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 Old Republic interview on patch 1.3 covers LFG, perks, and gear]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/the-old-republic-interview-on-patch-1-3-covers-lfg-perks-and-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/the-old-republic-interview-on-patch-1-3-covers-lfg-perks-and-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/the-old-republic-interview-on-patch-1-3-covers-lfg-perks-and-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR
Star Wars: The Old Republic is gonna get some mighty fine updates with the onset of patch 1.3. Game Designer Daniel Erickson had a chat with PC Gamer to shed some light on the changes in the upcoming patch.

Players in SWTOR don't like standing still. As Erickson says: "You can craft on the move, run [war zones] from anywhere, and basically never slow down -- except when looking for a group." To put an end to that difficulty, 1.3 will include a LFG interface that players can use to find a pick-up group to run with (except for Hard Mode Operations, which aren't really designed for uncoordinated PUGs). The tool won't work cross-server, but that's because the dev team is looking to move to servers with a much, much higher population cap in the near future.

The patch will add new perks to the legacy system, most of which are aimed at customizing the way players level their alts. With a high enough legacy and enough credits, players could use XP perks to skip side quests altogether, although Erickson points out that that there are perks for Bonus Series quests that may tempt players to visit planets they've previously left alone.

The last bundle of tidings of great joy for the patch is directed at gear. There's a fine balance between freedom of dress and the importance of visual distinction, and SWTOR aims to find it by allowing "social gear" to be worn anywhere. Additionally, "almost every single item in the game" will get customization options thanks to augment slots. Players can use augment slots on gear to add, well, augments, which will allow them to further customize their character and playstyle.

MassivelyThe Old Republic interview on patch 1.3 covers LFG, perks, and gear originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.3biowaredaniel-ericksoneaelectronic-artsinterviewinterviewslegacylucasartspatchpatch-1.3pc-gamersci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorupdateupdate-1.3Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 wants you to play with your friends no matter what]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/guild-wars-2-wants-you-to-play-with-your-friends-no-matter-what/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
"Whenever we design a new feature we always ask ourselves how it impacts our players' ability to play with their friends," ArenaNet's Eric Flannum stated about Guild Wars 2. In an interview focused on connecting players together, Flannum made it clear that the team was looking for every possible opportunity to pave the way for social hookups.

Flannum addressed the specifics of how Guild Wars 2's servers work in relation to transfers. While there is a traditional paid transfer service (which can be used only every seven days), all players will have the ability to hop over to friends' servers as a guest. Player team-ups are further made possible by the dynamic level-adjusting system that scales players down to the zone they're occupying.

This process is made easier by ArenaNet's decision to make friend lists and guilds account-wide instead of specific to a server. So while each guild has a home server, other chapters can exist elsewhere. Flannum also said that the team is carefully structuring its PvP system so that it will be free from potential abuse by server guesting.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 wants you to play with your friends no matter what originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetaeric-flannumfantasyfriend-listfriends-listgroupgroupingguildguild-wars-2guildsgw2home-serverhome-worldhookupsinterviewncsoftpc-gamerpvpserverserver-transferssocialteamteamingteamupsTue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's Jay Wilson discusses the creation of Diablo III]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/blizzards-jay-wilson-discusses-the-creation-of-diablo-iii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/blizzards-jay-wilson-discusses-the-creation-of-diablo-iii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/blizzards-jay-wilson-discusses-the-creation-of-diablo-iii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Diablo III
The big title on Not So Massively's current waiting list is, of course, Diablo III. It may be a bit before we get a solid release date out of Blizzard "Soon" Entertainment, but in the meantime, the company is keeping the hype training running steadily. Today we have a new interview from the folks over at PC Gamer, during which Diablo III's game director, Jay Wilson, talks about the challenges of building a new game based on the Diablo pedigree while also ensuring that the title has a soul of its own.

For example, while many have decried the game's "more colorful" environments, Wilson states that "if you make something, you can't just copy. You have to infuse it with your own personality, your own interests, your own opinions, your own desires. If you don't, then it will be soulless." For the full interview, just click on through to PC Gamer.

MassivelyBlizzard's Jay Wilson discusses the creation of Diablo III originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentd3diablodiablo-3diablo-iiiinterviewjay-wilsonnot-so-massivelynsmpc-gamerTue, 29 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2's Vanu Sovereignty gets a new batch of screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/planetside-2s-vanu-sovereignty-gets-a-new-batch-of-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/planetside-2s-vanu-sovereignty-gets-a-new-batch-of-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/planetside-2s-vanu-sovereignty-gets-a-new-batch-of-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Say
PlanetSide 2's Terran Republic and New Conglomerate have both had their time in the spotlight, but now we get to hear from the faction that everyone actually cares about: the technologically superior Vanu Sovereignty. PC Gamer has some new, incredibly purple screens showing the Vanu in action. Marvel at the hovertanks! Stand in awe of Vanu Sovereignty airships! Prepare to be pew-pewed in the face by an awesome laser pistol! After all, it takes a real man to wear purple. Or something like that, anyway. Just click on over to PC Gamer for all the new screens.

MassivelyPlanetSide 2's Vanu Sovereignty gets a new batch of screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmofpspc-gamerpcgamerpew-pew-lasersplanetsideplanetside-2ps2screensscreenshotscreenshotssoesony-online-entertainmentvanuvanu-sovereigntyTue, 22 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2's scale dwarfs Battlefield, Call of Duty franchises]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/planetside-2s-scale-dwarfs-battlefield-call-of-duty-franchises/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/planetside-2s-scale-dwarfs-battlefield-call-of-duty-franchises/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/planetside-2s-scale-dwarfs-battlefield-call-of-duty-franchises/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - soldiers attacking
Does it strike anyone else as particularly fortuitous that Sony Online Entertainment chose the week of Battlefield 3's release to let a bit more PlanetSide 2 info slip through its tightly clenched marketing fist?

Regardless of the timing, today's article in the new issue of PC Gamer will likely help the three-faction juggernaut gain some more momentum. SOE creative director Matt Higby is featured heavily in the PC Gamer piece, which intimates that PlanetSide 2's battles will dwarf those of the much-loved Call of Duty and Battlefield franchises.

"You're going to be fighting in battles sometimes when it's 200 people fighting against 30 people," Higby explains. "Because there's only 30 people defending that base and then suddenly 200 people log in from the other group and go do it." This is a far cry from the 64-player limit on Battlefield 3's PC version, and PlanetSide 2 will also offer huge maps that measure eight square kilometers as well as weapon ranges up to a full kilometer. Oh, and did we mention the persistent gameplay elements?

[Thanks to PlanetSide Universe for the tip!]

MassivelyPlanetSide 2's scale dwarfs Battlefield, Call of Duty franchises originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshypematt-higbymatthew-higbymmo-shootermmofpspc-gamerpersistentplanetside-2pvpsandboxscalesci-fishootersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 26 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ragnar Tørnquist discusses TSW's skill system, investigations, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/ragnar-tornquist-discusses-tsws-skill-system-investigations-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/ragnar-tornquist-discusses-tsws-skill-system-investigations-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/ragnar-tornquist-discusses-tsws-skill-system-investigations-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- The Secret World
Dark days are coming, my friends. All the myths are true, and evil lurks around every corner. Thankfully, we've gotten our hands on a new PC Gamer interview with The Secret World's creative director Ragnar Tørnquist, which should help to cast some light on these grim prophecies.

It's already well-known that The Secret World won't hinge on classes and levels but instead will allow players to craft their own skill sets from a number of set categories. Ragnar expounds on this system, explaining that players will have access to something called a Base Gear Manager, which essentially provides a way for players to quickly swap between preset groups of abilities and equipment in order to adapt to the situation at hand.

While players will likely find themselves falling into the traditional MMO archetypes of tanks, healers, DPS, and so forth, Tørnquist points out that The Secret World won't be as instance-heavy as other games and will provide a plethora of open-world events that will allow players to come together as an ad hoc group to, say, keep a police station from being overrun by the forces of evil.

Perhaps most interesting, though, are the bits of information revealed about the game's unique Investigation Missions. Tørnquist provides two examples of what players can expect from the ARG-inspired missions. One involves hunting down an in-game location based on a fortune teller's visions, while the other is a bit more in-depth, requiring players to look up information on a famous painter in order to progress. He also hints that the team may put up websites regarding in-game information that players will have to hack into in order to progress the investigation.

For the full interview, which is full of interesting nuggets and anecdotes from Tørnquist himself, just click on the link below.

MassivelyRagnar Tørnquist discusses TSW's skill system, investigations, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcominterviewinvestigationinvestigation-missioninvestigation-missionspc-gamerprogressionragnar-tørnquistragnar-tornquistskillsthe-secret-worldtswTue, 27 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The baddies of City of Heroes' First Ward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-baddies-of-city-of-heroes-first-ward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-baddies-of-city-of-heroes-first-ward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-baddies-of-city-of-heroes-first-ward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

City of Heroes screenshot
City of Heroes' villains are some of the most memorable across the genre, so it's no wonder superhero fans are anxious to see whom (or what) they'll be fighting once CoH goes free-to-play later this year. To that end, Paragon Studios' art lead, Gilbert Martinez, has penned a dev diary over on PC Gamer that details four of the villain groups players will encounter in the upcoming First Ward zone.

First up are the mystics of the Carnival of Light, the perfect counterpoint to the existing Carnival of Shadows. These new Carnies are much better dressed and seek to "restore the balance of good and evil" in Praetoria. They're followed by the Direct Urban Strike Team (D.U.S.T.) units, elite PPD members with rugged armor and enormous plasma rifles that are surely not compensating for anything. If you're into tentacles, you'll love the failed Seer experiments known as the Awakened. And finally, the dreadful, harpy-like Talons of Vengeance embrace "themes of vengeance, magic, and the embodiment of the apocalypse."

Enjoy the new enemies (and their awesome high-detail graphics) at PC Gamer.

MassivelyThe baddies of City of Heroes' First Ward originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carniescarnival-of-lightcity-of-heroesCity-of-Villainscohcovcoxdev-diarydirect-urban-strike-teamDUSTenemiesfirst-wardgilbert-martinezncsoftparagonparagon-studiospc-gamertalons-of-vengeancethe-awakenedvillain-groupsThu, 08 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes art lead contemplates the Hamidon redesign]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/city-of-heroes-art-lead-contemplates-the-hamidon-redesign/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/city-of-heroes-art-lead-contemplates-the-hamidon-redesign/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/city-of-heroes-art-lead-contemplates-the-hamidon-redesign/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

City of Heroes: Hamidon Seed
City of Heroes Freedom brings not only changes to the payment model of the premiere superhero MMO but also to the art design for some of the existing creatures. In a developer diary posted on PC Gamer, Art Lead Gilbert Martinez explains the process behind creating a new threatening version of the Hamidon.
One of our goals for the new Praetorian incarnations of Hamidon was to raise their threat level while keeping them tied visually to the original blob-like mass players are familiar with. We felt that it was important to design these creatures in a way that emphasized their power and scale and made it clear that they are worthy of going toe-to-toe with the all-powerful Tyrant.
Martinez does not explain if this new incarnation of the monster will take 50+ heroes to defeat like its predecessor, but we are looking at a completely different creature than the former giant congealed mass.

PC gamer hosts the whole diary on its website, which includes new screenshots of the Hamidon and a gigantic monster called the Shivan from the redesigned tutorial. And next week, City of Heroes hosts two panels at PAX. Massively will have reporters on the scene giving you the latest news for Paragon City!

MassivelyCity of Heroes art lead contemplates the Hamidon redesign originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-designcity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomfreedomgilbert-martinezhamidonHamidon-seedNCSoftparagon-studiospc-gamerredesignTue, 16 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Human High Culture part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/hyperspace-beacon-human-high-culture-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/hyperspace-beacon-human-high-culture-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/hyperspace-beacon-human-high-culture-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Human High Culture is the Imperial idea that humans are the most important species in the galaxy -- the master species, if you will. Some people who like to study Star Wars canon say that the reason you see only humans on board the first Death Star in A New Hope is that this Human High Culture. In fact, according to Star Wars lore, the political party Commission for the Preservation of the New Order (COMPNOR) feeds off the belief that humans are superior.

However, Star Wars: The Old Republic lore suggests that Human High Culture existed long before Emperor Palpatine's reign. The roots could date all the way back to the first Jedi exiles who landed on Korriban after the First Great Schism.

Whatever the case may be, it leads to interesting dynamics in possible species you will be able to play on your Imperial characters. As I mentioned last week, it does not make a lot of sense for Rattataki to be Imperial Agents because of the sigma of alien species being high-ranking Imperial citizens, but it is more than appropriate for Rattataki to be slaves. Since the Sith Inquisitor story starts a player out as a slave, the Rattataki are a likely choice for that class.

After the break, I cover three more species and the Imperial classes I feel they are most suited for in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Human High Culture part 2

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Human High Culture part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareclassesEAElectronic-ArtsfeaturedloreLucasArtsopinionPC-gamerpc-gamer-ukplayable-racesplayable-speciesspeciesStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-lore-guidethe-old-republictorTue, 24 May 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Human High Culture]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/hyperspace-beacon-human-high-culture/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/hyperspace-beacon-human-high-culture/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/hyperspace-beacon-human-high-culture/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

BioWare games are notorious for interweaving allegories on racism in their plotlines. If you take Mass Effect, for example, Navigator Pressly was a human who had major issues with aliens -- especially Turians. Inversely, the Citadel Council was definitely prejudiced against humans because the human species was rather new to Citadel space and rising to power too quickly by the Council's standards. These undertones help give the Mass Effect story depth and real-world relevance.

Although it's not an overt plot point in the Star Wars series of movies, speciesism does sometimes play a heavy hand in the Expanded Universe. In the Galactic Empire, this is known as Human High Culture. In the high political offices of the Galactic Empire under Emperor Palpatine, humans were regarded as superior to other species of the galaxy. Humans were, after all, most numerous, and they also did not originate from a single planet like most species. But the roots of the Human High Culture date back further than the events in Star Wars: The Old Republic. They may date all the way back to the first Dark Jedi to rule over the Sith people on Korriban.

With this idea of Human High Culture in mind, I would like to talk about the species available to the SWTOR Imperial classes. In the May edition of PC Gamer UK, an over-ambitious reporter incorrectly announced a list of species and class combinations. What I would like to do today is make my own list based on what I know of Star Wars lore and announced species in the game. Continue after the break as I compile the list.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Human High Culture

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Human High Culture originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarebounty-hunterChissclassesEAElectronic-ArtsEmpirefeaturedhuman-high-cultureImperial-AgentLucasArtsPC-Gamerpc-gamer-ukpureblood-sithRattatakiSithSith-Empiresith-inquisitorsith-purebloodsith-warriorspeciesStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-lore-guidethe-old-republictorTue, 17 May 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard bigwigs recall company's first 20 years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/blizzard-bigwigs-recall-companys-first-20-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/blizzard-bigwigs-recall-companys-first-20-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/blizzard-bigwigs-recall-companys-first-20-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Twenty years is a long time, and to illustrate how long (and make you feel old in the process), let's do a little retrospective. In 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev led the Soviet Union, James Cameron's Terminator 2 and Kevin Costner's Robin Hood ruled the box office, and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System was flying off toy store shelves everywhere following its August release.

Also in 1991, a software company known as Silicon & Synapse started its life by working on ports for other gaming companies before re-branding itself as Blizzard Entertainment three years later. In a new interview at PC Gamer, Blizzard bigwigs Frank Pearce, Mike Morhaime, and Rob Pardo talk about the company's past, present, and future, as well as where PC gaming is headed in general.

"I think the effect we're on the verge of having -- at least for World of Warcraft specifically -- is that right now, gaming is on the edge of not being the basement-geek entertainment anymore," Pardo says.

MassivelyBlizzard bigwigs recall company's first 20 years originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdamn-were-oldfrank-pearcegeezersinterviewmike-morhaimemmo-industrynostalgiapc-gamerrob-pardoworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 25 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA Arachnaea fly-through video released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/tera-arachnaea-fly-through-video-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/tera-arachnaea-fly-through-video-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/tera-arachnaea-fly-through-video-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you've got a spider, insect, or creepy-crawly complex of any kind, you might want to skip the latest TERA fly-through video from En Masse Entertainment. The clip is straight out of an arachnophobe's worst nightmare, as it takes place deep inside a huge stone cavern filled with egg sacs and giant hairy-legged spiders.

The cavern is a newly revealed zone called Arachnaea, and its denizens are apparently being conjured by evil priests aligned with the goddess Arachne in order to gather sacrificial offerings from a nearby town. The clip clocks in at a tad over one minute in length, which is plenty of time to be creeped out by the spiders and their sinister surroundings. Check out all the gory details after the cut or at PC Gamer.

Continue reading TERA Arachnaea fly-through video released

MassivelyTERA Arachnaea fly-through video released originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arachnaeaarachnecavernen-masseen-masse-entertainmentpc-gamerspidersteratera-onlinetrailerzonezone-revealThu, 17 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online invaded by mysterious relics, takes home "MMO of the year"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lord-of-the-rings-online-invaded-by-mysterious-relics-takes-hom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lord-of-the-rings-online-invaded-by-mysterious-relics-takes-hom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lord-of-the-rings-online-invaded-by-mysterious-relics-takes-hom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hobbit Bungo Grubb is upset, and he has a good right to be -- after all, a stout black rock appeared in his pipe-weed fields and spoiled his crops something fierce. In a strongly worded letter reposted on Lord of the Rings Online's website, Grubb complains about the source of this menace:

"Right in the middle of my field, someone had placed a tall stone block bearing unpleasant symbols... Furthermore, this stone artifact, or relic, or what-have-you, is a public nuisance! Anyone who gets too near it begins to feel most unhealthy, and cannot bear to look at the thing for too long."

While the reason and consequence of this relic is unclear, the fact is that many like it are popping up all over Middle-earth. Players can track down five of these mysterious relics to earn the ominous-sounding "Calm Before the Storm" title. Is this the prologue to the Rise of Isengard later this year or something different entirely?

In other LotRO news, PC Gamer awarded the game "MMO of the Year" for 2010, saying that "when it came to keeping us entertained all year long with small updates, plus throwing us the occasional party with huge loads of free content, LotRO treated its fans the best." Congrats to Turbine for this award!

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online invaded by mysterious relics, takes home "MMO of the year" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardbungo-grubbcalm-before-the-stormhobbitlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthmmo-of-the-yearmysterious-relicpc-gamerrise-of-isengardturbineTurbine-EntertainmentTue, 11 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR40K throws down the gauntlet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/war40k-throws-down-the-gauntlet-to-the-competition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/war40k-throws-down-the-gauntlet-to-the-competition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/war40k-throws-down-the-gauntlet-to-the-competition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Other MMOs are predictable, lazy and lack the real "feel" of combat -- or so says Vigil Games' founder Dave Adams. In a recent PC Gamer article, Adams and Creative Director Mike Maza share their vision for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online -- and it's all about bucking the industry standard.

Adams had a few strong words for Vigil's competition: "A lot of developers see that as an opportunity to cut that corner because there's so much to do on an MMO. They think people care about X, Y and Z. They don't really care about the feeling of the combat... Our goal is when some guy's walking past DMO they won't instantly know it's an MMO. That depends on a minimal interface: it's not a full FPS but it looks more 'actiony'."

The devs confirmed that there would be a wide range of combat features in this action-based title, including fierce melee brawls, intense ranged firefights -- and no action bar icons of which to speak. The team is working hard to recreate the tabletop's iconic world into a virtual one, designing guns (stubber and bolter firearms) and player-controlled vehicles (Titan mechs and Predator tanks) to look deadly, used and WAR40Kish.

The game will kick players into the fight almost immediately. "There's scenarios that introduce you to your character class. We'll throw you into your very first instance, to get a feel for a very player directed experience. Then you'll go to your trainers and merchants, then drop down onto the over-world from orbit," Maza said.

You can read the full article at PC Gamer.

MassivelyWAR40K throws down the gauntlet originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-adamsdmomike-mazapc-gamerplayer-controlled-vehiclespredatortabletoptitanvigil-gameswar40kwar40k-dark-millenium-onlinewarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineWarhammer-40KMon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet community manager debunks Guild Wars 2 rumor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/arenanet-community-manager-debunks-guild-wars-2-rumor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/arenanet-community-manager-debunks-guild-wars-2-rumor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/arenanet-community-manager-debunks-guild-wars-2-rumor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guild Wars 2 fans have been enjoying a series of articles at PC Gamer this week, but unfortunately the series came with a bit of misinformation. If you read through the articles, you may have noticed some news regarding dungeons as downloadable content in Guild Wars 2.

The community was buzzing about that possibility until Community Manager Regina Buenaobra stepped in to clarify things: "We have not made a decision on whether to sell dungeon content as DLC, contrary to what the article states. The author of the article jumped to this (incorrect) conclusion based upon his interpretation of Eric's statements."

Eric Flannum released a clarification that stated in part "...our core philosophy--of not requiring you to spend additional money to play the game and not making the game difficult or painful to play in order to encourage you to buy things from the store--still stands." Eric's full statement can be seen within Regina's forum post.

MassivelyArenaNet community manager debunks Guild Wars 2 rumor originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingdlcdownloadable-contentdungeonseric-flannumguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftpc-gamerregina-buenaobraThu, 21 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic's space combat detailed in PC Gamer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/the-old-republics-space-combat-detailed-in-pc-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/the-old-republics-space-combat-detailed-in-pc-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/the-old-republics-space-combat-detailed-in-pc-gamer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ever since we heard that Star Wars: The Old Republic was going to include space combat as one of its features, we've felt a bit like Red Squadron in A New Hope -- "standing by." It almost seemed too good to be true, especially since the rumor came out that the space portion of the game would be an on-rails shooter.

It's with great glee, then, that we have received more news on TOR's space combat in the upcoming October issue of PC Gamer. The seven-page spread confirms that the space combat won't be a free-form flight simulator like X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, but instead will be a "tunnel shooter" designed to create highly cinematic battle sequences for players to experience. Space combat hotspots will be unlocked as players progress through the game, and while they'll initially be solo instances only, eventually BioWare hopes to implement PvP and team combat in the future.

In a tunnel shooter, players will be able to move ships up, down, left and right, although their overall course is locked in by the scenario in question. Ship collision, rotating quest objectives, customizable ship cosmetics, achievements, various difficulty levels and incentives to repeat missions also seem to be a go for this portion of the game. While a lot of the details are still hidden from our prying eyes, we're sure that BioWare will have a lot more to say on this in the near future.

MassivelyThe Old Republic's space combat detailed in PC Gamer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-new-hopebiowarebioware-mythicbreakingea-biowareon-railson-rails-shooterpc-gamerrails-shooterred-squadronspace-combatstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortunnel-shooterx-wing-vs-tie-fighterMon, 09 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Space combat has been confirmed for SWTOR! [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/space-combat-has-been-comfirmed-for-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/space-combat-has-been-comfirmed-for-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/space-combat-has-been-comfirmed-for-swtor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While at Comic-Con, the fan site Mos Eisley Radio tweeted a rumor that there will be space combat in SWTOR. Space combat has been strongly suspected since the announcement of player ships at E3, but there was nothing to confirm our suspicions. According to the folks at Mos Eisley Radio, James Ohlen said that each ship will be customizable, and, of course, that the player will be able to use this ship in space combat.

Not moments later, this rumor was completely confirmed by SWTOR's community manager, Sean Dahlberg, on the official forum. He confesses in his announcement, "While we didn't quite make the numbers [of Facebook and Twitter followers], we definitely saw how excited the community is about this and how everyone came together. After all of that, there's no way we could hold back with our special reveal at Comic-Con!" So it seems the devs did not punish the fans for not reaching the social media goal after all. He reveals that further details will be available in the October edition of PC Gamer.

[Thank you, Mos Eisley Radio, for keeping your ears open!]

[Editor's Note: Brooks from Mos Eisley Radio just mailed us to say that all of his information is coming from Darth Hater's liveblog, so props to Darth Hater, and thanks for letting us know, Brooks! ~Sera]

MassivelySpace combat has been confirmed for SWTOR! [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarebreakingcomic-concomic-con-2010EAea-biowareElectronic-Artsjames-ohlenLucasArtsMos-Eisley-RadioOMG-pew-pew-in-spacePC-gamersean-dahlbergspace-combatspace-shipspace-shipsStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortorFri, 23 Jul 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Travis Baldree talks Torchlight MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/travis-baldree-talks-torchlight-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/travis-baldree-talks-torchlight-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/travis-baldree-talks-torchlight-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Runic Games and Torchlight designer Travis Baldree open up about their Torchlight MMORPG in the new issue of PC Gamer that hits newsstands this week. The hit single-player game will serve as inspiration for a solo-able massively multiplayer title.

"Our vision is to have an MMO that plays as close to single player as we can get it. It will have the same focus on relatively fast action: carving your way through hordes of monsters with a large number of hugely devastating skills. The game has to be solo-able, but players will have to have skills that make them useful in a party and make them work together," Baldree says.

The title will also feature a microtransaction payment model, which, ironically enough, its creator despises. "I will never, ever buy a microtransaction item," Baldtree states. "I'm that kind of player. And the game has to be enjoyable for me, too. We don't want our monetisation stuff to offer ways to skip the game because the game is boring."

Check out the teaser announcement on PC Gamer's website.

MassivelyTravis Baldree talks Torchlight MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playmicrotransactionspc-gamerrunic-gamestorchlighttravis-baldreeWed, 30 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PC Gamer's reader poll honors EVE as the #3 PC game of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/pc-gamers-reader-poll-honors-eve-as-the-3-pc-game-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/pc-gamers-reader-poll-honors-eve-as-the-3-pc-game-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/pc-gamers-reader-poll-honors-eve-as-the-3-pc-game-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Reader polls always tend to be an exercise in popularity, bucking conventional wisdom and surprise upsets -- and perhaps never so much as a recent annual PC Gamer poll that asked readers to rank the top 100 PC games of all time. EVE Online scored a surprising #3 spot on the list (falling from last year's #2 position), behind only Fallout 3 and Half-Life 2. This certainly is a testament to EVE's devoted and outspoken fans.

Several other MMOs appeared in the top 100, including World of Warcraft (#10), WURM Online (#20), World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King (#25), Lord of the Rings Online: The Mines of Moria (#31), Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (#36), RuneScape (#45), Guild Wars (#72), World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (#97) and EverQuest (#100).

Of course, reader polls should always be taken with a grain of salt (mmm... salty goodness), as large organizational efforts and promotion from one studio or group of fans is often enough to create a skewed result. Still, it's a decent list, and terrific to see so many MMOs given the top honors.

MassivelyPC Gamer's reader poll honors EVE as the #3 PC game of all time originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 May 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetblizzardccpeve-onlineeverquestfallout-3guild-warshalf-life-2jagexlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriaonetoofreepc-gamerreader-pollsrunescapeshadows-of-angmarsoethe-burning-crusadetop-100turbineworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingwurm-onlineFri, 14 May 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth adds another distribution point with RealGames]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/fallen-earth-adds-another-distribution-point-with-realgames/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/fallen-earth-adds-another-distribution-point-with-realgames/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/fallen-earth-adds-another-distribution-point-with-realgames/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it comes to creating your own MMO, there are tons of things to think about: storyline, coding the project, what engine to use, writing out all the game's text, play-testing, bug testing, supporting a community and so much more. That's why we're really not surprised to see Icarus Studios & Fallen Earth, LLC embracing the heavy use of digital distribution as a method of getting Fallen Earth out to the public. Add to that their connection to partners like Steam, Direct2Drive and now RealGaming -- part of the RealNetworks group. It's not only cost-effective, but it additionally gets their game out in front of people who may not have seen their indie post-apocalyptic MMO otherwise.

Along with their connection to RealNetworks comes a tie to 650 partner sites such as GameStop, PC Gamer, and GameRiot. While it's unlikely we'll ever see Fallen Earth trial CDs roaming counter-tops in the wild, it's nice to know that if they ever get the urge to do so, the partnership that could help make that happen is now there. There's always more room in the apocalypse for fresh new clones!

MassivelyFallen Earth adds another distribution point with RealGames originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfegameriotgamestopicarus-studiospc-gamerrealgamesMon, 07 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online featured on the cover of PC Gamer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/star-trek-online-featured-on-the-cover-of-pc-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/star-trek-online-featured-on-the-cover-of-pc-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/star-trek-online-featured-on-the-cover-of-pc-gamer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've got to hand it to Cryptic for putting fake censor strips on these images of the new PC Gamer Star Trek Online cover. They really had us fooled for a while.

It wasn't until we finally saw an official image of the cover, sans censorship, that it became apparent we'd been duped. Of course, this particular image had something to do with our initial suspicion. Unless you're the type of person who claims to have an affinity for forward torpedo bays.

If you're interested in getting a copy of the magazine, you'll be happy to know official forum goers have reported that it comes with both a double-sided poster along and -- we're assuming here -- some decent information concerning the game itself. We'll have to see about tracking down a copy and reporting any potentially new information. Although, we're not really sure who to gift our poster to, since we don't know any 14 year-old boys in dire need of wall art.

MassivelyStar Trek Online featured on the cover of PC Gamer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricensorshipklingonpc-gamerstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestovulcanThu, 20 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Global Agenda is an upcoming 'spy-fi' shooter MMO that's garnering a fair amount of attention as it gets closer to release. It's the brainchild of Erez Goren, an entrepreneur who channeled his successes in the IT industry (including Point of Sale systems with game-like interfaces) into his own dream project, becoming its founder, CEO, and lead designer. Global Agenda will be the first game to be released by Hi-Rez Studios.

The title is a blend of sci-fi shooter and MMO where player actions can impact the game's world. Goren tells PC Gamer's Evan Lahti: "We were inspired by the fluid, action combat feel of [Tribes and TF2], but wanted even greater diversity of classes and devices and set our game within a persistent world of player-driven conflict where the results of combat matches really affects the world."

Continue reading Global Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2

MassivelyGlobal Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agenciescity-of-heroeserez-gorenevan-lahtigames-radarglobal-agendaguildsmmofpsnew-titlespc-gamerpvpsci-fispy-fiteam-fortress-2territorial-controltf2tribesSat, 04 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First look at Star Wars: The Old Republic in PC Gamer magazine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/first-look-at-star-wars-the-old-republic-in-pc-gamer-magazine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/first-look-at-star-wars-the-old-republic-in-pc-gamer-magazine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/first-look-at-star-wars-the-old-republic-in-pc-gamer-magazine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If ever there was a thing to go all googly-eyed over, it's the first look a Star Wars: The Old Republic. While it's a shame that such information isn't being released onto the web, at least we've got it earlier than most people were expecting. PC Gamer magazine has gotten an exclusive first look at BioWare's incubating MMO, including interviews with creative director James Ohlen, principal lead writer Daniel Erickson, and BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk.

The issue also apparently has exclusive screenshots for anyone brave enough to look. We're sure that what we've seen so far are very early conceptual designs, but it still pains us to see log-sized lightsabers -- even if BioWare is willing to laugh at themselves over it.

MassivelyFirst look at Star Wars: The Old Republic in PC Gamer magazine originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredaniel-ericksoneaelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukhalloweenjames-ohlenkotorlightsaberlightsaberspc-gamerray-muzykastar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorFri, 07 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PC Gamer Top 100 list: vote for your favorite MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/pc-gamer-top-100-list-vote-for-your-favorite-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/pc-gamer-top-100-list-vote-for-your-favorite-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/pc-gamer-top-100-list-vote-for-your-favorite-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week, PC Gamer launched their Top 100 website where readers can vote on their favorite PC games of all time. The PC Gamer staff already chose their own top picks, but now it's our turn to not only tell the world which games are our favorites, but we also have the chance to win a pretty sweet gaming computer in the process

So this is where we plead with you, the MMO players to make your voices heard. Let's let the world know that our genre is where it's at, and we are very passionate about what we play. We can't just sit back and let Half Life 2 or something from the GTA series win, we need to see some World of Warcraft, some Guild Wars, some Lord of the Rings Online and some EVE Online up there. Let our voice be heard! Viva la revolucion! Or something.

MassivelyPC Gamer Top 100 list: vote for your favorite MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pc-gamerreaders-choicetop-100voteMon, 04 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rob Pardo's insight on WoW's development and why PC gaming isn't dead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/rob-pardos-insight-on-wows-development-and-why-pc-gaming-isnt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/rob-pardos-insight-on-wows-development-and-why-pc-gaming-isnt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/rob-pardos-insight-on-wows-development-and-why-pc-gaming-isnt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What's one of the most powerful game design positions in the games industry today? Executive Vice President of Game Design at Blizzard Entertainment, and the monumental role is filled by Rob Pardo. In this sit-down interview with PC Gamer, Pardo addresses various topics including why PC Gaming is far from dead. An easy position to take considering World of Warcraft has 11 million active subscribers. But Pardo understands the pressures companies face when developing on the PC platform. His line of thinking is that PC gaming won't die, but that it's evolving.

When it comes to decision making and managing 140 creative staff members that work on World of Warcraft, Pardo describes an organic and collaborative process. The team is cohesive and there is no dictatorship over creative control as anyone on the team has the power to veto. Pardo admits that this may sound like nothing is accomplished with so many differing perspectives, but the key to content competition is in the team's dynamics, communication and of course compromise. Blizzard also eschews the monolithic design document. Instead Blizzard's creative process is more iterative and chunks of content are scraped but it pushes the whole team to do better with the overall objective to deliver a better product.

The interview covers various other topics including a disagreement in viewpoints with Raph Koster, and why anyone looking to break into game design should second-think their college education choice if majoring in the specialized field.

[Via WoW Insider]

MassivelyRob Pardo's insight on WoW's development and why PC gaming isn't dead originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentgame-designinterviewsiterative-designmmog-developmentpc-gamerpc-gaming-is-deadrob-pardoworld-of-warcraftwow-developmentTue, 29 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE runs first EverQuest magazine ad in years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/soe-runs-first-everquest-magazine-ad-in-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/soe-runs-first-everquest-magazine-ad-in-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/soe-runs-first-everquest-magazine-ad-in-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sony Online Entertainment reportedly bought a "three-page advertising spread" for EverQuest in this month's issue of PC Gamer magazine. The massive ad promotes the Living Legacy campaign -- an initiative that allows former EQ and EverQuest II subscribers to play for free until the end of July.

In two interviews, reps from SOE told us that the Living Legacy initiative is intended to show lapsed and potential EQ and EQ2 players that both games have evolved over the years, and that they deserve a fresh look. A print ad is a bold statement, although new marketing pushes for old games are not unprecedented. Near Death Studios bought ad space for Meridian 59 on the Vault Network when the game relaunched in 2001 after a two year absence. Electronic Arts plastered the web with Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn ads in the wake its 3D graphics engine upgrade.

But will it work? Should more old MMOs do it? Are advertizing blitzes and a couple of free months of play what MMOs of yore need, or does this industry move too fast for that to be sufficient? Commence pondering.

MassivelySOE runs first EverQuest magazine ad in years originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisementeqeq2everquesteverquest-iiliving-legacymagazinepc-gamerprintsoeMon, 23 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA["Cliffs Notes" version of the June PC Gamer WAR coverage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/cliffs-notes-version-of-the-june-pc-gamer-war-coverage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/cliffs-notes-version-of-the-june-pc-gamer-war-coverage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/cliffs-notes-version-of-the-june-pc-gamer-war-coverage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Over at the Waaagh! Warhammer Online blog, Syp has reported back from his recent time spent with a copy of June's PC Gamer at a doctor's waiting room (and we agree with him, coolest doctor ever). The June issue featured a whole mess of Warhammer related content, including WAR coverage, and Syp has been good enough to condense this down into note form or us to peruse.

The result is a quick but worthwhile read, and might give you an idea of whether you'd like to pick up the mag to check out the articles in full. Some of the topics covered are: the original RvR system versus what is in game now, the guild UI, a races "role call", and some information about Warhammer in general.

Massively"Cliffs Notes" version of the June PC Gamer WAR coverage originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mythicelectronic-artsguildmythicpc-gamerracesrealm-versus-realmrvruiuser-interfacewaaaghwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineSat, 21 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What MMO Magazine launches]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/what-mmo-magazine-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/what-mmo-magazine-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/what-mmo-magazine-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It takes guts to name your MMO-based magazine What MMO. You can imagine for yourself the raft of jokes that will inevitably be unleashed on this new magazine, which will be bundled with PC Gamer, PC Zone, and Windows Vista The Official Magazine.

If you'd prefer not to purchase one of these fine publications just to check it out, you can preview the issue by checking out its digital version. It's a decent little mag, featuring spreads on Age of Conan, Jumpgate: Evolution, and smaller stories for most of the other major MMOs available. Even so, we'll get the jokes started by saying "What MMO were they thinking?"

[Source]

MassivelyWhat MMO Magazine launches originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conandigital-versionjumpgate-evolutionpc-gamerpc-zonewhat-mmo-magazinewindows-vista-the-official-magazineWed, 04 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PC Gamer offers exclusive Age of Conan item]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/pc-gamer-offers-exclusive-age-of-conan-item/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/pc-gamer-offers-exclusive-age-of-conan-item/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/pc-gamer-offers-exclusive-age-of-conan-item/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Readers of PC Gamer get a special gift in the July issue (currently on the stands): an exclusive Age of Conan item called the Totem of Origins, which lets the player teleport back to their home city once every 24 hours. This will probably make the July 2008 issue the best-selling issue of the year.

How do you feel about in-game items being distributed this way? Isn't it just a form of microtransactions? Would you like to see Age of Conan adopt an item mall scheme?

[Thanks, Yaisha!]

MassivelyPC Gamer offers exclusive Age of Conan item originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanin-game-itemmicrotransactionspc-gamerteleporttotem-of-originsWed, 04 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer 40k MMO details emerge from cover]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/warhammer-40k-mmo-details-emerge-from-cover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/warhammer-40k-mmo-details-emerge-from-cover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/warhammer-40k-mmo-details-emerge-from-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PC Gamer drops a few new details on the in-development Warhammer 40,000 MMO that was announced in March 2007. This MMO will play more like an RPG than an FPS, even though there will be extensive gunplay elements, such as flanking, suppressive fire, and cover.

Additionally, fans of the franchise will be happy to know that their favorite race, no matter what that might be, will find a home in-game. "All of the races important to Warhammer 40,000 lore (not to mention the fans) will be represented", says creative director Joe Madureira, formerly of Marvel Comics. He adds that there will be "Tons of stuff hanging off your character, weapons, scrolls ... we are going to have the coolest looking characters of any MMO, ever. Once we begin releasing images, feel free to call me on that." That's tempting fate, like saying 'At least it's not raining'. But given that it sounds as though THQ's taking their time in developing this game, it could very well be true. We'll keep up to date with further news as it arises.

[Via computerandvideogames]

MassivelyWarhammer 40k MMO details emerge from cover originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gunplayjoe-madureiramarvel-comicspc-gamerthqtons-of-stuffwarhammer-40kWed, 09 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PC Gamer previews Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/pc-gamer-previews-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/pc-gamer-previews-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/pc-gamer-previews-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PC Gamer (part of the CVG network) has just released their preview of Funcom's Age of Conan: Hyborean Adventures. It is packed full of tasty observations, screenshots, and interesting details about this eagerly anticipated MMO. While we knew some parts of it already (the conversational choices with NPCs affecting your standing with them) other parts were interesting to hear about. We're most interested in the work of the 8 dedicated quest-writers, working hard to fulfill the promise of staying true to the books that we've heard so much about. Apparently they've cranked out 800 quests for launch! Someone order these guys a pizza and a frosty adult beverage for writing approximately 100 quests a piece -- and for trying to do it without using the "kill x things" mechanic.

When you couple this with the other great write-ups we've seen and the statement at the very end: "The open beta starts any moment now" we can honestly say we're more than ready to go Barbarian! Anytime you want to hook us up with some of that sweet, sweet beta love Funcom, we'll be here.

MassivelyPC Gamer previews Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccvgfuncomhyborean-adventureskill-questkill-xpc-gamerpreviewquestSun, 09 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST