Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Pathfinder details corpse looting and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pathfinder-details-corpse-looting-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pathfinder-details-corpse-looting-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pathfinder-details-corpse-looting-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

GoblinWorks CEO Ryan Dancey has published a new blog post touching on today's Pathfinder early enrollment release.

Version two of the fantasy sandbox adds player husks, which is another way of saying lootable corpses. "The extent of your losses will be related to how quickly you are able to return to the site of your husk and if you are able to recover the inventory that remains on the husk before others are able to take all of its contents or its timer expires," Dancey writes.

There's a bit more to the update, but you'll need to click through to the GoblinWorks website to read it!

MassivelyPathfinder details corpse looting and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corpse-lootfantasyfull-loot-pvpgankboxgankinggoblinworkslootingpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkThu, 22 Jan 2015 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online outlines its update and test patterns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/pathfinder-online-outlines-its-update-and-test-patterns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

They're also renaming the internal test server to Wendy's Falafel & Cheese Party (All Night Every Night) but that has nothing to do with release. You probably don't want the story.
The early enrollment stage of Pathfinder Online has started, and that means it's time to start setting a regular update schedule. A new development blog establishes that the game is currently slated to put out a new major build every other week, with the acknowledgement that the first few weeks will be something less than reliable due to the growing pains of turning the servers on. Players can look forward to the War of Towers kicking off tomorrow, January 14th, at 1:00 p.m. EST.

A bunch of the game's moving pieces are being either reopened or renamed. The alpha accounts are being renamed platinum accounts, since the game is no longer in its alpha testing phase. The test server is coming back online as a way to double-check all of the new adjustments to the game before they go live. Worth noting is that account perks used on the test server will still count as consumed on the live server, meaning that an account entitlement you use on a test will be gone as surely if you used it in the core game. Check out the full update for more specifics and the mechanics of taking part in update testing.

MassivelyPathfinder Online outlines its update and test patterns originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingbetasearly-testingfantasygame-mechanicsgoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparktesttest-servertestingTue, 13 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on early adopter experience bonuses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-early-adopter-experience-bonu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-early-adopter-experience-bonu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-early-adopter-experience-bonu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
On yesterday's Massively Speaking podcast, Justin and I discussed Pathfinder Online's plans for granting its earliest and most loyal players what seems to be the ultimate character bonus: an experience edge over everyone else, forever. I'll let the Pathfinder Online dev post Hard is Fun! explain verbatim:
Our game uses a unique real-time based XP system. Characters gain XP through the passage of time, not through being logged in. So the characters that are created in the first month will be the characters with the most XP for all time. A special perk will be in effect that backdates XP to the start of Early Enrollment for the first month so no matter when you purchase an account, if you create a character in Month 1, you'll have that maximum XP.
Usually games with offline experience systems also have either a hard cap or a diminishing returns mechanic to avoid the core "sandbox problem" -- that those who get to the sandbox first perpetually have the most power because they claim all the best toys (and so on). But as written, the Pathfinder Online system seems to exacerbate rather than fix that problem by promising "pioneers" more power in the form of permanently more experience.

Suspecting there was more to the plan, we asked Goblinworks' Ryan Scott Dancey to explain just how it plans to balance its concessions to early backers with its presumed desire to attract newbie players in the more distant future. He's done so, in detail, for us today.

Continue reading Pathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on early adopter experience bonuses

MassivelyPathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on early adopter experience bonuses originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backerscrowdfundingearly-enrollmentexperiencefantasyfeaturedgoblinworksinterviewinterviewspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpryan-danceyryan-scott-danceysandboxsandparkWed, 07 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online opens up early enrollment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/pathfinder-online-opens-up-early-enrollment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This will either work out all right or backfire spectacularly.
The hour has come at last! Yes, we said that yesterday, but this time we really mean it! Pathfinder Online has entered early enrollment as of today, allowing backers to jump in and play the game in its early state. There are even some new screenshots (exclusive to Massively!) to go along with this stage of the game's slow rollout; they're embedded in the gallery below.

A new blog entry has also been posted, stating the game's design philosophy once again and explaining how the earliest stage of deployment will work out. If you really want to get in but aren't already a backer from the game's second Kickstarter, access will set you back $100 with three months of included game time.

[Source: Goblinworks press release]

MassivelyPathfinder Online opens up early enrollment originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabetascrowdfundingearly-enrollmentfantasygalleriesgallerygoblinworkslaunchlaunchesnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkscreenshotscreenshotsWed, 31 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Early enrollment comes to Pathfinder Online tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/early-enrollment-comes-to-pathfinder-online-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tomorrow: Reality!
The hour has come at last! Almost. The hour of Pathfinder Online's early enrollment approaches swiftly with a scheduled start time of 1:00 p.m. EST on December 31st, assuming some horrible bug doesn't crop up between now and then. More posts will appear on the official site to detail how, exactly, one takes part in Early Enrollment if eligible; there will also be detailed information on how the game world moves and behaves so that no one is caught off-guard.

The last day of the alpha servers won't be quiet either; testers will be given access to developer powers, allowing them to make whatever ludicrously overpowered superheroes they want for fun. This starts today at 1:00 p.m. EST and runs until the servers go down for the last time before early enrollment. So have some fun today, and get ready to start in on the real thing tomorrow.

MassivelyEarly enrollment comes to Pathfinder Online tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingalphasbetabeta-launchesbeta-testingbetasearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkslaunchlaunchesnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkTue, 30 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online ends its stress test and preps for early enrollment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/pathfinder-online-ends-its-stress-test-and-preps-for-early-enrol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/pathfinder-online-ends-its-stress-test-and-preps-for-early-enrol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/26/pathfinder-online-ends-its-stress-test-and-preps-for-early-enrol/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's a path! Do I win?
The bad news is that if you had hoped to do nothing but strain the Pathfinder Online servers over your holiday, you were denied that option. The good news is that the test ended because the servers passed the stress test with flying colors, and that means it's time for the development team to move on to the next phase of access. Yes, early enrollment is just around the corner.

Of course it hasn't kicked off just yet, as the developers behind the game are human beings who would like to actually spend some holiday time with their families. But it's coming soon. The change will mean that players who have alpha access via friends & family options or are normally slated to enter during open enrollment can no longer log in; so if you want to keep jumping into the game you may wish to upgrade your account. For those already happily waiting for early enrollment, nothing else remains to be done other than continuing to wait. Not much longer now.

MassivelyPathfinder Online ends its stress test and preps for early enrollment originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-stress-testalphasbetabetasearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstress-testtest-phasestestingFri, 26 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online continues to delay early enrollment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/pathfinder-online-continues-to-delay-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/pathfinder-online-continues-to-delay-early-enrollment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/pathfinder-online-continues-to-delay-early-enrollment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

pathfinder
While Pathfinder Online groupies may get a little excited at the imminent release of a new patch, Goblinworks put it out there that the long-delayed early enrollment start is still on hold.

"This build does not meet our internal requirements for the early enrollment release candidate," the studio announced to players yesterday. Previously, Goblinworks said that the game must be able to support 2,000 simultaneous logins and 100 characters per hex before it would activate early enrollment.

However, the good news is that the game is getting better with the release of Alpha 12.1, which is now live. The patch contains balance fixes, better hairstyles, performance improvements, and the activation of the encumbrance system.

MassivelyPathfinder Online continues to delay early enrollment originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-12.1alpha-testdelayearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkspatchpatch-notespathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnprelease-notessandboxsandparkupdateThu, 20 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online early enrollment will not be launching today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/pathfinder-online-early-enrollment-will-not-be-launching-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/pathfinder-online-early-enrollment-will-not-be-launching-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/pathfinder-online-early-enrollment-will-not-be-launching-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
Pathfinder Online's early enrollment launch for paying backers has already been delayed multiple times since its original goal of September 15th, and last night we learned that release has been put off yet again. Goblinworks' Ryan Dancey explained that the ongoing stress tests convinced the team that the server infrastructure needs bulking-up; consequently, the October 30th date -- today -- has been set aside. Dancey wrote,
We have set an internal objective of being able to handle 2,000 simultaneous connections, and 100 characters active in a single Hex as our minimum threshold for server performance. This reflects our expected peak concurrent activity for the first 10,000 players in game - roughly what we anticipate during the first 90 days of Early Enrollment activity. Currently the server does not reliably meet that benchmark.

With your help, we generated tremendously useful data via the stress test process and our performance team is confident that they can identify areas of the server system that can be rapidly improved to hit that benchmark. They are building and testing the necessary software and are making steady progress.

We want the first players in Pathfinder Online to have a high-quality experience and we are committed to delivering the game in a condition that meets that objective. Rather than commence Early Enrollment on the 30th we are going to enter a temporary "hold" state while we continue to optimize the server. When the team is confident that our benchmark for performance has been met, we will then exit the "hold", notify the community and begin a 48 hour countdown to Early Enrollment.
Dancey told players that Pathfinder's alpha test will continue, allowing devs to "roll out these polished feature iterations and to test server capacity improvements," and he thanked backers for their assistance and feedback.

MassivelyPathfinder Online early enrollment will not be launching today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetadev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydev-postdev-postsdeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diarydeveloper-postdeveloper-postsearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstress-testtestingThu, 30 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GoblinWorks: Pathfinder's PvP 'provides meaningful context']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/goblinworks-pathfinders-pvp-provides-meaningful-context/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/goblinworks-pathfinders-pvp-provides-meaningful-context/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/19/goblinworks-pathfinders-pvp-provides-meaningful-context/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

GoblinWorks' latest Pathfinder developer blog went live this week, and in it CEO Ryan Dancey previews alpha version 10.0 which "closes a number of critical game loops" by adding several features.

Testers will experience increased character power, increased crafting abilities, and a new company/settlement UI, to name just a few of the improvements. Dancey also says that Pathfinder's PvP will "provide meaningful context" while acknowledging that "many people have serious reservations about PvP."

Dancey says that the solution to the problem of bad PvP behavior and "no-fun experiences" is the context. "When people struggle over something meaningful they behave differently than when PvP is just [a] random fight." How exactly will Pathfinder provide this context? You'll have to read the dev blog to find out!

[Thanks Chrysillis!]

MassivelyGoblinWorks: Pathfinder's PvP 'provides meaningful context' originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Oct 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-alphapathfinder-onlinepathfinder-pvppvpryan-danceysandboxwar-of-towersSun, 19 Oct 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online begins alpha stress test]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/pathfinder-online-begins-alpha-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/pathfinder-online-begins-alpha-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/pathfinder-online-begins-alpha-stress-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

pathfinder
Pathfinder Online has thrown open its doors to all of its supporters for an important alpha stress test as the game transitions into Alpha 9.1.

The Alpha 9.1 update is primarily focused on bug fixes but also includes "more fluid and lifelike" animations, a faster character selection process, the ability to tab-target enemy players, and a doubled drop rate for common refining recipes. The team has also removed energy resistance from heavy armor to make light armor more desirable in various situations.

This stress test is part of the build-up to the repeatedly delayed early enrollment launch, which is currently scheduled for October 30th.

MassivelyPathfinder Online begins alpha stress test originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-9.1alpha-stress-testbetaearly-enrollmentgoblinworkspatchpathfinderpathfinder-onlinestress-testupdateSun, 12 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online's latest alpha patch is live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/pathfinder-onlines-latest-alpha-patch-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/pathfinder-onlines-latest-alpha-patch-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/pathfinder-onlines-latest-alpha-patch-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The mysterious roaming Stress Test, a beast no one can confirm seeing. There may be one hiding in this header.
After no small amount of hand-wringing, the latest alpha patch is live for Pathfinder Online, with the intent of eventually cracking open the servers for stress testing. It's a pretty important patch even without the aim of a stress test, though, as it expands the map size to its full early access scope and fixes a variety of issues with advancement and the game's overall systems. Even if you didn't get to play recently, the development is humming along.

Obviously those who didn't get to play also didn't get to experiment with the game's recent auction house functionality, which is explained in depth on the official site. Setting up an auction requires a starting price and a minimum price. Over the auction's duration, the price slowly decreases from the starting price down to the minimum; if no buyers are found at that discount rate, the auction ends unsuccessfully. Check out the full development blog for more details.

MassivelyPathfinder Online's latest alpha patch is live originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingalphasauctionauction-houseauctionsbetabeta-testingbetasfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstress-testMon, 06 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online's early enrollment is delayed yet again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/pathfinder-onlines-early-enrollment-is-delayed-yet-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/pathfinder-onlines-early-enrollment-is-delayed-yet-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/pathfinder-onlines-early-enrollment-is-delayed-yet-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online has further delayed the start of its next testing phase, Goblinworks wrote on its blog yesterday in a post titled Early Enrollment Will Not Start This Week:
There are a lot of final pieces coming into place to turn Pathfinder Online into a Minimum Viable Product so all of our early adopters can play and have a great time. The Auction House didn't make it in for a build last week and that is a critical feature of our MVP. As always, Goblinworks is dedicated to making sure the players have a solid and fun game experience. As a result we are going to reschedule the start of Early Enrollment. The team is developing their roadmap and when we have a revised start date we will provide an updated blog to present that plan. We appreciate your continued patience.
Those of you playing along at home will recall that this is the third such delay. On September 3rd, early enrollment was shifted to September 22nd for bug fixing; a week later, it was set for September 25th to accommodate, Goblinworks said, its players' vocal "desire to have the whole early enrollment map ready for play on the first day of early enrollment." Early enrollment is the equivalent of paid early access for backers and incurs a subscription fee.

MassivelyPathfinder Online's early enrollment is delayed yet again originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphadelayearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkWed, 24 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/betawatch-september-13-19-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQ
This week, classic EverQuest began the beta test for Darkened Sea, its 21st expansion. You read that number correctly! What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The full Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: September 13 - 19, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchchaos-heroeschaos-heroes-onlineclosed-betaeleveneqeverquestgame-testingglitchlaunchlaunchesmaplestory-2massively-metaopen-betapathfinderpathfinder-onlinerounduptestingtugwarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 19 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online gears up for a stress test]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/pathfinder-online-gears-up-for-a-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/pathfinder-online-gears-up-for-a-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/pathfinder-online-gears-up-for-a-stress-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I feel like one of them should have a pitchfork to accentuate the dourness.
The early access period of Pathfinder Online has been delayed a little bit, but the game is still moving forward, and that means opening up for stress testing. On September 20th the game's current alpha client will be receiving an update for a variety of game mechanics; following that, the servers will open their doors on September 22nd for all players who have Open, Early, Explorer, or Alpha access. This means that more people than ever will be allowed to fire up the game and start playing.

Access will be provided on a rolling basis, chiefly to prevent a huge rush of people from all attempting to log into the game at the exact same moment. The goal, as with any stress test, is to ensure that the system can handle itself under severe loads. The official update offers more details on what's coming for the 22nd as well as mechanical changes players can look forward to when the test version goes live.

MassivelyPathfinder Online gears up for a stress test originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessalphabetabetasfantasygoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkserver-accessserver-stressstress-testFri, 19 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/betawatch-september-6-12-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ArcheAge
We say farewell to ArcheAge this week as it emerges from open beta into its head start period. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup lies ahead.

Continue reading Betawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: September 6 - 12, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblade-9brianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betadestinyeliteelite-dangerouseverquestgame-testinglandmarklaunchlauncheslegend-of-the-condor-heroeslegend-of-the-condor-heroes-zerolodmassively-metaopen-betapathfinderpathfinder-onlinerounduptestingthe-repopulationtugvaliance-onlineFri, 12 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online further delays early enrollment to include more map]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/pathfinder-online-further-delays-early-enrollment-to-include-mor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/pathfinder-online-further-delays-early-enrollment-to-include-mor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/pathfinder-online-further-delays-early-enrollment-to-include-mor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

pathfinder
When will Pathfinder Online's early enrollment period begin? The answer to that question continues to change as its studio makes last-minute adjustments. Originally it was supposed to be September 15th, which then was pushed to September 22nd for more work on alpha features, and it's now delayed until September 25th in order to give players a larger initial game world. Players who have early enrollment access will be able to access the wipeable alpha (if they don't have it already) starting on the 18th.

"Our community has been very vocal about their desire to have the whole early enrollment map ready for play on the first day of early enrollment, and we're making changes to our deployment plans to accommodate that desire," Goblinworks posted. The studio also said that it will be delaying the start of the War of Towers until October 16th and that the Mac client should be ready to go by the start of early enrollment.

In the meantime, the team is consolidating its alpha patches into a single large patch for tomorrow and then will be doing updates on Thursdays going forward.

MassivelyPathfinder Online further delays early enrollment to include more map originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testbetabeta-testdelayearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworkslaunchlaunch-delaypatchpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkThu, 11 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: August 30 - September 5, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/betawatch-august-30-september-5-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/betawatch-august-30-september-5-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/betawatch-august-30-september-5-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

AA
ArcheAge's open beta, undaunted by what our community has dubbed e-hooligans and their DDoSing ways, officially began yesterday. The official launch is slated for September 16th. What else is new in the land of MMO testing? The complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: August 30 - September 5, 2014

MassivelyBetawatch: August 30 - September 5, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarcheagebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcamelot-unchainedclosed-betae-hooliganse-thugseliteelite-dangerousgame-testinglaunchlauncheslego-minifigures-onlinemassively-metanightmare-tideopen-betapathfinderpathfinder-onlineriftroundupstar-citizentestingthe-repopulationtribal-wars-2trovewakfuFri, 05 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online delays early enrollment to September 22nd]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/pathfinder-online-delays-early-enrollment-to-september-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/pathfinder-online-delays-early-enrollment-to-september-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/pathfinder-online-delays-early-enrollment-to-september-22nd/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

On the plus side, that's still a day within spitting distance.
If you're looking forward to early enrollment in Pathfinder Online, you're going to have to wait a week longer; the early enrollment period is being nudged back a week to a September 22nd start date. Why the delay? In short, the last alpha test wound up missing some important features and made it very clear that the features that were implemented still needed some work. Fixes are being worked on, and a few quick solutions are suggested for players participating in the alpha process.

Some features are also having their release dates altered; companies, for example, are now due for implementation after early enrollment begins. Terrain features are also going to have a staggered rollout, with a third ready at the start of early enrollment and the remainder coming later. Take a look at the full update for more detailed explanation of what's coming and when for both testers and fans.

MassivelyPathfinder Online delays early enrollment to September 22nd originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessalphaalpha-testingalphasbetabetasearly-accessearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkThu, 04 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX Prime 2014: Paying a premium for Pathfinder Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/pax-prime-2014-paying-a-premium-for-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/pax-prime-2014-paying-a-premium-for-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/30/pax-prime-2014-paying-a-premium-for-pathfinder-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

pathfinder online
Would you pay to get into an alpha test? Well, would you continue to pay a monthly subscription to keep on playing a title that's not yet launched? If you've answered "yes" to these questions plus the special one that I ask at the end of this article, then you're one of the folks that Pathfinder Online hopes to recruit for early enrollment come September 15th.

I sat down with Goblinworks CEO Ryan Dancey and Game Designer Stephen Chaney at PAX Prime yesterday to talk about this next big step for the game. Pathfinder Online is still far from feature complete, but the team considers it done enough that it can monetize the game in the form of a monthly sub. The 20,000 or so folks who will be admitted into early enrollment play (a number that includes the 7,000 Kickstarter backers) are expected to pay $15 a month as the team continues to develop the title. In exchange, characters and progress will not be wiped, and players will get to see the game take shape around them.

Goblinworks' philosophy is to have a robust game design first and then wrap the rest of the game around it afterward. Dancy said that the monetization is necessary to keep the lights on and the development rolling. The budget for a finished Pathfinder Online is $5 million (89% of which is salaries), but only $1.4 million has been raised so far.

Being only passingly familiar with Pathfinder Online, I asked why the MMO with its territory control seems so different from the small party, adventure-oriented tabletop game. The reason for this is that the pen-and-paper game doesn't completely translate to software boundaries, plus it draws from an adventure pack that Paizo tested a while back that went on to become one of its best-selling products. In both versions of Pathfinder, the long game is to rule the land and establish a legacy, not merely fill up a bag with XP and loot.

So is it worth it to you to pay a full subscription price for a half-finished game? That's up to you.

Continue reading PAX Prime 2014: Paying a premium for Pathfinder Online

MassivelyPAX Prime 2014: Paying a premium for Pathfinder Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Aug 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpofantasygoblinworksmassively-event-coveragepaizopathfinderpathfinder-onlinepaxpax-2014pax-primepax-prime-2014penny-arcade-expopnpryan-danceyryan-dancysandboxsandparkstephen-chaneySat, 30 Aug 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Pathfinder Online devblog emphasizes player-driven economy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/28/latest-pathfinder-online-devblog-emphasizes-player-driven-econom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/28/latest-pathfinder-online-devblog-emphasizes-player-driven-econom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/28/latest-pathfinder-online-devblog-emphasizes-player-driven-econom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Although players in Pathfinder Online's Alpha 7 run will earn 5,000 XP per hour (in order to help them test more things), the latest devblog warns that things will get decidedly harder once gameplay starts after Early Enrollment. At that point players will face a "cold start," beginning the game with only simple peasant clothes, a club, and 1,000 XP to spend on initial feats. Everything else, from feats to gear to cash, will grow from that.

The devblog also details the player-driven economy; by design, nearly everything characters use will be player-crafted. Mobs will drop only starter equipment, coin, salvage, or -- the rarest and most valuable -- recipes. Players can only upgrade gear past the starter level through crafting, and gear can be crafted with certain key words that add bonuses when combined with specific slotted feats. For full details, and a look at what Pathfinder devs are doing at PAX Prime, check out the official site.

MassivelyLatest Pathfinder Online devblog emphasizes player-driven economy originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crafted-gearcraftingdev-diarydevblogfantasygeargoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepax-prime-2014player-driven-economyplayer-economypnpsandboxsandparkThu, 28 Aug 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quests, Elves, and Dwarves coming soon to Pathfinder Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/quests-elves-and-dwarves-coming-soon-to-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/quests-elves-and-dwarves-coming-soon-to-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/24/quests-elves-and-dwarves-coming-soon-to-pathfinder-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

pathfinder online
Pathfinder Online's alpha is growing by leaps and bounds as evidenced by two upcoming builds that will take shape over the next few weeks. In them, the devs are adding in essential systems like questing along with new races.

With next week's alpha 7 build, questing and companies will be introduced into the game as will possible new terrain types. Then when alpha 8 comes along, the sandbox MMO will make the jump to its early enrollment servers. This update will also include Elves, Dwarves, a graphical upgrade, expendables, storage, auction houses, banks, and more terrain options.

Part of the purpose of these new builds is to conduct what the devs are calling a "cold start" to see how players advance when they begin with nothing but a club and the clothes on their back. "Everything your character possesses and every ability your character learns after that point will be totally dependent on how you choose to play the game," the devs posted.

[Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

MassivelyQuests, Elves, and Dwarves coming soon to Pathfinder Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-7alpha-8betacold-startdev-diarydwarfdwarvesearly-enrollmentelfelvesfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkSun, 24 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder early access starts September 15, cash shop structures revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/07/pathfinder-early-enrollment-starts-september-15-cash-shop-struc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/07/pathfinder-early-enrollment-starts-september-15-cash-shop-struc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/07/pathfinder-early-enrollment-starts-september-15-cash-shop-struc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

GoblinWorks has posted some "major announcements" on its Pathfinder Online website. They include the start date for early enrollment (September 15th) as well as tweaks to early enrollment packages and a new Explorer Access package.

Gameplay-wise, the firm has unveiled premium cash shop items, which it says "are not going to be mechanically superior to player-character crafted items." Two of the items will regenerate power, though, so it's worth reading the full explanation if you're concerned about potential monetization intrusions in your fantasy sandbox.

Finally, GoblinWorks talks up Pathfinder's individual player structures, which are also available via the cash shop. Base camps serve as adventure-sustaining settlements when you're far from home, and they remain active for five days once deployed. Once they despawn, they're on a 15-day cooldown. They're priced at $50. Smallholdings are also available and feature "a substantial amount of local storage" for $200.

MassivelyPathfinder early access starts September 15, cash shop structures revealed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Aug 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>early-accessearly-enrollmentfantasygoblinworksmonetizationp2wpathfinderpathfinder-cash-shoppathfinder-early-accesspathfinder-early-enrollmentpathfinder-onlinepathfinder-structurespay-to-winpnpsandboxsandbox-monetizationsandparkThu, 07 Aug 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Poking in the Pathfinder Online alpha]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/the-stream-team-poking-in-the-pathfinder-online-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/the-stream-team-poking-in-the-pathfinder-online-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/the-stream-team-poking-in-the-pathfinder-online-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Have you been eager to see what is happening behind the Pathfinder Online developmental curtain? Massively's MJ has sneaked in and will be poking around the alpha to see how things are coming along. Starting with character creation, she'll peek into as many corners as possible to show off this upcoming crowdfunded sandbox. Can she get to housing, crafting, adventuring, and exploring? Obviously because it is alpha, things won't be finished, but chances of experiencing everything in a short time is still pretty low! Join us live at 1:00 p.m. to let MJ know what aspects you want to see the most while she has the chance to show you.

Game: Pathfinder Online
Host: MJ Guthrie
Date: Saturday, July 26th, 2014
Time: 1:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Poking in the Pathfinder Online alpha

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Poking in the Pathfinder Online alpha originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jul 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphafantasyfirst-lookfirst-peekgoblinworkslivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvSat, 26 Jul 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online releases new alpha client]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/06/pathfinder-online-releases-new-alpha-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/06/pathfinder-online-releases-new-alpha-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/06/pathfinder-online-releases-new-alpha-client/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

pathfinder
Pathfinder Online alpha testers have a shiny new client to test out, an upgrade that hopefully will distract them from the requisite XP and inventory wipe.

The new client includes better lighting, animation fixes, coin drops from mobs, additional utility feats, and a better distribution of resource nodes. NPCs have also been given a speed boost to cut down on the ease of kiting by players.

[Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

MassivelyPathfinder Online releases new alpha client originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jul 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabetafantasygoblinworkspatch-notespathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkSun, 06 Jul 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make My MMO: June 22 - June 28, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/make-my-mmo-june-22-june-28-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/make-my-mmo-june-22-june-28-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/28/make-my-mmo-june-22-june-28-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This week in MMO crowdfunding news, Star Citizen made more money. At this point I should probably go ahead and add that as a permanent part of Make My MMO's opening paragraph. Elsewhere, Pathfinder Online formally flung open its doors and invited backers into its alpha. If you supported the fantasy sandbox on Kickstarter or purchased access through the GoblinWorks store, you should be getting an email invite.

Finally, indie outfit Nesoi Tech revealed Bone Gulch, which is some sort of online multiplayer Old West thing built with the Unity engine. Though its Kickstarter page labels it an MMO, I'm not sure how MMO it really is, but I'm desperate enough for a Red Dead Redemption-style persistent world to be cautiously optimistic.

As always, the rest of our crowdfunded MMO roundup is just past the break.

Continue reading Make My MMO: June 22 - June 28, 2014

MassivelyMake My MMO: June 22 - June 28, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jun 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bone-gulchbusiness-modelscrowdfundingfantasygoblinworkskickstarterkickstartersmake-my-mmommo-industrypathfinderpathfinder-onlinepledgepnpsandboxsandparktake-my-moneySat, 28 Jun 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online formally opens alpha to backers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/26/pathfinder-online-formally-opens-alpha-to-backers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/26/pathfinder-online-formally-opens-alpha-to-backers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/26/pathfinder-online-formally-opens-alpha-to-backers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Pathfinder
"Ladies and Gentlemen and Miscellaneous Humanoids of all Types," wrote Ryan Dancey on the Goblinworks website today, "It is my great pleasure to announce that we are beginning the formal Alpha Test of Pathfinder Online."

According to Dancey, invitations are now en route to Kickstarter backers and everyone who purchased alpha access through the official game store, so check your email if you ponied up. You can also check out the release notes to clue you in on what's in the alpha and what isn't quite.

For those not participating in the test, the studio plans to livestream the current build tomorrow -- that is, Friday, June 27th, at 6 p.m. EDT -- on its Twitch channel.

MassivelyPathfinder Online formally opens alpha to backers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jun 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pathfinder
Goblinworks, whose sandbox MMO Pathfinder Online entered alpha earlier this month, is turning to hopeful players for crowdforging purposes by way of the IdeaScale platform. You've probably seen the concept used for software and mobile development already: Players post mechanics and gameplay suggestions and ideas, and other contributors vote them up to show the developers where to focus time and effort.

The Goblinworks team has highlighted a number of ideas via Twitter, including player books, gender neutrality, clothing dye, beast taming, and terrain as impediment. You can check out and contribute to the entire list of suggestions on the official site.

MassivelyPathfinder Online takes crowdforging seriously originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jun 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdforcingcrowdforgefantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkMon, 23 Jun 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online details the War of Towers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/19/pathfinder-online-details-the-war-of-towers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/19/pathfinder-online-details-the-war-of-towers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/19/pathfinder-online-details-the-war-of-towers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Not pictured in this screenshot: towers, wars.
If you're gearing up for Early Enrollment in Pathfinder Online, you'll be pleased to know that your experience will be a bit more robust than planned. When the development team looked at the minimum viable early access product, it didn't appear indicative of what the game was supposed to be in the long run, but there was no way to get the full territory control system in without a lot of further work. So what could be done? Why, a stripped-down version.

Dubbed the War of Towers, the system will reward players for capturing and controlling towers near one of the existing Settlements, allowing those Settlements to advance and improve in new directions. There's a video available just past the break that explains the details of how this tower capturing works, but the short version is that it should at least fill a gap until the full territory control system can be rolled out later.

Continue reading Pathfinder Online details the War of Towers

MassivelyPathfinder Online details the War of Towers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jun 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygame-mechanicsgoblinworksnewsnews-itemspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnppvppvp-mechanicssandboxsandparkterritoryterritory-controlvideovideoswar-of-towersThu, 19 Jun 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder set to begin NDA-free alpha]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/06/pathfinder-set-to-begin-nda-free-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/06/pathfinder-set-to-begin-nda-free-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/06/pathfinder-set-to-begin-nda-free-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder
GoblinWorks released a new Pathfinder dev blog this week. In a nutshell, the team is kicking off the fantasy sandbox's alpha test in very short order. The first week or two "will be an internal test" comprised of employees and family members, writes CEO Ryan Dancey.

Dancey also points out that alpha really does mean alpha, but even so, GoblinWorks will not restrict testers with any sort of NDA. Click through the links below for more info!

[Thanks Chrysillis!]

MassivelyPathfinder set to begin NDA-free alpha originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jun 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphafantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-alphapathfinder-onlinepnpryan-danceysandboxsandparkFri, 06 Jun 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder focuses on crafting in latest dev video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/30/pathfinder-focuses-on-crafting-in-latest-dev-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/30/pathfinder-focuses-on-crafting-in-latest-dev-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/30/pathfinder-focuses-on-crafting-in-latest-dev-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
Pathfinder Online's crafting system is the focus of this week's dev blog by Goblinworks CEO Ryan Dancey. Through crowdforging, the company hopes to develop improvements and features with the help of the community. In the included video diary, designer Stephen Cheney talks more about how resources and materials are gathered for crafting, the importance of tiers, refined items, and how important crafting will be in the game.

The dev blog also discusses the Kickstarter rewards, the status of the guild land rush, and more. Check out the complete dev video embedded after the cut.

[Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

Continue reading Pathfinder focuses on crafting in latest dev video

MassivelyPathfinder focuses on crafting in latest dev video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 May 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingdev-diarydev-videofantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkvlogFri, 30 May 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online announces a second guild land rush]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/02/pathfinder-online-announces-a-second-guild-land-rush/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/02/pathfinder-online-announces-a-second-guild-land-rush/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/02/pathfinder-online-announces-a-second-guild-land-rush/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pathfinder
Pathfinder Online's Lee Hammock today announced the three winners of Goblinworks' promotional guild competition: The Empyrean Order, Pax Aeternum, and The Seventh Veil. The guilds will helm the first three PC settlements when the game hits early enrollment.

But you don't care because you're probably not in any of those guilds, right? So Goblinworks hopes to command your attention with a new account system that will pave the way for you to claim a chunk of the game world for you and your mates. Anyone's who's bought a crowdforger or early enrollment package for the game can form a guild for this second "Land Rush," which will go on for 10 weeks and allow teams to jockey for position and territory long before the game goes live.

More details on how to finagle a guild settlement once the new system is active can be found on the official blog.

MassivelyPathfinder Online announces a second guild land rush originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 May 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydev-postdev-postsdeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diarydeveloper-postdeveloper-postsfantasygoblinworksguildguildsland-rushpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkFri, 02 May 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online shows off its map]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/17/pathfinder-online-shows-off-its-map/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/17/pathfinder-online-shows-off-its-map/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/17/pathfinder-online-shows-off-its-map/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Pathfinder
Lead Game Designer Lee Hammock is your host and guide to a tour through Pathfinder Online's detailed maps.

Pathfinder's maps look a little different than a typical MMO map, offering more of a malleable report on shifting allegiances and events in a hex layout. The main map is color-coded to show terrain type, with symbols and lines representing cities, trade routes, player towns, security levels, and points of interest. Knowing which resources come from which terrain type will be crucial to building up player settlements.

Hammock and his beige shirt of stunning good looks star in a nine-minute developer video that you can watch after the break.

Continue reading Pathfinder Online shows off its map

MassivelyPathfinder Online shows off its map originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Apr 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-diarydev-videofantasygoblinworkslee-hammockmapmapspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparktrailertrailersvideovideosThu, 17 Apr 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online's devs on dynamic escalations and new races]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/02/pathfinder-onlines-devs-on-dynamic-escalations-and-new-races/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/02/pathfinder-onlines-devs-on-dynamic-escalations-and-new-races/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/02/pathfinder-onlines-devs-on-dynamic-escalations-and-new-races/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In the latest installment of the Pathfinder Online video blog, Goblinworks PvE designer Bob Settles joins lead designer Lee Hammock to discuss escalations and alternate races. Races are the simpler topic; Hammock explains that the team does plan to expand the available races significantly, noting that races that are flavors of other races are much easier to implement because of shared models.

And what about escalations? "Escalation" is the team's fancy term for one of the game's many dynamic, hex-shaped zones that are reserved for monster spawns and can over time, well, escalate and expand to neighboring hexes, ramping up in scale and difficulty with elite bosses. Multiple escalation themes are discussed in the video, including escalations that allow participants to do something other than beat mobs into submission.

Enjoy the video below.

Continue reading Pathfinder Online's devs on dynamic escalations and new races

MassivelyPathfinder Online's devs on dynamic escalations and new races originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob-settlesdev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydev-postdev-postsdeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diarydeveloper-postdeveloper-postsfantasygoblinworkslee-hammockpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkvideovideosWed, 02 Apr 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make My MMO: Crowdfunding March 16 - March 22, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-march-16-march-22-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-march-16-march-22-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-march-16-march-22-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Make My MMO header
Last week's new entry MyDream met its $100,000 Kickstarter goal, and it did so with over two weeks left in its funding drive!

Aside from that bit of good news, it was fairly quiet on the crowdfunding front. GoblinWorks made waves with some interesting class reveals for fantasy sandbox Pathfinder Online (say hello to the Aristocrat, the Commoner, and the Expert in addition to usual suspects like the Barbarian, Paladin, Sorcerer, and Bard).

And superhero project City of Titans announced that it's moving its assets from Unreal 3 to Unreal 4, which will enable greater ease, flexibility, and detail during the game's development cycle. Click past the cut to catch up on the rest of the crowdfunding... er, crowd.

Continue reading Make My MMO: Crowdfunding March 16 - March 22, 2014

MassivelyMake My MMO: Crowdfunding March 16 - March 22, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Mar 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscity-of-titanscrowdfundingfantasygoblinworkskickstarterkickstartersmake-my-mmommo-industrymy-dreammydreampathfinderpathfinder-onlinepledgepnpsandboxsandparktake-my-moneyunreal-4unreal-engineWed, 26 Mar 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boatloads of classes are coming to Pathfinder Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/19/boatloads-of-classes-are-coming-to-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/19/boatloads-of-classes-are-coming-to-pathfinder-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/19/boatloads-of-classes-are-coming-to-pathfinder-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
The latest Pathfinder Online video dev blog has arrived, and it features Goblinworks' Lee Hammock and Stephen Cheney answering questions about which classes will enter the game in which phase. The Fighter, Rogue, Wizard, and Cleric will be first during early enrollment, followed by the more crafting-based roles like the Aristocrat, Commoner, and Expert, and then the core classes of the Barbarian, Paladin, Sorcerer, and Bard. The Ranger, Druid, and Monk are likely to emerge during open enrollment.

The accompanying blog post also explains how experience and skills will map from the tabletop game to the MMORPG. We've included the complete video diary below.

Continue reading Boatloads of classes are coming to Pathfinder Online

MassivelyBoatloads of classes are coming to Pathfinder Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydev-postdev-postsdeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diarydeveloper-postdeveloper-postsfantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparktrailertrailersvideovideosWed, 19 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online opens new storefront, posts first video dev blog]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/pathfinder-online-opens-new-storefront-posts-first-video-dev-bl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/pathfinder-online-opens-new-storefront-posts-first-video-dev-bl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/pathfinder-online-opens-new-storefront-posts-first-video-dev-bl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder
The Goblinworks team has this evening posted several bits of news about its forthcoming sandbox, Pathfinder Online. The studio has revamped its website and opened a new store it's calling the Goblin Squad Store, a "portal for merchandise that is currently only available to Goblin Squad members." The store appears to be a way for would-be backers to toss some (or more) cash at the developers even though the Kickstarter has ended. In return, gamers can select from a lengthy list of add-ons both physical and digital, including tabletop miniatures, forum titles, gametime, and even a swanky messenger bag.

If you're keen more on learning about the game than on funding it, the team's new video blog might be of more interest. The first of planned biweekly episodes went live tonight and features Goblinworks' Lee Hammock and Stephen Cheney explaining how slots and divine powers work in the game. We've embedded the vid behind the cut.

Continue reading Pathfinder Online opens new storefront, posts first video dev blog

MassivelyPathfinder Online opens new storefront, posts first video dev blog originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydev-postdev-postsdeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diarydeveloper-postdeveloper-postsfantasygoblinworkslee-hammockpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparkstephen-cheneytrailertrailersvideovideosWed, 05 Mar 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on crowdforging a 'minimum viable product']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/03/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-crowdforging-a-minimum-viabl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/03/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-crowdforging-a-minimum-viabl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/03/pathfinder-onlines-ryan-dancey-on-crowdforging-a-minimum-viabl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online
In response to our recent editorial questioning whether we are in fact in the middle of a sandbox renaissance, Goblinworks CEO Ryan Dancey has penned a Massively-exclusive dev blog to explain why his game, Pathfinder Online, is indeed at the center of such a renaissance. Pathfinder was specifically mentioned in our article as a possible example of those pseudo-sandboxes that rely too heavily on creating a space for players to butcher each other without bothering to create the mechanics for anything else.

Dancey hopes to clarify his game's outlook today. Read on for his dev blog, in which he discusses what he means by "minimum viable product," distances Pathfinder from the cripplingly expensive graphical arms race plaguing the industry, and elaborates on just how Goblinworks plans to roll out this "crowdforged" MMO.

Continue reading Pathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on crowdforging a 'minimum viable product'

MassivelyPathfinder Online's Ryan Dancey on crowdforging a 'minimum viable product' originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydev-postdev-postsdeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diarydeveloper-postdeveloper-postsfantasyfeaturedgoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpryan-danceysandboxsandparkMon, 03 Mar 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make My MMO: Crowdfunding February 9 - 22, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-february-9-22-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-february-9-22-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/make-my-mmo-crowdfunding-february-9-22-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the world of MMOs, no news is not necessarily good news -- especially when it comes to crowdfunding. Silence often denotes a lack of progress on a game, and that can certainly make investors nervous. Thankfully, many games provide players with updates that we, in turn, provide for you here.

If no news is bad, then news is good, right? Unfortunately, this doesn't hold true. In the case of Star Rider and Hot Rod Hustle, the news is that neither met its funding goals. So we say farewell to these two games from Make My MMO. And Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen's campaign was chock-full of news, but in the end, its Kickstarter didn't succeed either; Pantheon, however, is continuing the fundraising effort on its official site.

At least some news is good! War of Omens also leaves this round up, but for different reasons: Players can hop in and play the game! Likewise, HEX: Shards of Fate and StarCraft Universe move on now that both have moved into testing. Another sandbox, Terrayn, also joins the Kickstarter ranks. To hear other good news, keep reading.

Continue reading Make My MMO: Crowdfunding February 9 - 22, 2014

MassivelyMake My MMO: Crowdfunding February 9 - 22, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidavatarbrowserbrowser-mmobusiness-modelscamelotcamelot-unchainedcitadel-of-sorcerycity-of-heroescity-of-titanscity-statecity-state-entertainmentcliffhangercliffhanger-productionscohcotcrowdfundingcryptozoiccryptozoic-studioscsecyberpunkdivergenceeconomyEpic-Spaceepic-space-onlineever-janef2pfantasyfree-to-playgamigoGloria-Victisgoblinworksgreed-mongergreed-monger-partnershexHot-Rod-Hustleindieioskickstarterkickstarterslord-britishmacmake-my-mmomark-jacobsmissing-worldsmissing-worlds-mediammo-industrymmotcgmobilemobile-mmoneos-landNovus-AEternootherlandpathfinderpathfinder-onlineplayer-driven-economyplayer-economypledgepnppvprealurichard-garriottrvrsandboxsandparksci-fantasysci-fisegashadowrunshadowrun-onlineshroudshroud-of-the-avatarSOTAspiral-knightsStar-Riderstarcraft-universesteamsuperherosuperheroestad-williamstake-my-moneyTales-From-The-Strange-UniversetcgTerraynThe-Mandatethree-ringsthree-rings-designtrading-card-gamevirtual-worldvirtual-worldswar-of-omensSat, 22 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GoblinWorks releases Pathfinder Q4 backer update video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/goblinworks-releases-pathfinder-q4-backer-update-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/goblinworks-releases-pathfinder-q4-backer-update-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/goblinworks-releases-pathfinder-q4-backer-update-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Pathfinder Online Q4 update
GoblinWorks has released a new gameplay video for its forthcoming Pathfinder Online fantasy sandbox. Dubbed as the fourth quarter backer update, the clip shows developers adventuring in the game's River Kingdom. Pathfinder's Q4 milestone was met in January, writes CEO Ryan Dancey, and the two major focus areas were the combat system (including the UI, animations, and multiple role features) and "the conversion of the world terrain from the fully manual small scale process to a more large scale terrain development method using the Grome tool pipeline."

Dancey also hints at forthcoming UI and combat reveals plus some nifty skeletons and goblin dogs. Further details are available via the GoblinWorks blog links below. Don't forget the video after the cut!

[Thanks Chrysillis!]

Continue reading GoblinWorks releases Pathfinder Q4 backer update video

MassivelyGoblinWorks releases Pathfinder Q4 backer update video originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Feb 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygameplay-videogoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-gameplay-videopathfinder-onlinepathfinder-online-videopathfinder-videopnpryan-danceysandboxsandparkvideoSat, 22 Feb 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Is this really the sandbox renaissance?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/some-assembly-required-is-this-really-the-sandbox-renaissance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/some-assembly-required-is-this-really-the-sandbox-renaissance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/some-assembly-required-is-this-really-the-sandbox-renaissance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
It's funny, but this whole sandbox renaissance feeling has got me a little worried. I'm of course ecstatic at the number of sandbox MMOs currently in development, and I'm even happier that one triple-A outfit has finally acknowledged that MMOs are supposed to be sandboxes.

EverQuest Next and Landmark aren't the only reasons to be amped, either, as games like Star Citizen, Elite: Dangerous, and The Repopulation are all putting their own spin on emergent virtual worlds and standing on the shoulders of genre giants.

It's not all roses, though, and amidst the cautious optimism on display from starving sandbox fans, I feel the need to remind myself of the various personal pitfalls that still need to be addressed.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Is this really the sandbox renaissance?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Is this really the sandbox renaissance? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Feb 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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