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[The Daily Grind: Do you stay loyal to your MMO guild?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-stay-loyal-to-your-mmo-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-stay-loyal-to-your-mmo-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-daily-grind-do-you-stay-loyal-to-your-mmo-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ultima Online wedding, my guild as honor guard, circa 1998
When I joined a guild in Ultima Online in 1997, I had no idea I was going to still be in a version of that guild almost 15 years later. Heck, I doubt I even realized that MMOs would still be a thing 15 years later! But from chatting with my fellow Massively staffers and you lovely readers, I've realized that my experience isn't shared by most people. Guilds implode. New games emerge. People move on. Drama develops. Real life happens. That sense of loyalty just isn't always worth the trouble. Guilds often exist to help members meet their goals in a single game, and when those goals are met, that's it -- it's over.

But I'll move to (and stay in) games past their expiration dates just to hang out with guildies. What about you guys? Are you loyal to a single guild or group of gaming friends, or do you drop from a guild when you drop out of a game, knowing you'll find new mates in the next big thing?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you stay loyal to your MMO guild? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmodaily-grindeaelectronic-artsfantasyguildguildslord-britishloyaltymythicmythic-entertainmentopiniontdgthe-daily-grindultimaultima onlineuoSat, 26 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Richard Garriott
Whenever you get really into a new hobby, it's natural to want to blab about it to anyone who drifts into your gravitational field. That's why we all talk about MMOs, right? It's also why any friends, family members, and coworkers have had to put up with excited rambling about my discovered love for Geocaching.

Some of you probably know Geocaching, as it's been around for over a decade now. For those of you who haven't, it's a worldwide treasure hunt that involves over a million and a half "caches" of various sizes that are hidden and then marked with GPS coordinates. Players head to the official site or one of the open-source projects to get the coordinates and go hunting for them. There's a useful two-minute introduction to this hobby on YouTube if you're curious.

I noted on our Massively Speaking podcast that Geocaching has a lot in common with MMOs: Both encourage questing and exploration, both have treasure to be found, and both plug you into a community of adventurers. Listener Terrence heard this and send in an email with an interesting revelation that ties these two hobbies even closer together, as a game developer brought his online world to a real-world location.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Richard Garriott's haunted cache.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britannia-manorcacheclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistgeocachegeocachinginternational-space-stationisslord-britishmudmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaocean-flooropinionrichard-garriottsecond-pass-mushthe-game-archaeologistthe-guardians-questthe-necropolis-of-britannia-manortitanictorilmudtrailertrailersultimaultima onlineuovideovideosTue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot updates Relic mechanics and classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Relics also cannot be used any longer as snack food for pet monsters.
Some people no doubt see the venerable Dark Age of Camelot as a relic. But you know what's even more of a relic? The game's Relics. These powerful items have received an overhaul in the latest patch; the items have been moved to central locations in each Realm that cannot be captured or claimed. Players carrying Relics have also become more visible and slightly less mobile, and special Envoys have been added to help defend Relics from capture.

The patch also updates several class abilities. Bonedancers get a new spell to target a region on the ground, while Friars and Valewalkers both gain a rear snare. On the flip side, toxic direct damage poisons have all seen a slight downgrade in effectiveness for balance reasons. Dark Age of Camelot players can see the full list of changes in the patch notes, and while it's not a major content patch, the changes should spice up the game's ongoing realm warfare.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot updates Relic mechanics and classes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassclass-balanceclassesclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasygame-mechanicsmechanical-changesmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologypatchpatchespvprelicsrvrupdateTue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online rolling out a new installment of the Awakening]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In some cases, sleep is better than awakening. Like waking up to a fight against a giant squid monster.
Ultima Online is preparing a continuation of the game's latest global arc with tomorrow's patch. Act VI of The Awakening asks players to assist in crafting a number of alchemical preparations, with a number of rewards available for players who actively try to crack the puzzle of the correct ingredients. More information will be available from the official site as well as an in-game NPC. If you need more time to prepare, don't worry -- the quest is going active in July and lasting until mid-August.

If you're not willing to wait, the new patch also sees a revamp of the Covetous Dungeon. The first floor remains largely unchanged, but levels two and three both feature a new system for the game in which players accumulate points for defeating monsters that can later be turned in for new rewards. Last but not least, vanilla plants have been added to the game's gardening system, giving players another new thing to explore when not fighting monsters or preparing for the next part of The Awakening.

MassivelyUltima Online rolling out a new installment of the Awakening originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmodungeon-revampsdungeonseaelectronic-artsfantasygame-mechanicsglobal-arclord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnew-contentnew-patchnewspatchpatch-notespatchesrevampsthe-awakeningultimaultima onlineuouo-awakeningupdatesMon, 21 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer's 1.4.6 patch brings RvR and scenario changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/warhammers-1-4-6-patch-brings-rvr-and-scenario-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/warhammers-1-4-6-patch-brings-rvr-and-scenario-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/warhammers-1-4-6-patch-brings-rvr-and-scenario-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Warhammer Online - 1.4.6 patch
There's a new patch on Warhammer's public test server. The 1.4.6 update is designed to tweak both realm vs. realm and scenario PvP. In terms of RvR, one of the biggest changes is the shift from multiple city invasion instances to a single instance. The instance will support 60 players from each realm -- 120 total. "Once that number is reached, no further reinforcements will be allowed," according to the update notes on the WAR website.

Scenario brackets are also being altered. Whereas the old system grouped players into tiers based on character level, the new mechanic uses both levels and renown rank. Players from level one to 15 go into bracket one, while players of renown ranks zero to 69 and 70 to 100 go into brackets two and three, respectively.

[Edit: Clarified 120 total players in the instance]

MassivelyWarhammer's 1.4.6 patch brings RvR and scenario changes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.6-patcheaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasymythicmythic-entertainmentpvprvrscenarioswarwar-1.4.6warhammerwarhammer-1.4.6warhammer-onlineFri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: D3 approaches, HoN reveals MidWars game mode]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/not-so-massively-d3-approaches-hon-reveals-midwars-game-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/not-so-massively-d3-approaches-hon-reveals-midwars-game-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/not-so-massively-d3-approaches-hon-reveals-midwars-game-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
With just over a week to go until Diablo III is released, Blizzard revealed the final details of the real money auction house, released some fantastic new class wallpapers, and launched a TV advertising campaign. Meanwhile, Torchlight II showed off the impressive final result of its earlier armour design contest and encouraged players to produce armour mods when the game is released.

Heroes of Newerth released a brand-new community-inspired MidWars game map this week to lend official support to the popular unofficial game mode. League of Legends revealed upcoming champion Varus with a full run-down of his abilities and a great art spotlight video. Dota 2 fixed some bizarre bugs and introduced classic hero Phantom Lancer. Rise of Immortals revealed details of its upcoming immortal Nauria, the Angel of Agony. Finally, Wrath of Heroes announced the controversial addition of health potions to its microtransaction store.

Continue reading Not So Massively: D3 approaches, HoN reveals MidWars game mode

MassivelyNot So Massively: D3 approaches, HoN reveals MidWars game mode originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SWTOR
I believe I'm like most people when I say that I cling to nostalgia. I love it when parts of my adolescence are made into movies or video games. Yes, despite it being an explode-y Michael Bay movie, I loved Transformers, and I can't tell you how many times I watched Lord of the Rings when Peter Jackson adapted J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece into a blockbuster. But despite Ghostbusters' status as my favorite single movie of all time, the original Star Wars trilogy had more impact on my childhood than anything else in my life. I still get childhood chills when I think about it.

From the music to the action figures, I loved them all. I still have a picture of me at six years old riding an AT-AT. Yes, even at six, I knew exactly what an AT-AT was. And although I called a lightsaber a light-saver, I grew up with Star Wars entrenched in my psyche. It was only natural that when the video games revolving around the series came out, I would take up that cause. You guys remember the crazy wireframe Death Star trench arcade? You'd better believe I was there playing that.

When Star Wars entered the MMO space, I was there with bells on. But it's not just this longing to recapture my childhood that propels me to that galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: The Old Republic. The spice addiction runs quite a bit deeper.

Continue reading Why I play Star Wars: The Old Republic

MassivelyWhy I play Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acactivisionasherons-callbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcommunityeaelectronic-artseqeverquestfantasyfeaturedgalaxieshyperspace-beaconlucasartsmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaopinionsandboxsci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicstorytellingswgswtorthe-old-republictorturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultimaonlineuowarcraftwhy-i-playworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 02 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ultima Online
"I'd play this game again if the graphics were updated."

"If they re-released this game with modern graphics, it would be way more popular."

"The Game Archaeologist is my hero, and I will name my progeny in his honor."

How many times have we heard the above statements? From my perspective as someone who tries to keep tabs on classic MMOs, I see these claims quite a lot. Such sentiments pop up in nearly every other post Massively does about older games: "This title is rock-solid except for its aging visuals. Update those, and it would recapture its former glory and then some."

This has gotten me thinking whether such logic would pan out or not. With Anarchy Online's much-hyped graphics overhaul on the way, this discussion seems to crop up more often. Is the power of a graphics conversion or overhaul strong enough to pull back in previous players and fresh blood? Or is it merely slathering on new paint over a rusting hulk?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsclienteaelectronic-artsenhanced-clientfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistkingdom-rebornlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaopinionsci-fithe-game-archaeologistultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diablo III open beta weekend edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-open-beta-weekend-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-open-beta-weekend-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-open-beta-weekend-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Diablo III's open beta weekend was a huge success, giving developers the chance to stress test the servers that will be used when the game goes live in just over three weeks. Torchlight II teased fans this week with the release of its official opening trailer, which picks up the story from the end of the first game. Web series Extra Credits ran a special episode this week discussing Firefall's plan to let players work together to push back the map boundaries and unlock new content.

Rise of Immortals rolled out a new guild system in this week's patch and released its new area-effect tank immortal, Shard. Dota 2 added classic hero Brewmaster to the beta roster, and Bloodline Champions began preparing patch 2.4 with its new healer bloodline, Dryad. Wrath of Heroes released a hero spotlight video on melee fighter Bax Dreadtoof, and League of Legends highlighted some awesome fan-made art.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III open beta weekend edition

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diablo III open beta weekend edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perfect Ten
In the increasingly diminishing field of subscription-only MMOs, two distinct camps have formed. There is the Old Guard that has its established playerbase and is simply not interested in jumping on board the F2P train, and then there are the New Kids on the Block (which would make an excellent band name, by the way), who argue that their premium features and AAA content warrant a subscription in the F2P age.

A few years ago, doing a list of the final few F2P holdouts would have been a ridiculous proposition, but now it's actually difficult to get to 10 of these. Each company has a different reason that it hasn't given these games more flexible payment options (FPO should replace F2P; pass it on!), and while some have addressed this publicly, others say nothing and leave us to speculate on it.

For today's Perfect Ten, we're going to look at the 10 biggest current F2P holdouts in the industry and muse about what's going on behind the scenes. Will this list be impossible to do in a few years or will subscription-only titles come back in a big way? Hey, I don't predict things; I just make lists.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PvP in WAR, then in WoH, then back to WAR, then back to WoH...
Are you the sort of player who just can't get enough of Warhammer Online, whether in classic form or the new Wrath of Heroes bite-sized version? Or are you a fan of the latter game and not sure if you want to keep up a subscription to the former? The latest cross-promotional deal for the games is aimed directly at players like that -- starting now, any players with active Warhammer Online subscriptions will receive a 50% bonus to gold and experience in Wrath of Heroes.

There's no complicated process to getting the bonus; if you have both accounts on the same EA/Origin account, your characters will reap the benefits, although it may take up to 24 hours for the system to line up if you've just started a subscription. The bonus also stacks with items from the Wrath of Heroes store, letting veterans of Warhammer Online get ahead in the new game.

MassivelyWarhammer Online is cross-promoting with Wrath of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accountaccount-bonusbiowarebonuscross-promotioneaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasymobamultiple-accountsmythicmythic-entertainmentpromotionpvprvrwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroesWed, 18 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you ever pay to beta test?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/the-daily-grind-would-you-ever-pay-to-beta-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/the-daily-grind-would-you-ever-pay-to-beta-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/the-daily-grind-would-you-ever-pay-to-beta-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ultima Online
You might have read the title of today's Daily Grind and found yourself laughing uproariously, startling any small children or cats in the area. "Me? Pay for beta?" you chortle. "Why, that's the most ludicrous thing I've heard all day, and I've already been to The Onion!"

But I'd like you to stop and actually consider it for a moment. Historically, people have paid for beta access; back in the late '90s, players shelled out a few bucks to get a copy of the Ultima Online beta CD. Even today, many pre-purchases and pre-orders involve exchanges of funds so that a beta key might be reserved.

But what if MMO studios today came right out and blatantly started charging you to be a part of the beta process? Would you do it? What game would need to be involved, and for what price would you capitulate? Let us know in the comments, and please leave all "I'm already paying for a beta; it's called [Name of Launched Game]" snark at the door!

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: Would you ever pay to beta test? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screenshot -- Dark Age of Camelot
Realm-vs.-realm combat pioneer Dark Age of Camelot is seeing a number of changes to the relic raid system in the upcoming patch 1.112, and last Wednesday the devs gathered a bunch of guillible cannon fod-- err, brave adventurers to help them test out the new updates with an all-out relic raiding brawl.

Mythic figured that an event of such magnitude shouldn't go unnoticed, so the studio recorded the ordeal and put together a lovely little video full of an incredible amount of death, destruction, and general RvR chaos. Which faction will reign supreme in this rumble for the relic? Well, there's only one way to find out: Go see for yourself!

Continue reading New Dark Age of Camelot video shows off relic raid test-run

MassivelyNew Dark Age of Camelot video shows off relic raid test-run originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DAoC
As I headed into my final week of playing Dark Age of Camelot, I found myself thinking about Warhammer Online more often than not. That shouldn't be surprising, really, as both games were made by Mythic and share a focus on RvR. I suppose it's because I finally hit a point in the game when DAoC started to emulate experiences I had in WAR, and thus a comparison between the two began to unfold.

While I'm sure plenty of folks who played DAoC went on to WAR, I'm curious whether there are many like me who went through the games in the reverse order. I may not be a veteran DAoC player after a few weeks in the game, but I certainly have a mountain of experience in WAR, and it intrigues me to be able to identify the connections between the two.

So as I plundered the battlefields of DAoC this week, I started to examine the game through the lens of a WAR vet to see whether I could spot the traits each game had in common and which traits each game handled better than the other.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week five

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week five originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot retunes Relic system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DAoC
Dark Age of Camelot's Relic system is under the dev team's magnifying glass this month, and it looks as though dedicated RvRers are going to have to adjust to a few significant changes to how Relic raids work in the near future.

"We have learned over the years that being complex and being complicated are two very different things," Producer Stuart Zissu writes. "If players can't immediately grasp the situation and understand what is needed of them, then there is room for improvement."

In a new producer's letter, Zissu spells out the changes to the Relic system. Relics Temples and Mile Gates will be eliminated, and Relics themselves will be moved to the inner keeps. These new Relic Keeps will be granted additional guards the more keeps a realm holds in their home territory. However, the more relics a faction claims, the weaker the guards will be. Relic runs will be made more challenging, as the game will notify everyone in the region where the Relic holder is and faster avenues of transportation will be cut off.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot retunes Relic system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-camelotdev-blogdev-diaryeaelectronic-artsfantasymythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyproducers-letterpvprelicrelic-keeprelic-keepsrelic-runsrelic-systemrvrStuart-ZissuTue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/not-so-massively-meet-diablo-iiis-demon-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/not-so-massively-meet-diablo-iiis-demon-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/not-so-massively-meet-diablo-iiis-demon-hunter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
With five weeks left until Diablo III launches, Blizzard started its pre-launch marketing campaign this week with a new series exploring each of the five classes. This week kicks off with a preview of the Demon Hunter. Meanwhile, Torchlight II revealed details of a new charge bar mechanic designed to keep a rapid pace of action, and dungeon crawler Path of Exile started gearing up for release with some tempting pre-order packages.

Penny Arcade made a guest appearance in League of Legends this week with a special comic introducing upcoming champion Varus. Riot also revealed the next champion due for release, armoured spectral warrior Hecarim. Rise of Immortals got the Penny Arcade treatment this week too when joke character Karapyss the Crabomancer was actually released. Bloodline Champions launched an Easter egg painting contest this week and asked players whether grades should be reset for the current competitive season.

Blacklight: Retribution officially launched this week and celebrated with the release of its first new gun, the heavy assault rifle. Finally, Wrath of heroes released its first hero spotlight video this week, introducing hybrid damage-dealer Nethys.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter

MassivelyNot So Massively: Meet Diablo III's demon hunter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbattlenetbiowareblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championschampionchampionscomiccompetitive-gamingcrabomancercrabomancyd3demon-hunterdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportseaeasterelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheavy-assault-riflehecarimkarapysskarapyss-the-crabomancerleague-of-legendslolMicrotransactionsmmofpsmobamultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnethysnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepenny-arcadeperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepvppweriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgrunic-gamesstunlockstunlock-studiosvanusvideowarhammerwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroeswrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
When a beloved friend, family member, hero, or role model dies, we feel the pain of that loss and grieve in many different ways. Part of that grieving and healing process is often entails those left behind constructing some sort of tribute to the dearly departed. Sometimes this comes in the form of a shrine of flowers, sometimes it's the establishment of a charity, and sometimes it's creating an in-game memorial that thousands if not millions of people will see over the course of years.

So while death and illness are depressing topics to dwell upon, I find the many MMO tributes that studios and even gamers have erected to be inspiring and a celebration of individual players' lives. With the help of my fellow Massively staffers, I researched 10 wonderful in-game tributes that serve to honor the lives of fellow gamers.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionahab-wheathoofAnthony-StarkArmando-Ossexbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotCaylee-Dakcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxcoyoted-and-dDak-Krausedanieldaniels-questdaocdark-age-of-camelotdave-arnesonddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsEmilyeqeq1everquesteverquest-iiezraezra-chattertonezra-wheathooff2pfantasyfeaturedFrank-Campbellfree-to-playfreedomgalaxiesgary-gygaxhumorjeff-freemanJesse-Moraleskylelord-britishlunar-festivalmake-a-wishmake-a-wish-foundationmatthew-braggmemorialMichel-Koitermythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenphoenixpvpribbitribbitRobert-Bridenbeckerrounduprvrsandboxsci-fishrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessuperherosuperheroesswgswgothe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenTony-Starktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtributeturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week four]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DAoC
By participating in Choose My Adventure, I'm starting to realize that this column is perhaps one of the most meta projects that we do here on Massively. It's not just a popularity contest between games (although it begins that way) nor a mere hands-on play-through of a title. Instead, it's a bizarre combination of one person led by hundreds of puppet masters with the added layer of forging a path as a complete newbie so that others who follow in my wake may learn from my mistakes.

But with all of you as my puppet masters, I have the added pressure of not wanting to let any of you down. I know that last week some of you were disappointed with my progress (or lack thereof) and could identify dozens of things I was just doing flat-out wrong. That's another layer to this experience, I think: It gives experienced vets the chance to see the game through virgin eyes and to pass down sage advice that they themselves wish they had gotten right out of the gate.

So this past week was all about taking in your advice and attempting to execute it to the best of my ability. Some of it worked, and some did not, but the end result was a series of Dark Age of Camelot play sessions that were far less frustrating -- and even, dare I say, intriguing?

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week four

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week four originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebiowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedhands-onlevelingmacrosmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrskaldvotevotingWed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Back at the turn of the century, you didn't have the equivalent of cable's infinite choices when it came to MMOs. No, you pretty much had the standard Big Three of network programming: Ultima Online, EverQuest, and Asheron's Call. With the subscription model firmly in place, most players had to choose their loyalty and choose it well.

For today's Leaderboard, we're going to pretend that no other MMOs exist other than those three and see how the 2012 crowd divides up between them. Would you fly your banner for Ultima Online and its enormous sandboxy world? Would you cast your lots with EverQuest, the once great and powerful king of the genre? Or would you throw in with Asheron's Call and its monthly stories?

Call it a popularity contest, a trip down memory lane, or an all-out brawl between MMO senior citizens. It's a three-way title fight on this week's Leaderboard, and only one game will live to see next week!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call

MassivelyLeaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbattle-royalclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playleaderboardlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuoversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DAoC
Frustrating and boring: These are two words that don't bode well for any MMO, and yet that's exactly what my Dark Age of Camelot experience this past week was.

Now, granted there's always an adjustment period with new MMOs, and I like to think of myself as a fairly patient person. I know that sometimes it might be a matter of minutes or understanding to flip "frustration" into "joy" and "boring" into "addictive," which is why it's good to stick games out until you're sure that the issue isn't with you playing the game wrong or being ignorant of what makes it work.

That said, if I wasn't covering DAoC for this column but was just trying it out for myself, I certainly would not have subscribed after finishing the 14-day trial. New player journey or no, I found more aggravation than fun this past week and kept wondering to myself, "When does it start to get good? Where's all that great stuff players are telling me about? And as a Troll, how much lotion do I need to get my skin feeling silky soft?"

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 28 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: MOBAs, shooters, and dungeon crawlers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/not-so-massively-mobas-shooters-and-dungeon-crawlers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/not-so-massively-mobas-shooters-and-dungeon-crawlers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/not-so-massively-mobas-shooters-and-dungeon-crawlers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
This week's Torchlight II developer update visits the game's animation department, and Path of Exile reset all beta players' passive skills this week following the launch of patch 0.9.7. Blacklight: Retribution revealed some impressive usage statistics from its first few weeks of open beta, and Firefall showed off its impressive Mourningstar and Typhon costumes at gaming convention SXSW.

In the world of MOBAs, League of Legends released its new champion Lulu this week and published her official champion spotlight video. Dota 2 added classic hero Lycan and introduced a new private rating system to help players track which heroes they're good at playing. Finally, Wrath of Heroes has entered open beta and is already selling items in its cash shop.

Continue reading Not So Massively: MOBAs, shooters, and dungeon crawlers

MassivelyNot So Massively: MOBAs, shooters, and dungeon crawlers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobiowareblacklightblacklight-retributioncolin-turnercompetitive-gamingdiablodotae-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesleague-of-legendslollululycanmatt-danielmatt-leffertsmmofpsmobaMourningstarmythicmythic-entertainmentnewsnot-so-massivelynsmpath-of-exileperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpoepvppwered-5-studiosriotriot-gamesround-uproundupsupportsxswsxsw-2012typhonvalvevideowarhammerwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroesyordlezombie-studiosMon, 26 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DAoC
Some of you probably know that I first got into the blogging scene with my Warhammer Online blog Waaagh! Back then in early 2008, I was a veritable Mythic and PvP newbie, and I spent a good portion of the lead-up to the game's release reading up on Dark Age of Camelot. I figured that, after all, WAR would be built on the foundation of DAoC. In a way, it both was and wasn't.

The one thing I never did was actually play DAoC. Older MMOs can be quite intimidating; they have deep-rooted communities and tomes of updates and history, and they were more rough around the edges. Rough in their cores, too, if we're being honest. So the intimidation factor kept me away until this past week, when Massively readers sent me on a quest to Camelot for the first time in my life.

Last week readers voted on the character I was to roll. An impressive 82% of you said to check out the realm vs. realm ruleset and roll a a Midgard (43.2%) beastly (40.8%) hybrid (43.3%) character. After reading some of the recommendations in the comments, I ended up making a female Troll Skald on a traditional server. She may be lumpy and bulky, but I took a shine to her right away.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onmidgardmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choiceron-swansonrvrskaldsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttrollvotevotingwarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another one bites the dust: Warhammer Online shuts down another server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/another-one-bites-the-dust-warhammer-online-shuts-down-another/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/another-one-bites-the-dust-warhammer-online-shuts-down-another/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/another-one-bites-the-dust-warhammer-online-shuts-down-another/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Warhammer Online
Another round of server merges are coming to Warhammer Online, and this time it's Drakenwald's metaphorical head on the proverbial chopping block. As of tomorrow, March 20th, Drakenwald will be marked as a Legacy server, which will prevent players from creating new characters there. In the meantime, the players who currently populate the server will be able to move to either Karak Norn or Badlands. After three weeks in Legacy status, Drakenwald will be officially retired and any characters remaining on the server will have to be transferred before they can be played. WAR players should know the routine by now, but if you need a refresher, the details can be found on the game's official site.

MassivelyAnother one bites the dust: Warhammer Online shuts down another server originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drakenwaldeaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasymythicmythic-entertainmentpvprvrserver-mergeserver-mergesserver-shutdownserver-shutdownswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineMon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DAoC
Hol. Ee. Crap.

Seriously, folks, I don't know how it usually goes down in CMAtown, but I've never experienced a week of my life when I was literally watching strangers decide my destiny -- and go neck-and-neck in the process. After thousands and thousands of votes, it all came down to a difference of... three. Really.

Three MMO communities caught wind of last week's poll regarding the game I'd be playing and writing up over the next several weeks. Dark Age of Camelot players fought valiantly against Anarchy Online fans for the privilege of this column's focus, often times trading spots for first and second place. The City of Heroes community got into the game late and racked up several hundred votes in an attempt to secure the win, but ultimately it came down to a last-minute brawl in which DAoC garnered three measly votes more than AO, which means I'll be heading off to Camelot starting next week.

With the insane voting over a game at an end, today begins the real fun: You get to roll my character for me. Join me as I lay out just how this is going to work with DAoC's crazy setup.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week one

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week one originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingWed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Air Warrior
Most studios would be overjoyed to have pioneered one significant advancement in video game history, but then again, most studios aren't Kesmai. While it's not a household name today, it's reasonable to say that without the heavy lifting and backbreaking coding that this company shouldered in the '80s and '90s, the MMO genre would've turned out very different indeed.

Last week we met two enterprising designers, Kelton Flinn and John Taylor, who recognized that multiplayer was the name of the future and put their careers on the line to see an idea through to completion. That idea was Island of Kesmai, an ancestor of the modern MMO that used crude ASCII graphics and CompuServe's network to provide an interactive, cooperative online roleplaying experience. It wasn't the first MMO, but it was the first one published commercially, and sometimes that makes all the difference.

Flinn and Taylor's Kesmai didn't stop with being the first to bring MMOs to the big time, however. Flush with cash and success, Kesmai turned its attention to the next big multiplayer challenge: 3-D graphics and real-time combat. Unlike the fantasy land of Island of Kesmai, this title would take to the skies in aerial dogfighting and prove even more popular than the team's previous project.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-warriorair-warrior-for-windowsair-warrior-iiair-warrior-iiialiens-onlineaolbattlefield-1942cd-romChris-Holdenclassicclassic-mmosclassicscompuservedark-age-of-camelotdungeons-of-kesmaieaelectronic-artseverquestfeaturedgame-archaelogistgame-developers-conference-choice-awardsgamespotgamestormgdcgdc-choice-awardsgenieharpoon-onlineisland-of-kesmaijohn-taylorkelton-flinnkesmaikesmai-corporationkesmai-studioslegends-of-kesmaimark-jacobsmatchmakingmeridian-59Multiplayer-Battletechmythicnews-corpnostalgiaonline-game-legend-awardopinionrealm-vs-realmrvrthe-game-archaeologistultima-onlinewarwarhammer-onlineythic-entertainmentTue, 13 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you miss player-written books in MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-miss-player-written-books-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-miss-player-written-books-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-daily-grind-do-you-miss-player-written-books-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ultima Online
In her sandbox column a week or so ago, Massively's own MJ Guthrie brought up an MMO feature that's fallen by the wayside in recent years: player-written books. Ancient sandboxes like Ultima Online and modern classics like EverQuest II give players the ability to write their own books, which then populate player-run libraries, serve as tavern menus, explain quests, and mark the memory of friends who left the game. Later games, however, have sadly passed over the mechanic.

I can't say that player-written anythings have no potential for abuse and inanity. There's a guild in UO, for example, that uses books as advertising spam, and the game's designers were forced to implement a system to lock-in text to circumvent the "Dudebro was here" graffiti that miscreants would otherwise inscribe on other players' masterpieces. But the potential for cool outweighs the potential for abuse for me, and I miss writing and reading in-game books so very much.

What about you -- do you miss player-written books in MMOs? Or do you think they're a niche idea that was retired from MMO design with good cause?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you miss player-written books in MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbooksbrianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmodaily-grindeaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-britishmj-guthriemythicmythic-entertainmentopinionplayer-written-bookplayer-written-bookssandboxsandparksoesonysony-online-entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindultimaultima onlineuoSat, 10 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online inducted into new MMO Hall of Fame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/ultima-online-inducted-into-new-mmo-hall-of-fame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/ultima-online-inducted-into-new-mmo-hall-of-fame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/ultima-online-inducted-into-new-mmo-hall-of-fame/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Did you know there's an(other) MMO Hall of Fame? We first heard of its launch a few months ago, but thought it was a bit of a joke, considering the Geocities-era site design and strangely familiar logo.

Oh, and the owners decided to induct Ultima Online -- a game for which we have something of a soft spot.

In any event, the site features an MMO timeline, a World of Warcraft timeline, and a listing of UO releases, expansions, and special editions. You can also view the site's voting committee, which includes Blizzard, Sony Online Entertainment, and Wizard101 developers as well as MMO writers and fans.

[Source: MMO HoF press release]

MassivelyUltima Online inducted into new MMO Hall of Fame originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasyhall-of-famelord-britishmmo-hall-of-famemmohofmmowtfmythicmythic-entertainmentsoeultimaultima onlineultima-onlineuowizard101wtfThu, 08 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot producer's letter looks toward the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dark-age-of-camelot-producers-letter-looks-toward-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dark-age-of-camelot-producers-letter-looks-toward-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dark-age-of-camelot-producers-letter-looks-toward-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Screenshot -- Dark Age of Camelot
Dark Age of Camelot's Valentine's Day event is still in full swing, but the devs over at Mythic Entertainment have plenty more in store for players. Stuart Zissu, DAoC's producer, stopped by the official site to give players a heads-up as to what they can expect in upcoming updates. For starters, the next phase of the ongoing live event will be coming sometime "in the next few months," and players are warned that the Pict encampments they've already encountered are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

On top of that, the devs will be adding a number of new titles throughout the year that center on the long-running title's 10th anniversary. Zissu adds that "there will also be new titles for the next phase of the live event" as well as a special trophy commemorating Dark Age of Camelot's 10 years of RvRvR action. For more information, including details on DAoC's first video contest, just click on through the link below and give the post a look.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot producer's letter looks toward the future originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsletter-from-the-producerlive-eventlive-eventsmythicmythic-entertainmentproducers-letterrealm-vs-realmrvrrvrvrstuart-zissutitletitlestrophiestrophyWed, 15 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR producer's letter talks bug fixing, patch schedules]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/war-producers-letter-talks-bug-fixing-patch-schedules/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/war-producers-letter-talks-bug-fixing-patch-schedules/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/war-producers-letter-talks-bug-fixing-patch-schedules/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Warhammer Online - Knight of the Blazing Sun
Hey kids, it's time for another Warhammer Online producer's letter (no, it's still not dead, doomsayers). The dev team is currently hard at work on the 1.4.5a patch, and in case you were wondering, that little "a" basically indicates additions to the previous 1.4.5 update. Said additions will take the form of "functionality, messaging, and tweaks to the fortresses and relics," all of which are still being discussed on the official WAR forums.

Next up is the 1.4.6 patch, and Mythic has switched gears to focus on bug fixing instead of the previously planned open RvR tweaks. There are also some additional items of interest on the horizon, including a new live event and some changes to crafting. Head to the WAR Herald to read up on all the details.

[Thanks to Benjamin for the tip!]

MassivelyWAR producer's letter talks bug fixing, patch schedules originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.5-patch1.4.6-patchbioware-mythicbug-fixingbugscraftingfantasylive-eventsmythicMythic-Entertainmentopen-rvrproducers-letterrvrwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online encourages murder most foul]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/warhammer-online-encourages-murder-most-foul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/warhammer-online-encourages-murder-most-foul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/warhammer-online-encourages-murder-most-foul/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Warhammer Online
In the happy, carebear world of Warhammer Online, we've reached the time of year when the clouds break to let in a ray of sunshine that warms the souls of all it touches and sprinkles hearts with... oh, forget it. It's Murder-o-Rama, aka the Night of Murder.

Mythic's annual WAR bloodfest centers around players attempting to appease a gruesome Elf god by taking out contracts on each other's lives. From February 9th through the 22nd, players will try to complete Tome of Knowledge tasks by completing "Marked for Death" quests and killing those with a dripping red skull-and-crossbones over their heads.

The rewards are worth the effort, though, with items like Lobbin' Noggins, Khaine's Caress, and a fun pike sporting your opponent's head that you can slam down next to a defeated foe. It's the yearly holiday your mother always warned you about, but you never listened then and you're probably not going to start now.

MassivelyWarhammer Online encourages murder most foul originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carebearea-mythiceventin-game-eventmurdermurder-markmythicMythic-Entertainmentnight-of-murderwarwarhammer-onlineWed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online releases patch 1.4.5 highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/warhammer-online-releases-patch-1-4-5-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/warhammer-online-releases-patch-1-4-5-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/warhammer-online-releases-patch-1-4-5-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Inevitable City at peak hours.
Despite Mythic Entertainment's recent winnowing of the Warhammer Online servers -- bringing them down from four servers to a measly pair -- the company is still hard at work developing patches for the RvR-based title. Patch 1.4.5 will be hitting the live servers tomorrow, January 31st, and it brings a number of interesting changes and also ushers in the return of fortresses, which should be good news for open RvR fans.

With the recent Skaven invasion, a number of relics have been found in myriad underground tunnels dug below the game's fortresses. Players will be charged with guarding their faction's relics while attempting to purloin those of the enemy. The Grovod Cavern scenario is also making a return, allowing two teams of 12 players to duke it out in the crumbling cave. But this time, there's a twist: Players will be taking control of two teams of Skaven; hilarity will ensue. To top it all off, 1.4.5 is bringing fortresses back into play (after they were removed some time ago), which should hopefully encourage players to head back into the open RvR lakes for fun and profit. For the full details, just head on over to the Warhammer Online official site.

MassivelyWarhammer Online releases patch 1.4.5 highlights originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.5eaea-mythicelectronic-artsf2pfortressfortressesfree-to-playgrovod-cavernmythicmythic-entertainmentopen-realm-vs-realmopen-rvrorvrpatchpatch-1.4.5patchesplayer-vs-playerpvpscenarioscenariosskavenupdateupdateswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewhoMon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot storms the castle with Patch 1.111]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/dark-age-of-camelot-storms-the-castle-with-patch-1-111/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/dark-age-of-camelot-storms-the-castle-with-patch-1-111/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/dark-age-of-camelot-storms-the-castle-with-patch-1-111/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DAoC
People of Midgard, Albion, and Hibernia -- fight for glory! The call to battle is strong and never-ending, and Mythic is looking to your continued diligence and thirst for blood to keep Dark Age of Camelot's PvP raging. For its part, Mythic has delivered the latest tantalizing update to the game today, Patch 1.111.

To keep the battlefield skirmishes hot, the studio has added new RvR missions to the Frontiers. This should hopefully cause a greater amount of conflict as players strive to accomplish their tasks.

Patch 1.111 also includes a host of class tweaks (including a huge buff to Thanes), additional controllable pets for Animists, and new Atlantis quests. These quests start at level 30 and will help players garner more Atlantean Glass for their artifacts, which should help ease the pain of grinding out Master Levels.

The patch is currently live on all servers.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot storms the castle with Patch 1.111 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.111animistsartifactsatlantean-questsatlantisdaocdark-age-of-camelotea-mythicfrontiersmaster-levelsmythicpatch-1.111patch-notespvprvrrvr-queststhaneswalking-mushroomsWed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: New hero edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/not-so-massively-new-hero-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/not-so-massively-new-hero-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/not-so-massively-new-hero-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
League of Legends revealed this week that 5% of Taiwan is now playing even though the game only launched there six months ago. We also got an in-depth look at new jungling tank champion Sejuani with a new champion spotlight video. Heroes of Newerth released its own new hero this week with ranged intelligence hero Gravekeeper, and Bloodline Champions teased fans with upcoming bloodline Headhunter.

The Diablo III beta saw some big changes this week to bring the gameplay back into the spirit of its predecessor, Diablo II. Wrath of Heroes began gearing up for its fifth beta session later this week, while Blacklight: Retribution explored the fine art of stealing your enemy's hardsuit in a new video release. Firefall announced its condemnation of the Stop Online Piracy Act this week, adding its name to the list of opposition to the proposed legislation. Finally, Rise of Immortals got a make-over this week with a brand-new logo, launcher and login screen.

Continue reading Not So Massively: New hero edition

MassivelyNot So Massively: New hero edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbiowareblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championscompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygravekeeperheroes-of-newerthhonleague-of-legendslolmmofpsmobamultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvppweriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesSejuanisteamstunlockstunlock-studiosvideowarhammerwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroesMon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you buy an advanced character?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-buy-an-advanced-character/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-buy-an-advanced-character/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-buy-an-advanced-character/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

UO advanced character
For many years, Ultima Online has offered an advanced character microtransaction. Well, the term "microtransaction" may be stretching it -- originally priced at $30 a pop, it's more like a macrotransaction. The advanced character token allows you to boost the skills and stats of a single character according to a preset template. It won't give you a capped Bard, Treasure Hunter, or Animal Tamer overnight, but it will get you a big chunk of the way there. And for skills that are notoriously hard to train .1 by .1 all the way to 100 or 120, advanced character tokens can be a huge boon to players who've been there and done that and just want to skip the early grind.

UO's not alone in this; other games, such as Dark Age of Camelot, allow players to jump past some of the early game on their alts once they've capped a toon and proven they know the ropes of the game. Of course, those games aren't charging for the pleasure. So what do you think: Would you buy an advanced character from a game company? Or do you think you're cheating yourself and those around you by not grinding up the old-fashioned way?

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: Would you buy an advanced character? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-characterage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedbiowarebrianna-royce-tdgcamelotclassic-mmoconandaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomgrindhyborialord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpvprvrsandboxskill-systemtdgthe-daily-grindultimaultima onlineUltimaOnlineuoMon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite item-quality system?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-item-quality-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-item-quality-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-item-quality-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot taken of Wowhead browser database
Grey, white, green, blue, purple, gold. World of Warcraft may not have invented what's become the standard colors for item quality, but it's surely cemented the hierarchy in gamers' minds. Last week, Raph Koster suggested that these tiers of items are part of the "yuck" that leads to the loss of immersion across the games industry.

I think he's right. I miss the days of Ultima Online (which not coincidentally was Koster's baby), when players geared up with basic platemail of invulnerability, chainmail of fortification, and katanas of vanquishing. Halfway through UO's lifespan, that system was gutted in favor of a Diablo-esque item that turned wearables into a numbers game. The charm of my deadly poisoned kryss made by a Grandmaster Blacksmith was gone, replaced by a few dozen stats to juggle.

Do you agree with Koster? Are color-coded item tiers a design shortcut that contributes to the loss of immersion in MMOs and other games? What game has your favorite item-quality system?

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: What's your favorite item-quality system? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionage-of-shadowsaos-killed-uoblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmodesigner-dragondiabloeaelectronic-artsfantasyimmersionlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentopinionraph-kostertdgthe-daily-grindultimaultima onlineUltimaOnlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: LoL talks Sejuani, D3 drops cash AH in Korea and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/not-so-massively-lol-talks-sejuani-d3-drops-cash-ah-in-korea-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/not-so-massively-lol-talks-sejuani-d3-drops-cash-ah-in-korea-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/not-so-massively-lol-talks-sejuani-d3-drops-cash-ah-in-korea-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
This week, League of Legends revealed its upcoming tank champion Sejuani, a barbarian from the north who rides a boar and fights with the power of frost. Champion Jax was also completely remastered as part of the Sejuani patch, with his reliance on the dodge skill removed. Rise of Immortals released a champion spotlight on ranged damage-dealer Nyssus, and Firefall released a video of hilarious outtakes from last week's cosplay programme video.

The big news is that Diablo III has finally solved its dispute with the South Korean rating agencies by removing the cash auction house in that country only. Bloodline Champions celebrated its first birthday, and Heroes of Newerth's HoNWars tournament fired up its second season with a $10,000 prize pool. Blacklight Retribution talked tactics in its latest developer diary, highlighting tactical use of the HRV that lets you briefly see enemies through walls. Finally, the latest Wrath of Heroes beta has been extended until tomorrow morning, and End of Nations talked capture points in a new Warfront video devblog.

Continue reading Not So Massively: LoL talks Sejuani, D3 drops cash AH in Korea and more

MassivelyNot So Massively: LoL talks Sejuani, D3 drops cash AH in Korea and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbiowareblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championscompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasyheroes-of-newerthhonjaxleague-of-legendslolmobamultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesSejuanistunlockstunlock-studiostrion-worldsvideowarhammerwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroesMon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[And then there were two: Warhammer Online merges servers once more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/and-then-there-were-two-warhammer-online-merges-servers-once-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/and-then-there-were-two-warhammer-online-merges-servers-once-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/and-then-there-were-two-warhammer-online-merges-servers-once-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Warhammer Online at peak hours
Warhammer Online's server culls continue today as the Gorfang (North America) and Karak Azgal (Europe) servers are being retired. As we mentioned last month, Gorfang players will now be taking refuge on the Badlands server, while Karak Azgal's denizens will find a new home on Karak Norn. For those of you keeping score at home, this brings Warhammer Online's total operational servers to a whopping two. Players with characters on either server can transfer them to the remaining servers via the Mythic Account Center, though at the rate things are going, there may not be any servers left soon enough.

MassivelyAnd then there were two: Warhammer Online merges servers once more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badlandseaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playgorfangkarak-azgalkarak-nornmythicmythic-entertainmentserverserver-mergeserver-mergesserverswarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 10 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Hints of a Diablo III release date and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/not-so-massively-hints-of-a-diablo-iii-release-date-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/not-so-massively-hints-of-a-diablo-iii-release-date-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/not-so-massively-hints-of-a-diablo-iii-release-date-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
League of Legends kicked off the competitive year with the closing of 2011's final event and showed off some hilarious fan-made videos this week. Firefall continued its cosplay program video series with the inclusion of Hollywood actor Lee Reherman, and we finally got to see the finished mech suits for the game's signature characters Mourningstar and Typhon.

Has Diablo III's release date been accidentally leaked? This week we saw compelling evidence to suggest that the highly anticipated title has finally got a release date -- and it's not far away! Heroes of Newerth fans foamed at the mouth with Patch 2.5.4's introducing a potentially overpowered new hero but none of the crash fixes or balance tweaks the game desperately needs. Rise of Immortals announced the winners of its holiday competition and released a new spotlight on Ichorr. Finally, Wrath of Heroes announced the next stage of its ongoing beta, which is scheduled to begin this week.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Hints of a Diablo III release date and more

MassivelyNot So Massively: Hints of a Diablo III release date and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasyheroes-of-newerthhonleague-of-legendslolmobamultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesvideowarhammerwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroesMon, 09 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
2011 was an odd duck of a year for MMO news. A huge chunk of the year felt devoid of significant releases, but that was mitigated somewhat by the major launches of RIFT and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Titles got shoved back to 2012 or beyond, MMOs that we thought never would go free-to-play did, and the industry continually surprised us with revelations, ideas, and controversy.

So in my last Perfect Ten of 2011, I put together the 10 most significant MMO stories of the year. Ten seems like an awfully small number for such a great big field, so I had the rest of the staff members chime in with their nominations just to make sure I wasn't too off-base with any of these.

It was a whopper of a year, and Massively was there for all of it -- the ups, the downs, the queues, and the QQs. It's time to wrap it up with a pretty bow and dedicate it to the history museum!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112012aionataribiowareccpccp-gameschampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdc-universe-onlinedcuoeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-iif2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-to-playglobal-agendajagexkung-fu-pandaleague-of-legendslistlistslucasartsmists-of-pandariamonoclegatemythicpandaperfect-tenperfect-worldriftrunescapesoesonysony-hacksony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorthe-agencythe-perfect-tentriontrion-worldswarhammer-onlineworld-of-darknessworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-heroesThu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare's docs: Free-to-play can't invest and create at our level]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/biowares-docs-free-to-play-cant-invest-and-create-at-our-leve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/biowares-docs-free-to-play-cant-invest-and-create-at-our-leve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/biowares-docs-free-to-play-cant-invest-and-create-at-our-leve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BioWare Docs
If BioWare's not in a war against the free-to-play business model, it certainly is skirmishing with the notion that F2P is the only way to go. In speaking with our sister site Joystiq, BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk defended the traditional subscription model by saying that it not only works but allows dev teams to achieve games on a larger scale.

Zeschuk mentioned that it was simply a case of the right business model for the right game: "I'm not saying it's better or worse. It just doesn't supplant the other things. 'Cause we can do some things no one else can. The free-to-play people can't invest to the level we can invest, and can't create something of the size and scale of something we can create."

Even with its love of the subscription model for Star Wars: The Old Republic, BioWare is open to free-to-play where it sees fit. Muzyka dropped a tantalizing hint as to the company's F2P aspirations: "We have some other stuff we haven't announced yet coming from our play-for-free team that I'm really excited about. It's gonna bring back some IP that people have a lot of fond memories around."

MassivelyBioWare's docs: Free-to-play can't invest and create at our level originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mythicbusiness-modeldocsdoctorsdoctors-whoeaea-biowaref2pfree-to-playGreg-ZeschukinterviewjoystiqmythicRay-Muzykastar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-two-docsthe-two-doctorswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewrath-of-heroesWed, 28 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST