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[The Game Archaeologist: Classic MMOs in August]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-classic-mmos-in-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-classic-mmos-in-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-classic-mmos-in-august/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Classic MMOs in August
How few players do you need to have before operating an MMO becomes ridiculously unprofitable and in need of closing? In the case of The Matrix Online, we found out that the magic number was 500. I wouldn't have even guessed that so few people were in that game when its shutdown was announced, especially considering the vocal anguish that arose when SOE lowered the boom.

I guess it goes to show that we're often quite clueless what goes on behind the curtain. There's always this balance between the number-crunchers (who need players and money to justify continued operations) and the passionate creators (who are often developers putting in the effort because they simply love the game and its community). If nothing else, it reinforced my belief that SOE does bend over backwards to keep these games running as long as possible, much longer than some other studios would in a similar situation.

So what other news regarding classic MMOs happened this past month? It's time for another one of my patented roundups, complete with archaeological commentary!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Classic MMOs in August

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Classic MMOs in August originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Aug 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acanarchy-onlineaoasherons-callcall-of-the-forsakenclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistlineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-britishmmofpsmxomythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnostalgiaopinionplanetsidepsps1sandboxsci-fishadowfall-conspiracyshadowfell-conspiracysoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlineturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuovanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgSat, 31 Aug 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Europe 2013: SOE talks game shutdowns, The Matrix Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/19/gamescom-2013-soe-talks-game-shutdowns-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/19/gamescom-2013-soe-talks-game-shutdowns-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/19/gamescom-2013-soe-talks-game-shutdowns-the-matrix-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Matrix Online
Sony Online Entertainment's Linda "Brasse" Carlson took the stage at this year's GDC Europe to talk about SOE's approach to community management, and in the process delivered a little insight into how studios can (and should) approach shutting down MMOs with waning or nonexistent player populations.

Carlson used Monolith Productions' The Matrix Online as an example, explaining that the game's population had dipped down to fewer than 500 players by the time the decision was made to take it offline in 2009.
The breaking point where cost of maintenance just to keep the game up was ridiculous. Sometimes you just have to shut these games down.
Determining when and how to sunset an MMO is never an easy task; Carlson noted that a studio should never "belittle the people who are deeply emotionally upset" about their favorite title shutting down.

The talk wasn't all about shutdowns, however; Carlson also discussed Sony's community management philosophy, which includes showing empathy to players, protecting developers from abuse, and using the player-driven community council to make more educated and agreeable decisions about the future of its games.

Gamasutra has a nice collection of quotes from the presentation, if you're into that sort of thing.

MassivelyGDC Europe 2013: SOE talks game shutdowns, The Matrix Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Aug 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-managementgdcgdc-europegdc-europe-2013linda-carlsonmmo-shut-downMonolithMonolith-ProductionsmxoshutdownsoesonySony-Online-Entertainmentthe-matrix-onlineMon, 19 Aug 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Final moments of MMOs
Maybe many of us would just rather remember MMOs as they were in life rather than at the moment of their demise. But I believe that how a game went out is incredibly fascinating for many reasons and worthy of examination.

It's in these final moments when an entire community has to say goodbye. It's in these moments that the developers mourn as well before pulling the plug. It's in these moments that history is being made one last time. And it goes without saying that it's in these moments that everyone curses the unfairness of it all.

Today we're going to watch the first half of 10 videos featuring MMOs in their final moments. It's here we'll see how weird, crazy, sad, and interesting things can get. Maybe you were part of one (or more) of these moments or are simply curious what it was like. Either way, it's the end of the world as we know it. And we feel fine.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 1

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmocomposercomposersdungeon-runnerseqoaeverquest-online-adventuresfeaturedfinal-momentsgalaxiesgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmxoopinionsandboxsci-fishutdownsoesony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtracksstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessunsetswgswgotabula-rasathe-matrix-onlineThu, 11 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: The Matrix Online's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/jukebox-heroes-the-matrix-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/jukebox-heroes-the-matrix-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/jukebox-heroes-the-matrix-onlines-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes The Matrix Online's soundtrack
It's been almost three-and-a-half years since players were forced to unplug from The Matrix Online for the last time, but the memories and music remain. When I first was wowed by The Matrix back in 1999, the dark, action-packed score became an instant favorite of mine. It's a franchise in which the sound is critical to the feel of the films, and it makes sense that this would extend to the MMO.

The makers of MxO went to great lengths to retain the look, story, and audio of the films, which is why the trilogy's composer, Don Davis, was called in to create the music for the game. While the films are more dependent on an orchestra for the score, Davis went with a heavy synth sound for the MMO. It's still quite Matrix-y, however, and pretty dang cool to discover (or discover all over again).

Let's boot up this ancient laptop that I found and see if we can coax a few tunes out of it before Windows 98 shuts down on us for good.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: The Matrix Online's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: The Matrix Online's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composercomposersfeaturedgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimatrixmmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmxoopinionsoesoundtracksoundtracksthe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinewbTue, 19 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Ways MMOs explain infinite resurrection]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-perfect-ten-ways-mmos-explain-infinite-resurrection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-perfect-ten-ways-mmos-explain-infinite-resurrection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-perfect-ten-ways-mmos-explain-infinite-resurrection/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Ways MMOs explain infinite resurrection
Why? Why do we die in MMOs and receive an infinite number of resurrections? Are we in a type of hell defined by endless combat and suffering, doomed to never escape the cycle? Is this a cruel experiment being performed by supreme alien beings from afar? Does that make us the living undead, immortal Highlanders, or something even more significant?

If you're looking at me with that look you have in your eye right now, I'd like to remind you that asking these questions is more in line with the core of RPGs than just mashing the 1-2-3 buttons. The rules that make up and dictate our virtual lives should have both meaning and sense, yet so many of these games expect us to just blithely accept that we can come back from the dead over and over without nary an explanation.

Well, I like explanations. Even if it's just polite nonsense, a thought-out reason as to why our characters are death-proof tells me that the devs treat their game with a higher degree of integrity than others. So here are 10 MMOs in which the endless cycle of death and resurrection gets at least a backhanded explanation instead of "shut up, just accept it."

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Ways MMOs explain infinite resurrection

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Ways MMOs explain infinite resurrection originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalback-to-betabetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconquestcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-onlinef2pfactionfallen-earthfantasyfefeaturedflashfree-to-playfreedomfuncomg1gala-netgamersfirstglitchgpotatohipsterhorrorhumorinternet-spaceshipslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmxomythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedspreadsheets-onlinesuperherosuperheroesthe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthe-secret-worldthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtriontrion-worldstswturbineturbine-entertainmentunlauncheningwastelandsThu, 13 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
You know what I love about the end of each year? The lists. Man, but I'm a sucker for lists, especially when they come in "best of" varieties. In the lull between Christmas and New Year's, there typically isn't a lot happening in the world of entertainment, so it's a good time to look back before we head forward.

And so it is for The Game Archaeologist. 2011 marks the second year I've been doing this column, and it's been one of my personal favorite series to write. Every week I'm learning more and more about the history of the MMO genre, and I'm encouraged to see just how much passion and interest there are for the titles that started it all and got us to where we are today.

So before we head into 2012, let's take one last glimpse back at the road we've traveled. If you've missed out on any of these columns or want to revisit your favorite classic MMO, I've compiled a huge list of everything I talked about this year, from histories to interviews to player stories. There's also a special request for you (yes, you) at the end of this column, so do me a favor and hit that jump!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist seals up 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011a-tale-in-the-desertac2Andrew-Tepperasherons-callasherons-call-2Ben-Chamberlainbrian-greenclimaxdark-age-of-cameloteaearth-and-beyondeqEric-Heimburgeverquestfeaturedimperator-onlineJosef-HalllineagelistlistsMeridian-59Middle-earth-Onlinemudmulti-user-dungeonmxomythicaplanetsidepsychochildRade-StojsavljevicrarebitRichard-Bartleround-uproundupshadow-of-yserbiusshadowbaneStuart-Zissuteppytgathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-shadow-of-yserbiusThom-TerrazasTodd-ColemanTrue-Fantasy-Live-OnlineUltima-Worlds-Online-OriginUltima-X-OdysseyWarhammer-Onlineworld-of-warcraftyear-in-reviewTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Why I write]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/the-game-archaeologist-why-i-write/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/the-game-archaeologist-why-i-write/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/the-game-archaeologist-why-i-write/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist
We're going to take a brief detour this week from our normal excavations and six-hour-long lectures to address a fundamental question to The Game Archaeologist series. Namely, why write it? Why give attention to games that are "past their prime," have been canceled, or never got off the launch pad in the first place?

It's no secret that bigger games and newer titles get the lion's share of the attention and love. It's how it is, and not just here at Massively. I love looking forward to the next hot thing like anyone else, and I will gorge on all the juicy infos if given the opportunity. Yet it's a little-known secret that many staffers here at Massively are passionate about the old guard of MMOs, up to and including playing them on a regular basis. Bree won't let pass any opportunity to tout Ultima Online's "did it first!" superiority on every occasion, Eliot and City of Heroes make out on a regular basis, and several writers are in group therapy as I write this because of the impending shutdown of Star Wars Galaxies.

To be an MMO fan is to love the genre as a whole, not just one game. Today I'm going to crack my chest wide open and bare my soul to you as to why I write about older MMOs and why they're still incredibly important to our hobby.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Why I write

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Why I write originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescoheqeverquesteverquest-nextfeaturedmmo-genremmo-industrymxoopinionriftstar-wars-galaxiesswgtabula-rasathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlineultima-onlineuoworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO are you sorry you missed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-are-you-sorry-you-missed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-are-you-sorry-you-missed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-are-you-sorry-you-missed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Matrix Online screenshot
Time is always against us, a wise man once said, and truer words were never spoken regarding the MMORPG genre. The glut of titles released over the last few years means that fans have some hard choices to make, and when those choices are coupled with the inevitable game closures, it's rare that even folks with huge amounts of free time have time enough to play everything.

And since we're speaking of time: If you spend enough of it reading and talking about our favorite genre, you'll inevitably come across a game that sounds right up your alley. If you're lucky, said game will still be available to you. If not, well, you might have the answer to this morning's Daily Grind question. Which MMO(s) are you sorry you missed?

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: Which MMO are you sorry you missed? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegame-discussiongamer-discussionmaking-timematrix-onlineMiscellaneousmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsmxoopinionstar-wars-galaxiesswgtabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinetimeWed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Your memories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-your-memori/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-your-memori/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-your-memori/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What can you trust when your memories are merely the by-product of intelligent machines tinkering with your brain? When you come right down to it, who's to say that our alleged recollections of The Matrix Online weren't just computer viruses uploaded into our cerebral cortexes -- and that the game never existed at all?

Real or not, The Matrix Online is in no danger of being forgotten. Whether it's because of the meta setting, the too-hip-to-stay-on-cows fashion, or the interactive stories, MxO never fails to evoke passionate testimonies. After speaking with developer Ben Chamberlain last week, today we're going to turn the tables on the players themselves to see what they have to say.

Was The Matrix Online really all that and a bag of computer chips? Was it merely a good-looking graphical chat room or something more? And how will it be remembered many years from now when we sit our grandchildren on our laps and tell them about how we took the blue pill? Or was it red... I can never remember!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Your memories

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Your memories originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 May 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentben-chamberlainbluepillcommunityeye-socketsfeaturedfurious-angelshostile-servermachinesmachinistsmatrixMerovingiansmorpheusmxoNiobeplayer-storiespvprarebitredpillroleplayroleplayersrpseraphtestimoniesthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinezionTue, 24 May 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When we started into The Matrix Online month last week on The Game Archaeologist, one of the comments caught my eye. Massively reader stealthrider wrote:
Please, please do a tribute to Rarebit. MxO was his baby, and no one took its death worse than he.

He did everything for that game, much of it single-handedly. Everything from playing the canon characters and co-writing the story to fixing hundreds of bugs and even creating a new zone from scratch. Not to mention developing and implementing the story missions, new items, the RP item vendors, and pretty much everything else in MxO's final couple of years. He even implemented and moderated a player-created minigame as part of the official story.

He retired from game development in the months before MxO's shutdown. He was that dedicated to this game that he couldn't work on anything else afterward.

He's a god among developers, and he is as sorely missed as the game itself.
I think this sums up how many Matrix Online vets feel about Ben "Rarebit" Chamberlain. So instead of a mere tribute, we drove the MassivelyMobile over to Chamberlain's house (read: send a polite email request), and he graciously said he'd be glad to reminisce with us. So hit that jump to find out the last word on MxO from the dev who held it together!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-versus-predator-2architectassassinben-chamberlainben-rarebit-chamberlainbluepillcinematicscommander-lockdevdeveloperfeaturedgrandmasterin-game-eventsinterviewkung-fulittle-nemolive-eventslive-events-teammatrixmatrix-onlinemissionsmonolithMonolith-ProductionsmorpheusmxooraclePaul-Chadwickrarebitredpillsoesony-online-entertainmentspystorystorylinethe-matrixthe-matrix-onlineWachowskiWinsor-McCayzionTue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not every year that a movie comes along that captures the pop culture zeitgeist so powerfully and so quickly as The Matrix did. I recall lugging a few college friends along to see this in 1999 -- having heard only a few sparse details about it beforehand -- and coming out of the theater feeling as if we we'd been electrified. The bold mix of science fiction, martial arts, philosophy, action, and leather ensembles became the smash hit of the year, and a franchise was born.

And while we had great hopes that this would be this generation's Star Wars, The Matrix ultimately proved to be a lightning-in-a-bottle phenomenon, impossible to recapture once unleashed. Sequels, animated shorts, video games, comic books -- none rose to the height of the original film, and eventually the franchise petered out.

During this period, an odd duck of an MMO was born: The Matrix Online. When you think about it, an online virtual world where people log in and fight against programs was a really short hop from the movie series. MxO, as it was abbreviated, was an audacious game with unique features, story-centric gameplay and a sci-fi bent in a field of fantasy competitors, and while it only lasted four years, it was enough to make a huge impression for its community.

So by popular demand, this month we're going to revisit the 1s and 0s of The Matrix Online to see just how deep the rabbit hole (and well-worn cliche) goes -- and what made this game stand out!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-Chamberlinbluepilldaniel-myersfeaturedfranchisefree-firegamespotinterlockkung-fuleatherlive-events-teammachinesmatrixmatrix-onlinematrix-revolutionsmeleeMerovingianMonolithMonolith-ProductionsmorpheusmxooraclerarebitredpillsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstorylinethe-continuing-storythe-matrix-onlineubisoftWalruswarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractivewbzionTue, 10 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The next internet fad will be tires edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/ask-massively-the-next-internet-fad-will-be-tires-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/ask-massively-the-next-internet-fad-will-be-tires-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/ask-massively-the-next-internet-fad-will-be-tires-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tires are round bits of rubber that are placed upon the wheels of vehicles in order to facilitate spinning or something. Also, sometimes your parents might string some rope around one because they're too cheap and lazy to buy you a decent swingset. Anyhow, the next thing on the internet will be tires. I'm calling it right now. Don't look at me like that. We're talking about the same people who made Rebecca Black and Happy Cat famous. Just... tires. Rolling or... whatever.

It's time for Ask Massively this week, as you could probably tell from the introduction about half a step away from a schizophrenic rant. This week, we've got a question about scaling instance difficulty and a couple of questions from our forums, none of which has anything to do with tires. If you'd like to ask a tire-related question, leave one in the comments or mail it along to ask@massively.com. I guess I can answer MMO questions, too.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The next internet fad will be tires edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: The next internet fad will be tires edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aikaask-massivelydungeon-scalingfeaturedgroup-contentgroupslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromxoopinionpolishqualityriftscalingthe-matrix-onlineThu, 21 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

With the holiday shopping season upon us, gamers are hot for great deals and cheap entertainment. As my wife's logic goes, if something is 80% off, you buy it, even if you didn't really want it in the first place. It's the principle of the thing, an automatic 80% dose of smug satisfaction at being a savvy shopper!

Not every deal should be pursued, however. Although most video games are playable for years and decades after release, not so with MMOs that have had their service shuttered. It's recently come to my attention that even though these games are completely unplayable -- rendered nothing more than a few cents' worth of a DVD and cardboard packaging -- online retailers haven't kept up with the times and keep these products on the virtual shelves long past their expiration dates.

That's not to say you should avoid these products at all cost, because studies show that a large percentage of Massively readers have a sick and twisted sense of humor. What would make a better gift this Christmas than a multi-million-dollar-budget MMO that died a horrible death years before?

So don't be the typical gifter who settles for a Blu-ray player or an iPod -- give a package of misery, disillusionment and broken dreams! Hit the jump for 10 items that absolutely belong in your shopping cart if you wish to be feared!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinamazonapbasherons-call-2auto-assaultbill-roperblack-fridayblu-raybostonbox-artchristmascircuits-of-timeclock-craftcyber-mondayearth-and-beyondfeaturedflagshipflagshippedflux-capacitorfuryguamhellgate-londonhubbleipodkrystallematrix-onlinemxonasancsoftnerd-rageperfect-10perfect-tenrf-onlinerichard-gariottrichard-gariotts-tabula-rasa-limited-collectors-editionshadowbaneshoppingsoespocktabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentime-traveltimecardturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which game will receive the F2P treatment next?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/the-daily-grind-which-game-will-receive-the-f2p-treatment-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/the-daily-grind-which-game-will-receive-the-f2p-treatment-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/the-daily-grind-which-game-will-receive-the-f2p-treatment-next/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Two years ago, if you'd have told many people that large Western-based developers would be shifting their games to the free-to-play model, your response might well have come in the form of a great deal of laughter. However, as we've seen in the last while, the market is changing. Turbine shifted Dungeons and Dragons Online to a F2P model and have had great success with it. So much so, that they're now working to shift Lord of the Rings Online to a F2P model as well. Sony Online Entertainment dipped their toes into the water with Free Realms, and have found the response to be overwhelming. Now, they're working on bringing EverQuest II over to a F2P model as well by spawning entirely new servers for an EverQuest II - Extended version. Even Age of Conan and Warhammer Online have offered up a modified freemium model -- unlimited "trials" giving players a certain number of levels to play for as long as they'd like.

Meanwhile, we're all left wondering: With the recent shifts into the F2P market we're seeing, what game do you think will make the jump next? Will SOE garner excellent profits from the planned EQ2E servers, thereby setting off a chain reaction whereby they shift their older titles like Vanguard, Star Wars Galaxies, EverQuest, and the rest, to that model? (Might we even see them reviving The Matrix Online as a F2P if the profits are really good?) Do you think Turbine will finally turn its eye towards Asheron's Call once LotRO takes off under its new model? Will NCsoft jump into the fray with one of the games from their stable? In the world of guesses, anything is possible -- so tell us: What game do you think will make the jump to free-to-play next?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which game will receive the F2P treatment next? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocasherons-callconjectureeqeq2eq2eeverquestf2pfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumfuncomlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromxomythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineTurbineturbine-entertainmentvanguardvgwarwarhammer-onlineSun, 01 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Patience, grasshopper]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/one-shots-patience-grasshopper/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/one-shots-patience-grasshopper/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/one-shots-patience-grasshopper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While The Matrix Online is gone, there are those among us who remember the world fondly and miss its futuristic role-playing and live events. As we cannot get shiny new One Shots from these events any longer, we wanted to share this one from the heyday of the game that was sent in to us by Bv_dinner. She writes in to explain this moment from the history of the Recursion server in The Matrix Online: "[This is a screenshot of] my toon BlackVelvet aka BV sitting at one of the dojos waiting for other team members to show up. I was on a roleplaying server so I was waiting for the event to occur. Good memories and good friends were made there."

If you played an MMO that is gone but not forgotten, and have screenshots you'd like to dust off and share, why not send those to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com? Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and any stories you'd like to tell us about what went on in the screenshot. After all, screenshots -- like experiences -- are better when shared!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: Patience, grasshopper originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackvelvetbv_dinnermxoone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssunsettedthe-matrix-onlineThu, 29 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Registration opens for SOE's Fan Faire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/registration-opens-for-soes-fan-faire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/registration-opens-for-soes-fan-faire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/registration-opens-for-soes-fan-faire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Fans of EverQuest, EverQuest II, Star Wars Galaxies, and Free Realms have a big reason to get excited -- the seventh annual SOE Fan Faire opened up registration Tuesday. Just as a reminder to everyone who missed our previous announcement, the event will run on the weekend of August 5-8 at Bally's Las Vegas. Fan Faire will take place right in the center of the Vegas Strip, in the same venue as last year. That means even if you find a spare moment away from the events, there will be plenty of nearby attractions to go see.

The events already announced at Fan Faire include:
  • Developer panels
  • Contests
  • Live gaming tournaments
  • Tons of prize giveaways
  • A vendors area for all your memorabilia needs
In addition, SOE is giving away a whole mess of bonus items to people who register for the whole weekend, including free digital copies of the upcoming EverQuest and EverQuest II expansions.

Enough to get you excited? The hopes of breaking news for DC Universe Online is enough to get us hyped up. If you're a big fan of SOE's various titles and have a little vacation time, now might be a good time to start planning!

MassivelyRegistration opens for SOE's Fan Faire originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballys-hoteldc-universe-onlinedcuoeq-2eq-ieq-iieverquest-1everquest-2everquest-ieverquest-iieverquest-online-adventuresfan-fairefan-faire-2010free-2-playfree-realmsfree-realms-soefree-realms-sonyfree-to-playlas-vegasLegends-of-Norrathmxosoesony-onlinesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgThu, 08 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you buy lifetime memberships?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-lifetime-memberships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-lifetime-memberships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-lifetime-memberships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

On Monday we told you Cryptic had announced a lifetime membership for Champions Online. For $199 you get access to the Star Trek Online closed beta, special costumes not available to anyone else and other juicy perks. Cool huh? Now while lifetime memberships are not new (LotRO springs to mind), it's a lot of money to try a must-play game but, in a way, it also binds you to said MMO. You're buying before you try, in effect, and promising to invest a large amount of time in a particular game based on screen shots, lore or the IP.

The problem is, it's hard to tell whether a game will be hit and miss and if it ultimately goes the way of Tabula Rasa and The Matrix Online. At the same time, the really popular MMOs like WoW never seem to offer lifetime subs, as if they know they will be so popular that subscriptions will keep the game going well into the next decade. I'm wondering, constant readers, do you buy lifetime memberships and did you do it because it would work out cheaper or because you genuinely love that MMO?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you buy lifetime memberships? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlineCOlifetime-membershiplifetime-subscriptionlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroMxOstar-trek-onlineSTOtabula-rasathe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineTRworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What you missed in The Matrix Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Yes, The Matrix Online sucked. Its gameplay was an abhorrent pile of repetitive garbage that offered no real direction other than doing storyline-less missions until you hit 50, in which there was no endgame. The combat was interesting, as it offered scripted camera shots for insane kung-fu flips and hits, but it wasn't enough to "save" the game. I hear you.

But if you think the above paragraph is all The Matrix Online had to offer, then you are sadly mistaken. You missed out on storyline events, PvPvE, amazing roleplayers, writers, and graphic artists. You missed out on philosophy, politics, memorable characters, and puzzles. You actually missed out on the bulk of what The Matrix Online had to offer, all of which makes the game's passing more painful.

MxO wasn't World of Warcraft, and it certainly had enough dark spots in the game design. But the game and its developers brought a very different style of play to the MMO scene -- one that should be commemorated with a few looks back on some of the best events the game had to offer.

Continue reading What you missed in The Matrix Online

MassivelyWhat you missed in The Matrix Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>characterseventfeaturedin-game-eventjoystiqfeaturesmonolith-entertainmentmorpheusmxopuzzlessoesony-online-entertainmentstorylinethe-matrix-onlineMon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What you missed in The Matrix Online pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Hiding in plain sight

After the vampires and lupines were quelled, a new issue of the Sentinel and a concurrent game update brought new images into the Matrix. Colorful billboards advertising bug spray began appearing all over the city, confusing some and intriguing others. The first visual puzzle of The Matrix had been covertly unleashed on players.

The solution wasn't hard, but far from obvious. The second page of the new in-game newspaper, The Sentinel, showed a colorful "terrorist alert level chart." While it was an obvious mockery of everyone's favorite homeland security poster, astute players saw that the same colors were being used on the in-game billboards. Each billboard contained a number somewhere in it's slogan, such as "Blue brand pesticide kills bugs four times faster than the competition!" These numbers, along with their corresponding colors and the terrorist alert level chart were the keys.

Players took the numbers and re-arranged the terrorist alert level in that order. If the blue billboard had the number four on it, then it went fourth in the order. If red had one, then it went first in the order and so forth. As the chart was re-arranged, the first letters of the "alert" status began to spell out a word. Definite, Elevated, Likely, Possible, Huge, Imminent -- DELPHI. The final part of the puzzle was a small poster that had appeared in certain clubs, advertising an extermination service that could be contacted by e-mailing an address at Monolith Entertainment, the game's current developer.

Players e-mailed the address, asking to consult The Oracle of Delphi. Wishes were soon granted as Seraph appeared in-game to not only fight players who solved the puzzle, but also wisk them away to meet with the Oracle herself. Other players got to consult the Oracle via their real life e-mail, creating an alternate reality game of sorts with The Matrix. Either way, the event made one thing clear: The Assassin was made entirely of blowflies and could be destroyed with specially designed killcodes -- bug spray.

And that was just the beginning...

This entire article has simply focused on two of the first events in The Matrix Online's storyline. Every bit of it was unrepeatable and lead to some amazingly memorable moments in the game. The type of moments that stay with you forever.

Very few, if any, games are able to accomplish this phenomenon. Who cares if you kill Yogg-Saron? Who cares if you defeat the Witch King of Angmar? Other players are going to eventually do that in droves because the content is repeatable.

But the Matrix was able to wrap everybody up into an evolving storyline, philosophy, and sense of community. Players worked together and fought one another on more levels than just PvP and PvE. They formed bonds with characters who didn't even exist while forming bonds with others around them that were willing to believe in the same things they did. They roleplayed willingly in order to keep the story going beyond what the developers had planned.

All of this was amazing, and I can only hope to see another game take the same ideas and drive them to a level beyond what that Matrix could offer. These were amazing ideas, but just too far ahead of their time.

MassivelyWhat you missed in The Matrix Online pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>characterseventsin-game-eventmonolithmorpheusmxopuzzlessoesony-online-entertainmentstorylinethe-matrix-onlineMon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wake Up: The final day of The Matrix Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/wake-up-the-final-day-of-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/wake-up-the-final-day-of-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/wake-up-the-final-day-of-the-matrix-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Like we said in our article before, "...until everyone's RSI is smashed into a tiny, tiny ball." Now you see that we really weren't joking about that.

But we were in The Matrix Online for the final hours as well, and we managed to get some great screenshots from the end of the game. There were explosions, lightning bolts, oddly colored skies until finally.... in the last few hours... it became beautiful again. The green skies were rolled back in favor of a blue sky tinged with hints of red. Then, of course, we all got our plugs pulled and ended up smashed into... well... you know.

If you're interested in how it all looked before everything crashed, check out what we got to see during our final moments!



Gallery: The Matrix Online: Wake Up

LoginCorruptionRaining BloodDark Sky with EyesClub Hel

MassivelyWake Up: The final day of The Matrix Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallerygame-closuremxoscreenshotsserver-crashsoesony-online-entertainmentsunsetthe-matrix-onlineSat, 01 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Check out The Matrix Online before it decompiles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/reminder-check-out-the-matrix-online-before-it-decompiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/reminder-check-out-the-matrix-online-before-it-decompiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/reminder-check-out-the-matrix-online-before-it-decompiles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ashes to ashes, decompiling sky to deletion. The Matrix Online is reminding us all that it's slowing coming undone as the system becomes more and more unstable with each passing day. Ashes raining from the sky, eyes being seen in the clouds, zombies, agents, angels, and demons all appearing out of the system's corruption to wreak havoc across the Mega City.

This week is the last week for The Matrix Online and all former subscribers are welcomed to come back to play one final time before the machines pull the plug for good. The Matrix crashes on July 31st, so be sure to be logged in on that day to be assaulted by pretty much everyone and everything until everyone's RSI is smashed into a tiny, tiny ball.

MassivelyReminder: Check out The Matrix Online before it decompiles originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashesdeletiongame-closuremonolith-entertainmentmxosony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlineMon, 27 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Station launcher moves out of beta, adds voice chat support]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/station-launcher-moves-out-of-beta-adds-voice-chat-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/station-launcher-moves-out-of-beta-adds-voice-chat-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/station-launcher-moves-out-of-beta-adds-voice-chat-support/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

So the beta launcher is finally un-betaed! Sony has officially pushed the Station Launcher into the "final version," dropping in voice chat, simplified menus, faster servers for downloads, and the ability to run the launcher without administrative rights as well.

The fun stuff, however, is really contained within the voice update. This new voice, dubbed "station voice," lets you communicate with friends from within the game or outside of the game. Creating a room from outside of the game is done with your in-game character, letting people who are on the station launcher join you, or people inside of the game join your room from the inside, no launcher required.

Plus, the other new features like the upgraded servers that will give more downstream bandwidth for game updates, are certainly nothing to sneeze at.

This doesn't mean that Sony is done with upgrading and changing the launcher, as they've already pledged to continue taking user feedback and pushing that into their product to constantly make a better launcher.

For the full patch notes, check them out on the EverQuest forums, located in this thread.

MassivelyStation launcher moves out of beta, adds voice chat support originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaeqeq2everquesteverquest-2goldlaunchermxopatchespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsserverssony-online-entertainmentsony-stationstar-wars-galaxiesstationstation-launcherstation.comswgthe-matrix-onlineupdatevanguardvoice-chatMon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


My personal favorite moment? Past attending a few of the Merovingian's parties (being a faction leader in the organization certainly qualifies you for the guest list), it had to have been investigating into the street magician, Cryptos. Cryptos appeared in the Mega City with a bang, placing "Cryptos coffins" all over the city as he popped out of them at certain intervals to speak riddles to players. As I attended one of the coffins for its speech, the clacking of heels turned my attention over my shoulder, my camera falling onto Niobe walking down the street towards me.

She commented that she was surprised that I actually found my way down a street without falling over in a drunken stupor, while I smirked and laughed. Soon afterwards, a whole vanguard of Zionist players showed up, backing up Niobe with guns -- lots of guns.

"Give me one good reason I shouldn't kill you right here, *Lady* Return." She mocked. That would be when I pulled out the three best words in the Merovingian organization arsenal.

"You owe me. I helped you in the church at the funeral. You cannot neglect your debt, Niobe," I replied with a strong smile. She acted taken aback and motioned to the others behind her. The players all lowered their guns and shot me angry looks, to which I shrugged happily and laughed.

In no other game could social combat be as effective as physical combat. You didn't always have to shoot your way out of a situation if you knew the right people... or just paid enough of them.

An MMO not all about combat? Lies!

Certainly the combat of MxO was awesome. You had great martial arts combat, you had insane wire-fu moves, and you even had bullet time. (It would basically slow down on your screen just long enough to show you some great action, then it would speed up again to match up with the action that had gone on while you were slowed down.)

But some of the real charm of the game came in the fact that puzzles were hidden inside of it. Billboards, the newspaper, and even specially constructed events started by a simple forum post or a simple tell from a character lead into stories told in live action.

The game had elements of collaborative puzzle solving, social tension started by organizational warfare, and a driving sense of community that no other game that I've played since has come close to having. People were there to really interact with the world, not just hit level 50 and grind their faces on endgame.

Hopes for the future

It's sad to see this game go, but I have the strong personal opinion that this game did not die because it embraced different styles of gameplay. It died because it stopped embracing them.

What MxO was offering players no other game offered. If there had been more polish to the static content and the developers would have stayed on their path of dynamic storytelling, I think this game would certainly would have continued on with a loyal fanbase because it would have offered gameplay that no other mainstream MMO to date has embraced.

And, with any luck, perhaps we'll see another attempt at this universe in the future. Look at what we have with two Star Wars MMOs coming out. The potential is still there for a great Matrix Online game.

With all of this though, thank you developers for all of your work, and thank you Sony Online Entertainment for keeping it up as long as you did. While I may not agree with all of the decisions surrounding the game, the effort was still there to keep the game alive for as long as it was.

Everything that has a beginning has an end.
Colin Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who hates aimless hate. When he's not writing here for Massively, he's rambling on his personal blog, The Experience Curve. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com. You can also follow him on Twitter through Massively, or through his personal feed.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedcryptoslive-event-characterslive-eventsmatrix-onlinemerovingianmorpheusmxonioberoleplayroleplayingsoesony-online-entertainmentstorylinesunsetthe-matrix-onlinezionFri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


It's a depressing news day for me today. As we've reported earlier, Sony Online Entertainment has finally made the decision to pull the plug on The Matrix Online, a decision that makes absolutely perfect sense given the dire straights the game has been in for the past few years.

MxO was always "the little game that could" in regards to the community outlook. Even with horribly broken systems, a grind worthy of an Asian MMO, and periods where I literally sat around doing nothing, there was some odd charm about the game. Perhaps it was the setting, or maybe it was the really cool combat system (yes, it too was broken, but those animations were sweet), but I think it was the storyline.

Let's have a look back the history of Matrix Online and some of the stories no one ever heard about.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedben-chamberlainclosedclosurefeaturedjoystiqfeatureslive-event-characterslive-eventsmorpheusmovie-charactersmxoneurophyteniobenovalis-iiplotlinerarebitsunsetthe-matrix-onlineFri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE is jacking out of The Matrix Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/soe-is-jacking-out-of-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/soe-is-jacking-out-of-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/soe-is-jacking-out-of-the-matrix-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hang on. Wait a minute. Has anyone else seen a sign of the apocalypse today, or is the news that Sony Online Entertainment is actually shutting down an MMO the only one out there currently? We had to ask because when we saw the news this morning, we really couldn't believe our eyes. SOE, long heralded for keeping MMOs open even with very small communities, has finally decided to close down The Matrix Online, leaving the remaining Redpills to jack out for the last time on July 31st, 2009.

From what we've seen, remaining members of The Matrix Online community will have some community team interaction, as Daniel "Walrus" Myers is threatening to "[crush] everyone's RSI just one more time." Additionally, any MxO players making the jaunt to Las Vegas this year for SOE's Fan Faire will also be able to meet up with Walrus there, as he will be there for The Agency. Still, it's a sad day - and a memorable one - in seeing SOE shut down an MMO. We only wonder what this will mean for their other smaller-subscriber-number MMOs. Will we see any of them shuttered as well? Only time will tell.

[Via Tipa from West Karana]

MassivelySOE is jacking out of The Matrix Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmxoredpillsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlinewalrusFri, 29 May 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What happens at Fan Faire, stays at Fan Faire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/what-happens-at-fan-faire-stays-at-fan-faire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/what-happens-at-fan-faire-stays-at-fan-faire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/what-happens-at-fan-faire-stays-at-fan-faire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Vegas, city of lights, nightlife, and SOE's Fan Faire! Sony has announced that they will once again be heading for Vegas to party down in high-rolling style. This year they'll be holding the event from June 25th to 28th at Bally's Hotel. The location they've picked is right in the middle of various Vegas attractions - although we're sure if you're there for the SOE party, you won't need to worry about that too much.

Having attended last year's Fan Faire, we can definitely say that it's a great weekend of fun and interesting panels, nice people - and this year's lineup appears to be just as interesting. So far the scheduled events include:

  • Special announcements and sneak peeks of upcoming SOE titles at the Third Annual Community Address from SOE President John Smedley
  • Autograph signings with members of the original EQ development team and other key contributors
  • Lots of in-game tournaments; and live, game-themed competitions and quests
  • Developer forums and roundtables
  • Cool giveaways and other fun items!
  • Player of the Year
To top it all off, prices for Vegas vacations are quite good, currently. So if you've been thinking about getting away, really dig SOE's games - or upcoming titles, and enjoy partying down with a great bunch of friendly, welcoming people, then definitely make some plans to attend this year's Fan Faire.

MassivelyWhat happens at Fan Faire, stays at Fan Faire originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballys-hoteldcuoeqeq-2eq-iieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-online-adventuresfan-fairefan-faire-2009free-realmslas-vegaslegends-of-norrathmxopirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-agencythe-matrix-onlineWed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Matrix Online update 66 brings about The Omega]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/the-matrix-online-update-66-brings-about-the-omega/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/the-matrix-online-update-66-brings-about-the-omega/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/the-matrix-online-update-66-brings-about-the-omega/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The delayed Matrix Online update 66 saw the light of day today as the servers were brought down this morning for the patch. Update 66 brings in the new Windows Vista enhancements, which fixes many of the graphical problems users were experiencing when running the game on Vista, as well as new RSI capture items and the "little surprises" that Ben "Rarebit" Chamberlain promised in his leaving letter.

The surprises have come in the form of a new collector, named The Omega, and have included a few new clothing items that make use of the matrix code render and the ability to turn the Area K Black Trenchcoat into a white version and the white Patcher's Headgear into a new black "Omega" version.

For the full patch notes, check them out on the Matrix Online forums.

MassivelyThe Matrix Online update 66 brings about The Omega originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area-k-trenchcoatmxopatchers-headgearrarebitrsi-capturethe-matrix-onlinethe-omegaupdate-66vista-fixesWed, 18 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday the 13th too cursed for Matrix Online update 66]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/friday-the-13th-too-cursed-for-matrix-online-update-66/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/friday-the-13th-too-cursed-for-matrix-online-update-66/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/friday-the-13th-too-cursed-for-matrix-online-update-66/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We reported earlier in the week that The Matrix Online update 66 was due to hit servers yesterday, however community relations representative Virrago has informed the MxO players that the update will be pushed back to next week.

The patch notes on this update are still in the dark, and no one is quite sure what will be included with this update past the fixes for Windows Vista and the removal of storyline progression. It looks like the MxO team will be releasing the notes the day of the patch, keeping everything a surprise until the last moment.

Also up in the air is Ben "Rarebit" Chamberlain's leaving date, as his original intent was to leave after update 66 was pushed to the live servers. It would appear that he's staying with the team until the update is pushed, but that is unclear as of this posting. In any case, we wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors and thank him for all of his hard work putting together the innovative story of The Matrix Online.

MassivelyFriday the 13th too cursed for Matrix Online update 66 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-chamberlainmxopatchpatch-notesrarebitsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlineupdate-66windows-vistaFri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Matrix Online says goodbye to a developer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/the-matrix-online-says-goodbye-to-a-developer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/the-matrix-online-says-goodbye-to-a-developer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/the-matrix-online-says-goodbye-to-a-developer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Matrix Online is saying goodbye to one of their main developers as Ben Chamberlain, aka "Rarebit," leaves the MxO staff on February 13th. Rarebit was largely responsible in the last months for continuing the Matrix Online's main story via many live events each week -- the events that have kept the spirits of the dwindling community interested in the game.

According to his leaving note, Rarebit is also concluding his work in the games industry after 10 years of work.

His departure from the staff will begin shortly after Update 66 launches on live servers on February 12th. Update 66 will include the very critical patch that will clear up the many visual corruptions that occur when a user runs Matrix Online on Windows Vista, as well as provide secrets that Rarebit is holding to his chest. Rarebit has also announced that he will be releasing the outlines for the rest of the MxO storyline, providing all the wrap-ups to the game's main plot that have occurred since chapter 5.2.

MassivelyThe Matrix Online says goodbye to a developer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live-eventsmain-storylinematrix-onlinemxorarebitsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlineupdate-66Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: You've been Auto-Assaulted, part deux]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/anti-aliased-youve-been-auto-assaulted-part-deux/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/anti-aliased-youve-been-auto-assaulted-part-deux/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/anti-aliased-youve-been-auto-assaulted-part-deux/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


I'm one of those people that likes to think that NCsoft has enough money to get by on. It's just my gut reaction that if you have a few successful games then you probably have some spending money in your wallet. So, I like to think that NCsoft, even though they certainly took a pretty huge hit when they invested in Tabula Rasa, could have easily kept the development process going. Perhaps it would have been much slower than it currently was, but there was no reason it couldn't keep going on some type level.

They have, at least, provided some compensation for players who are currently subscribed to the game; the chance to try out games like City of Heroes and Lineage 2 are offered in the stead of TR gameplay time.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: You've been Auto-Assaulted, part deux

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: You've been Auto-Assaulted, part deux originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaage-of-conanaionanarchy-onlineanti-aliasedaoaocauto-assaultcity-of-heroescohfailcomfuncoml2lineagelineage-2mxoncsoftpirates-of-the-burning-seapotbssoethe-matrix-onlinevanguardvsohMon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: I should market fanboi pesticide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/anti-aliased-i-should-market-fanboi-pesticide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/anti-aliased-i-should-market-fanboi-pesticide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/anti-aliased-i-should-market-fanboi-pesticide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This week's column is going to be a little different than the norm I usually cover, but it still falls into that which I love and dedicate my craft to -- the analysis of MMO culture. And who better to analyze than the bane of a game's existence, the fanboi!

They're right, you're wrong. Their opinion is obviously the best opinion on the planet, even if it consists of "this gaem is teh rox, ur dumb and obviuosly a gey retard." (It always fascinates me how they can screw up a word like gay, but can somehow gain the coherence to spell retard correctly.) They clog up the message boards by defending everything the developer does, right down to eating an egg sandwich during their hour long lunch breaks.

They probably mean well and want their game of choice to succeed, but they end up doing more damage to the community at large than good. So let's dedicate this column to the fanboi and how much they screw things up for everyone.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: I should market fanboi pesticide

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: I should market fanboi pesticide originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbrowniescultureea-mythicfanboifanboyfeaturedhumorjoystiqfeaturesmxomythicmythic-entertainmentnerd-ragenerdrageopinionthe-matrix-onlinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Halcyon and on and on]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/one-shots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/one-shots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/one-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The pounding music, the dancing bodies - nightlife in The Matrix Online is a whole other world. Today's One Shots comes to us from Michael V, who recently attended a server-wide dev party in MxO; a gorgeous, sleek game we don't get to see nearly enough of. Michael writes in:

This screenshot is from Microgigs of the Syntax server from The Matrix Online. This was a dev-sponsored party in the club the Sanguine Room in the Moriah Projects district. Treats were handed out, a costume contest was held, and the Live Event character the Effectuator showed up and turned people into ninjas.

Do you have any screenshots from a GM or Dev event in your favorite game that you'd like to share with us? Perhaps you play a game we don't spotlight very often and you'd like to show off some of the cool things you've experienced. Whatever your reason, we'd love to see your screenshots! Just send them to use here at oneshots AT massively.com along with a brief description of what we're seeing in the image. We'll take care of the rest.

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Halcyon and on and on originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael-vmxoone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssoesony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlineTue, 05 Aug 2008 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Pourin' out one for all my guildies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/anti-aliased-pourin-out-one-for-all-my-guildies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/anti-aliased-pourin-out-one-for-all-my-guildies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/anti-aliased-pourin-out-one-for-all-my-guildies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Twilight Empire of World of Warcraft's Ravenholdt (PvPRP) server is a very diverse guild. They're active roleplayers, dabbling in raids and gearing for 70, frequently aid their members in running instances, and meet often to both roleplay different storylines and just be together. Their leader, Empress Aerana, has high hopes and aspirations for the guild she's built from the ground up at level 20 and has continued to run until this day; almost a year of keeping the guild active on Ravenholdt.

If you're looking at the above picture, you might recognize the paladin standing in the middle of the photo -- that's me, feeling kinda short at the moment. If it wasn't for Twilight Empire, I wouldn't be standing there in that room. The kindness of Aerana and the other guild members persuaded me to pick up my World of Warcraft disc and get back into the game -- something I've never done before for any other guild. With the frequent events, active membership and relaxed nature of the guild, I've felt right at home since I've jumped back in to the game. If it wasn't for the guild, the game wouldn't be half as fun. That's why this edition of Anti-Aliased is devoted to the concept of guilds and how critical they are to online gaming.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Pourin' out one for all my guildies

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Pourin' out one for all my guildies originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanti-aliasedblizzardcasualccpcommunitieseaelectronic-artsendgameeveeve-onlinefeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xifuncomguildguildsinfinite-dragonflightjoystiqfeaturesmatrix-onlinemxoold-hillsbradplayersplayonlinepolpvppvprpraidingravenholdtsoesony-online-entertainmentsquare-enixstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-matrix-onlinetwilight-empireultima-onlineuoworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 20 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: There's other people there too, ya know.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/anti-aliased-theres-other-people-there-too-ya-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/anti-aliased-theres-other-people-there-too-ya-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/anti-aliased-theres-other-people-there-too-ya-know/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I'll be blunt -- I hate grouping. Nothing pains me more than grouping up with four of the "internet's finest" and going into a dungeon to kill some monsters. 95% of the time, it seems I'm doomed to find 4chan (NSFW) rejects or screaming 10-year-old kids (NSFW). Of course, these are the parties that take an hour and a half to assemble and only last two rooms into the dungeon. Someone inevitably screws up and gets six mobs on them, and then they instantly turn around and blame the priest for "not being able to heal properly". Of course they don't actually say "not being able to heal properly"; it comes out more like "u suck n00b priest".

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: There's other people there too, ya know.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: There's other people there too, ya know. originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedblizzardcommunityfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xifunjoystiqfeaturesmonolithmultiplayermxoplayonlinesoesquare-enixthe-matrix-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 04 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Matrix gets new weapons, story missions, enemies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/the-matrix-gets-new-weapons-story-missions-enemies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/the-matrix-gets-new-weapons-story-missions-enemies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/the-matrix-gets-new-weapons-story-missions-enemies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SOE deployed Update 60 on The Matrix Online's servers this week. The update doesn't just fix bugs. It also marks the beginning of Episode 10.2 of the story, introduces some new enemies in Datamine, and adds a reward for players who complete live critical missions.

If you're looking to earn the new reward items (a consumable of some sort), said missions are scheduled every Thursday up through the 12th of June; the first of those occurred yesterday, but a recap has been published. The update also introduces a whopping 342 new level 50 weapon variants, some of which will drop during the high level critical missions.

We're glad to see that MxO is still ticking despite the announced departure of Paul Chadwick, the esteemed comic book writer who had worked on the story until recently.

MassivelyThe Matrix gets new weapons, story missions, enemies originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 May 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datamineepisode-10.2live-critical-missionsmonolithmxopatchpaul-chadwicksoesony-online-entertainmentthe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinetmo-update-60update-60Fri, 16 May 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Agent Smith returns to the Matrix]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/agent-smith-returns-to-the-matrix/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/agent-smith-returns-to-the-matrix/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/agent-smith-returns-to-the-matrix/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In honor of the Matrix Online's third anniversary, the development team has let a genie out of a bottle: the insidious Agent Smith virus. As foretold by the Oracle, he's returned more powerful than ever -- and operatives on both sides of the Machine war are needed to stop him. The old lady has put together a team of virologists all around the gameworld of MxO, all near key city monuments. Seek them out to get access to quests and information about stopping Smith (again).

For a real treat, log into the game on the exact anniversary: this Friday, March 21st. Between 3pm and 5pm PST (6pm and 8pm EST) the familiar faces of the MxO team will be online to chat and have some fun. Seek them out on Syntax server, in the Camon Heights Park area. Anniversary wishes, cookies, and cool in-game t-shirts are in the offing for both questers and party-goers alike. Just make sure to take the red pill in time.

MassivelyAgent Smith returns to the Matrix originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-smithanniversarymatrixmxosoesony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlineWed, 19 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Under The Hood: Going Live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/under-the-hood-going-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/under-the-hood-going-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/under-the-hood-going-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Live events. Where developer interacts with players. Traditionally, this has been a pretty contested battlefield, ranging from forums, to chat rooms, to game masters. Where it really comes together, however, is in the classic legacy of live events, where developers and game masters interact with the players in-game. But not only that, they assist in furthering the story, or fleshing out the game world. But where did live events come from?

Continue reading Under The Hood: Going Live

MassivelyUnder The Hood: Going Live originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeqeverquestfeaturedfeatureslive-eventslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromatrix-onlinemechanicsmoulmxounder-the-hooduru-liveworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 14 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: We took the red pill!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/one-shots-we-took-the-red-pill/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/one-shots-we-took-the-red-pill/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/one-shots-we-took-the-red-pill/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I imagine that right now you're feeling a bit like Alice, tumbling down the rabbit hole. That's because today we're visiting the distorted world of the Matrix Online. Here we're witnessing a Live Event for the Machinist faction that took place during the game's hey-day. Jared, who shared this shot with us, explains the game's appeal:

The first two-three months where the Live Events team was online almost every other night, making personal connections to players, organizing the troops and generally stalking the roleplay community. The game may have been awful, but the combination of the live events team and roleplay community made it more than worth it.

We're excited to see lots of people sending screenshots to the One Shots mailbox for games other than Guild Wars. Not that we don't like Guild Wars -- but variety is the spice of life and we love to see shots from games we haven't highlighted lately. (Trust me, we'll come back to Guild Wars eventually!) We only post what you send us send your screenshots and stories from games long dead to oneshots@massively.com. You may see it posted here tomorrow!

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: We took the red pill! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmatrixmatrix-onlinemxoroleplayroleplayingsoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 04 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Matrix Online: Bug fixes and the Winter Event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/the-matrix-online-bug-fixes-and-the-winter-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/the-matrix-online-bug-fixes-and-the-winter-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/the-matrix-online-bug-fixes-and-the-winter-event/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Recently, Daniel "Walrus" Myers popped his head out of The Matrix (or into, depending on which side you think this is) to give all the Redpills out there some great information on what's been planned for The Matrix Online in the upcoming month. Most of it, for those of us who play MxO, know that it involves evolving the storyline as we move from Chapter 8 (which just ended on November 15th -- hooray chapter and arc rewards!) to Chapter 9. Also included in the next batch of updates is the fix for Bullet Time animations and finishing moves.

Also returning to The Matrix Online is the third annual Winter Holiday Event. More hats and snowballs (and new clothing pieces) please! We've been extra-good Redpills this year, we promise.

MassivelyThe Matrix Online: Bug fixes and the Winter Event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullet-timefinishing-moveshatmxoredpillsnowballsoethe-matrix-onlinewinter-holiday-eventWed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Were you there when...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/one-shots-were-you-there-when/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/one-shots-were-you-there-when/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/one-shots-were-you-there-when/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ahh, bragging rights. In-game events give us the ability to say "I was there when..." We've almost all seen one larger world event at some point in our gaming lives. The above World of Warcraft picture, as my personal example, was from the night that Ahn'Quiraj opened on my server. While there were most definitely huge server crashes, we braved the worst of it and saw our way through to wind up staring at an enormous collection of Anubisath, poised and ready to stomp our faces in. (For the record, they did exactly that a few moments later -- but what can you expect from a Mage, a Priest and a Druid attacking them for fun?)

As we're looking for more One Shots submissions, I hereby challenge you, good readers -- send in your bragging rights screen shots and stories! Were you there when Morpheus walked among us in The Matrix Online? Do you have screens of when Luclin came in EverQuest? Were you around for the opening of the Dark Portal in WoW? Send them along to us at oneshots@massively.com, and you could find your screen-shot and story featured here for all to see!

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Were you there when... originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anubisathbragging-rightseqeverquestfeaturedluclinmxoserver-firststhe-matrix-onlineworld-eventsworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 18 Nov 2007 14:08:00 EST