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[Russian MMO market to continue growing through next year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/russian-mmo-market-to-continue-growing-through-next-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/russian-mmo-market-to-continue-growing-through-next-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/russian-mmo-market-to-continue-growing-through-next-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Allods Online counts.
For a long time, China has been the country to look to for MMO growth. The country's rapid acquisition of technology and popular internet cafes has led to an explosion in growth and online gaming. But China isn't the only country steadily rising in quantities. According to a study by Newzoo, the Russian game market is already a $1.5 billion industry, with $270 million of that going directly toward MMOs, making our favorite genre tied with general PC gaming for overall spending.

Among the more interesting upshots of the study are the fact that women compose 49% of the overall gamer market in Russia, a remarkably even split considering the setup of most developed nation; 69% of the spent money goes toward online or mobile games. In many ways, the Russian gaming market has already overtaken the European markets in terms of overall numbers and spending, according to Newzoo CEO Peter Warman. The company also created a useful set of infographics regarding the overall breakdown of data.

[Source: Newzoo press release]

MassivelyRussian MMO market to continue growing through next year originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessbusiness-issuesgaming-industryindustry-analysisinternationalmmo-industrymobile-gamingnewzooonline-gamingoverall-spendingpeter-warmanTue, 13 Sep 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Serious internet business]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/not-so-massively-serious-internet-business/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/not-so-massively-serious-internet-business/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/30/not-so-massively-serious-internet-business/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Welcome to Not So Massively, our weekly roundup of the top news from popular multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other multiplayer online games that aren't quite MMOs. Published every Saturday, the column covers games such as League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, Defense of the Ancients, Bloodline Champions, and more.

With the undeniable popularity of MMOs and microtransaction-based payment models becoming a widely accepted industry standard, the online space has seen a virtual revolution in multiplayer games. The past few years have seen the release of countless MOBAs and other multiplayer games that aren't quite MMOs. Some focus on primarily co-operative gameplay, while others cater to more traditional competitive multiplayer roots. Many feature persistent characters who level up, items carried forward between games, or stat-tracking systems to record performance. Developers have been blurring the line between MMOs and traditional online games, and we're here to explore the difference.

Last week, we discussed HoN's new hero Silhouette, LoL's 24th summoner showcase and cutesy Cottontail Teemo skin, Bloodline Champions' Easter updates, Darkspore's new hero Skar and Hi-Rez Studios' new MOBA, Smite. In this week's edition of Not So Massively, we look at Bloodline Champions' $5,000 U.S. tournament, Darkspore's final release, LoL's new champion Rumble, and updates to Defense of the Ancients. We also take a first look at Metal Assault, a new online game by Aeria Games.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Serious internet business

MassivelyNot So Massively: Serious internet business originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesbloodline-championschampionchampion-spotlightdarksporedefense-of-the-ancientsdotafeaturedleague-of-legendslolmaxismetal-assaultmobanewsnot-so-massivelyOnline-Gamingpatchreleaserumblesummoner-showcasevideoSat, 30 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wall Street Journal: China on track to claim half of online gaming market]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/wall-street-journal-china-on-track-to-claim-half-of-online-gami/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/wall-street-journal-china-on-track-to-claim-half-of-online-gami/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/wall-street-journal-china-on-track-to-claim-half-of-online-gami/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no surprise to us (or you, probably) that MMOs are big business in China. The Wall Street Journal reports that a new study from Beijing data-analysis firm Cnzz.com predicts that China will hold more than half of the global market for online gaming by 2012. Given the current 20% growth rate, the online gaming market is predicted to reach 41 billion yuan ($6 billion USD). They currently report 338 million web users among their population, with two-thirds of those users defining themselves as online game players.

Of course, the main branch of online games in this case are MMOs. In October, six of the ten most popular games in China were MMOs, with four of those being subscription based models. World of Warcraft holds the top spot in that list with "the most registered players and peak simultaneous online users." (The recent bickering between WoW and NetEase may make that a temporary position, however.)

The full story from WSJ blogs contains more details, and is a good overall read.

MassivelyWall Street Journal: China on track to claim half of online gaming market originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaneteaseOnline-Gamingwall-street-journalworld-of-warcraftwowwsj-blogsFri, 27 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Online gamers are logging more hours, but spending less money]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/online-gamers-are-logging-more-hours-but-spending-less-money/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/online-gamers-are-logging-more-hours-but-spending-less-money/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/online-gamers-are-logging-more-hours-but-spending-less-money/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Interactive marketing firm Future Ads revealed a very telling survey from Gamevance today, showing that casual gamers were playing games for longer, yet were spending less money on them overall. Other notable sections of the survey showed a declining gender gap in the gaming population, a melding of the "casual" and "hardcore" gamer markets, and a decline in purchases made for video game consoles.

Gamevance's survey revealed that 61% of the 8,000 "casual" gamers who responded said they were playing games for longer periods of time than they were a year ago. However, 80% of those same gamers reported that they were cutting back on console game purchases while 77% of the 8,000 stated that the biggest drawback to console gaming was that it was too expensive.

Pair this with the rising Free Realms, Wizard 101, and FusionFall populations, as well as the proliferation of free online gaming sites, and you have a very noticable switch to cheaper gaming alternatives. Will this recession be the rise of the free to play gaming model in America, or will this die off once the economy stabilizes?

[Via GigaOm]

MassivelyOnline gamers are logging more hours, but spending less money originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartoon-networkcasualfree-realmsfree-to-playfusionfallgamevancegendergender-gaphardcorekingsisle-entertainmentmarketingmicrotransactionsonline-gamingsoesony-online-entertainmentsubscriptionsubscription-modelsurveywizard-101Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul Barnett predicts the decline of future asset-heavy MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/paul-barnett-predicts-the-decline-of-asset-heavy-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/paul-barnett-predicts-the-decline-of-asset-heavy-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/paul-barnett-predicts-the-decline-of-asset-heavy-mmos/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mythic Entertainment's Creative Director for Warhammer Online, Paul Barnett, was recently interviewed by Ablegamers and had some interesting things to say about the current state and future of online gaming and asset-heavy MMOs.

To illustrate why he thinks online games are becoming much more mainstream, Paul uses a personal and generational example. His mother is hesitant to buy anything on credit because her generation believes credit is evil. Paul himself is wary of online purchases because of the potential for fraud and identity theft. His son, however, believes there is little difference between buying something online and buying something from the corner store.

He also talks about the iPhone generation and how he believes asset-light games that provide shorter bursts of fun are going to have the widest appeal moving forward because they're cheap, mobile, entertaining, and disposable.

Established asset-heavy games may not see a huge initial decline, but he does predict a decline in the start-up of these types of games because they are extremely costly and require large teams to make. They are also traditionally geared more toward a heavy investment of player time. If asset-heavy games are to continue successfully, Paul believes they'll have to allow for more flexible "time control."

[Via: When casual can get too casual]

MassivelyPaul Barnett predicts the decline of future asset-heavy MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 May 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit-cardfraudfutureiphonemythic-entertainmentonline-gamingopinionpaul-barnettwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 26 May 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO! Pokemon does not choose you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/mmo-pokemon-does-not-choose-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/mmo-pokemon-does-not-choose-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/mmo-pokemon-does-not-choose-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you've been waiting for a Pokemon MMO to come out, we're afraid we've got some bad news for you. In an interview with What They Play, Pokemon series director Junichi Masuda confirmed that they're not considering going in the MMO direction at this time. As he stated in the interview, "Trading is a core concept of Pokemon. So when you're trading, you meet with a friend and decide which one you want and which one they want. I would like to emphasize real-world communication. You don't see each other online."

That said, we've heard rumblings from some of our readers about Ether Saga, which appears to be based on a pet-collecting and fighting system - although we'd note we haven't played it and can't judge just how similar the two might be in practice. Perhaps the creators of Pokemon will reconsider their no-MMO decision down the road. Sure, you may not see people face-to-face when it comes to online gaming, but handled properly, MMOs can be a great way to meet new people and potentially make friends you wouldn't have met otherwise.

[via GamesIndustry]

MassivelyMMO! Pokemon does not choose you originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>friendsgame-developmentmmoonline-gamingpikachupokemonThu, 26 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Phil solves our online gaming addiction problems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/dr-phil-solves-our-online-gaming-addiction-problems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/dr-phil-solves-our-online-gaming-addiction-problems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/dr-phil-solves-our-online-gaming-addiction-problems/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On this past Monday's episode, the Dr. Phil Show explored online gaming addiction with some special guests who have lived through some nightmare situations. As is expected with a daytime TV show like this, the focus was on the negative effects of online gaming on families, finances and a person's well-being. Maybe they need to do a show on the dangers of watching daytime TV all day?

We'd imagine you could guess our views on something like this, and we'd assume that most of you share this same opinion. Sure, genuine addiction that leads to a total neglect of responsibilities is a serious issue, but when non-gamers see something like this, they jump to conclusions about how all online gamers are addicts. As someone once pointed out in the comments section of a previous post on this same issue, anything can become an addiction. You can become addicted to exercise with the exact same results as we see on this show. Regardless, this issue will continue to be showcased by the major media as online gaming's popularity grows. Check out an interesting post-show development from one of that episode's guests, and share with us some of your thoughts on the subject.

MassivelyDr. Phil solves our online gaming addiction problems originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictiondr-philmmo-addictionneglectonline-gamingTue, 21 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Virtual World Boom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/the-virtual-world-boom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/the-virtual-world-boom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/the-virtual-world-boom/#commentsFiled under:

Looking for a great escape from reality? Nothing comes close to a Virtual World for a thrill seeking whimsical adventure that doesn't require you to crash your bank account or take some time away from work-- except when an expansion is released or you that long-awaited beta invite shows up, thank you sick leave! It's only natural that people from all walks of life and ages enjoy being entertained by an interactive medium that offers socialization, avatars, items, mini-games and other various shenanigans. Everyone from Webkinz moms, Club Penguin kiddos, the voracious World of Warcraft indulgers and in between is getting in on some Virtual World action.

The whole Virtual World genre is going to get a lot more crowded as big media conglomerates take notice and throw staggering piles of cash around in an attempt to attract new visitors. Recent findings by the Virtual World Conference suggest that from October 2006 to October 2007 more than 1 billion dollars was invested in 35 virtual worlds companies. Over at Business Week, there is a great write-up from Paul Heyman of Game Daily about the stirrings from the last Virtual Worlds conference and where some of this money is coming from and where it's going. You won't find any Jeff Kaplan quotes on "welfare epics" but it's still worth a gander if you are interested in an upcoming subset of the genre that will probably prove to be more popular than traditional based fantasy MMORPGS.

It isn't the promise land for every Virtual World. Mike Schramm recently reported on the MMO Boom and how it isn't always peaches and cream. This year has been rough on Auto Assault and Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising as both MMOGS shut down permanently while Ryzom is still hanging on for dear life. Despite the pitfalls, MMORPGS will thrive or World of Warcraft will at least, for how long? If Ultima Online has lasted 10 years, WoW will easily top that. 2008 should prove to be a better year for MMORPGS with Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning and Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures set to hit our desktops. My hope is that these Virtual Worlds, the ones with elves and fireballs and not Hello Kitty, will be just as fun to explore as their predecessors.

MassivelyThe Virtual World Boom originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Age-of-ConanAge-of-Conan-Hyborian-AdventuresClub-PenguinHello-KittyMMORPGMMORPG-BoomMMORPG-BudgetOnline-GamingRyzomUltima-OnlineVirtual-WorldVirtual-Worlds-ConferenceWarhammerWarhammer-OnlineWarhammer-Online-Age-of-ReckoningWebkinzWorld-of-WarcraftWoWTue, 16 Oct 2007 14:52:00 EST