kitSOESony-Online-Entertainmentthe-tattered-notebooktinkeringtotemstradeskillsMon, 22 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars fansite hosts "Night of the Mini Pets" community event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/guild-wars-fansite-hosts-night-of-the-mini-pets-community-even/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/guild-wars-fansite-hosts-night-of-the-mini-pets-community-even/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/guild-wars-fansite-hosts-night-of-the-mini-pets-community-even/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A long-running event in the Guild Wars community should be gaining an extra dose of attention and excitement this year. In all the player buzz over the Hall of Monuments, many people have found the Monument to Devotion to be one of the most difficult to fill.

That problem might be solved for many people thanks to the upcoming Night of the Mini Pets. Fansite Blade Radio has worked to coordinate this event for three years running, and each year hundreds of miniatures are handed out to Guild Wars players as prizes.

This year is bigger than ever: Blade Radio has over 1,100 minis (both dedicated and undedicated) to distribute along with many other items including a prepaid Guild Wars 2 package. The event will be held for three nights beginning on October 29th, so check out the Night of the Mini Pets page for all of the details and a full prize list.

MassivelyGuild Wars fansite hosts "Night of the Mini Pets" community event originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetblade-radioguild-warsgwhall-of-monumentshommini-petsminiaturesminipetsncsoftnight-of-the-mini-petsTue, 19 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to 50: A guide to filling your Guild Wars Hall of Monuments (I)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While I was writing today's Flameseeker Chronicles, I noticed something: It was about twice as long as my normal columns, and yet I'd barely skimmed the surface. Many players in the Guild Wars community went inactive over the past few years while waiting for Guild Wars 2. Now that we know all the details of the strongest link between the two games, hundreds if not thousands of players are coming out of retirement to max out their Halls.

Today's Flameseeker Chronicles was a generalized guide to reaching 30 points on the calculator. That number will get you every reward on the scale, but so many veteran players and completionists are chasing 50 points that I wanted to do something for them too. The Road to 50 is a feature that will run for five days this week, each day focusing on a different monument. I'll give tips, suggestions, and guides for obtaining a "full score" in each one.

Today's focus is Miniatures, so follow along after the jump to see how to get your hands on 50 of your little friends.

Continue reading The Road to 50: A guide to filling your Guild Wars Hall of Monuments (I)

MassivelyThe Road to 50: A guide to filling your Guild Wars Hall of Monuments (I) originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetfeaturedguideguidesguild-warsGuild-Wars-2guild-wars-beyondgwgw2hall-of-monumentshall-of-monuments-calculatormini-petsminiatureminiaturesminipetsminisncsoftthe-road-to-50Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Brother, can you spare a diamond?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/flameseeker-chronicles-brother-can-you-spare-a-diamond/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/flameseeker-chronicles-brother-can-you-spare-a-diamond/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/flameseeker-chronicles-brother-can-you-spare-a-diamond/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I've spent a lot of time the past few days with my inventory and storage panels open in Guild Wars. Like it did to pretty much the entire Guild Wars community, the surprise announcement of the Hall of Monuments calculator sent me into a tizzy of "What do I have? What do I need? I have to PvP? Noooooo!!"

OK, maybe that last thing was just me, but my point stands. The revelation of all the shiny rewards and titles available on the point scale is thrilling. Personally, the "Flameseeker" title was my immediate goal, and I scrambled around to get that one right away. Now I'm chasing 50 points, as are several of my guildmates.

I was happy to see so many of my inactive guildies back because of this, but I noticed something immediately. They were confused! (No, seriously. I love you guys, but I could practically see the "omg too much!" looks on your faces.) Just from hanging out and watching the community both in and out of game the past few days, I realized pretty quickly that this is happening all over Tyria.

So many longtime players have gone inactive while they waited to see how GW1 was going to link to Guild Wars 2. Now they're back in droves after being gone for a while, and they feel like they might never catch up. So, this week's Flameseeker Chronicles is for you guys. Follow along after the jump and I'll help you get back in the game and all caught up.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Brother, can you spare a diamond?

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Brother, can you spare a diamond? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguideguidesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2hall-of-monumentshomMiniPetMinipetsncsoftrewardsthe-road-to-50Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: The consequences of an aging economy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/flameseeker-chronicles-the-consequences-of-an-aging-economy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/flameseeker-chronicles-the-consequences-of-an-aging-economy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/flameseeker-chronicles-the-consequences-of-an-aging-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

About two weeks ago, I decided I wanted Obsidian armor for my Elementalist. Those who know me laughed (and are probably laughing as they read this), because it's been a bit of a joke that she's not had it until now. She is without a doubt my most favored character in any game, sporting a wardrobe that borders on ridiculous, a minipet for every occasion, and heroes bearing Tormented weapons. She's spoiled rotten, but the Elementalist version of Obsidian armor has always reminded me of those little cups you take camping. I just never cared for it.

Eventually I thought "she's got everything else, so why not that?" The fact that it was a snap decision set me thinking about the economy of Guild Wars today. Sure, it'll take me a bit to earn the armor, and I'll be spending a fair amount of time in UW and FoW, but it's not out of reach by any means. It's not an epic goal, it's just something to keep me amused for a few weeks, and that speaks much more to the game than it does to any sort of virtual wealth I've accumulated. Follow along after the jump, and let's take a look at the implications of that.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: The consequences of an aging economy

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: The consequences of an aging economy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaneteconomyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsgwminiaturesMinipetsMon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST