Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Giving thanks edition, November 19 - 25, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/the-stream-team-giving-thanks-edition-november-19-25-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/the-stream-team-giving-thanks-edition-november-19-25-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/the-stream-team-giving-thanks-edition-november-19-25-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stream Team Giving thanks edition, November 1925, 2012
Thankfulness. We all know that it isn't just for one day a year, but that doesn't diminish the significance of the holiday! Not to mention, it's a day off to game all we want while indulging in great food! So let's take a break from our busy lives and really reflect on all those reasons we have to be thankful: sandboxes, focus on emergent gaming, more sandboxes, livestreaming... did I mention more sandboxes?

Honestly, I am more thankful for family, friends, and a totally awesome job, but I am not ashamed to admit that I am also grateful for this pastime of ours, the community it has introduced me to, and the close relationships I have built because of it. I am thankful for a variety of games to fit many individual tastes, a surge of indie developers willing to push the envelope and try new things, the increasingly amazing graphics, and the chance to livestream it all for you on Massively TV!

Yes, folks -- I am grateful for the The Stream Team and all the amusing antics that happen live, right before your very eyes. And this week has plenty of shenanigans on the schedule, including two games in beta, so be sure to tune in! In between the live versions, you can take a peek at past streams. And feel free to share what you are thankful for in the comments past the break as well as cast your vote for the best holiday food.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Giving thanks edition, November 19 - 25, 2012

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Giving thanks edition, November 19 - 25, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetccpccp-gameschampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studioseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfallen-earthfamilyfantasyfefeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomg1gamersfirstgiving-thanksgratefulgratefulnessguild-wars-2gw2hi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmetammo-shootermmofpsmobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpiratepirate101piratesplanetsideplanetside-2pollpost-apocpost-apocalypticps2pvppweROSE-Onlinesandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldshooterskill-basedSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsuperherosuperheroesTaikodomtanktankstelonthankfulnessthanksthanksgivingthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamThe-War-Ztswtwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarwargaming.netwastelandsworld-of-tankswotMon, 19 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: RUSH edition, November 12 - 18, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/the-stream-team-rush-edition-november-12-18-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/the-stream-team-rush-edition-november-12-18-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/the-stream-team-rush-edition-november-12-18-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stream Team RUSH edition, November 1218, 2012
I can't help it... I have Rush on the brain. Not even Sandy and her airport-closing ways could detour me from heading out to see what is possibly the greatest musical trio of all time (I say possibly because I didn't personally hear what was going on back during Aristotle's time!). Anyone who knows me knows I live, breathe, and think music. And that is great music. It didn't matter that my extremities went numb from the cold; it was worth every minute. The energy, the interaction -- nothing can beat that!

It's kind of like Massively TV! Of course the show itself is great, but being there live to watch the antics of The Stream Team and be a part of the audience interaction can't be matched. So to make sure you don't miss any shows, here's the schedule for this week. And to fill that time in between performances, there is also a handy guide for the previous week! Weigh in with your opinion about what music you prefer and what you'd add to games.

Continue reading The Stream Team: RUSH edition, November 12 - 18, 2012

MassivelyThe Stream Team: RUSH edition, November 12 - 18, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionanetankamaarenanetascensionccpccp-gameschampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosDAYZeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfallen-earthfamilyfantasyfefeaturedfiesta-onlineFleckfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefuncomg1gameforgegameforge-berlingamersfirstguild-wars-2gw2heroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhorrorinternet-spaceshipskid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmetamobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamusicmv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvmythologyncsoftperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpiratepirate101piratespoliticspollpollspost-apocpost-apocalypticpvppweromROSE-onlinerunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentRUSHsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisesecret-worldskill-basedSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentsountracksspreadsheets-onlinesquare-enixsquenixstrategystrategy-mmostreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubsubscriptionsuperherosuperheroestaboreataikodomtanktankstelonthe-secret-worldthe-stream-teamThe-War-Ztruly-freetswturn-based-combattwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwakfuwarwargaming.netwastelandsworld-of-tankswotMon, 12 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Election edition, November 5 - 11, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/the-stream-team-election-edition-november-5-11-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/the-stream-team-election-edition-november-5-11-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/the-stream-team-election-edition-november-5-11-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stream Team November 511, 2012
With all the mud-slinging, subterfuge, switching sides, terrible tantrums, and outright fights, who wouldn't want to get away to find some relative peace... and that's just from your groupmates! So take some time to escape the chaos of grouping and chill by while watching a few of your favorite games being played by The Stream Team. You can tune in to Massively TV and watch someone else deal with loot ninjas, drama queens, and other assorted unsavory characters!

And in keeping with the important spirit of the week, don't forget to do your Massively duty and visit the polls! We have one for you after the break.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Election edition, November 5 - 11, 2012

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Election edition, November 5 - 11, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acaionallodsallods-onlineanetankamaarenanetascensionasherons-callastrum-nivalclassic-mmocode-clubDayZeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedFleckfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegala-netgameforgegameforge-berlingpotatoguild-wars-2gw2heroes-of-newerthhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlinuxlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmacmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmassively-metamassively-tvmetamobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvncsoftpcpiratepirate101piratespoliticspollpvpromRose-Onlinerunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentryzomsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiseSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquare-enixsquenixstrategystrategy-mmostreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsubsubscriptiontaboreatanktankstelonthe-stream-teamtruly-freeturbineturbine-entertainmentturn-based-combattwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwakfuwarwargaming.netwinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedwinch-gate-property-lldwinchgateworld-of-tankswotwurmwurm-onlineMon, 05 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Cloud Nine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/rise-and-shiny-recap-cloud-nine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/rise-and-shiny-recap-cloud-nine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/rise-and-shiny-recap-cloud-nine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Cloud Nine screenshot
You know, I haven't been as head over heels in love with the graphics of a game in a long time as I am with Cloud Nine. As I get older, I find myself disliking more realistic graphics and tend to enjoy cartoony, or even better, stylized graphics that do not quite push into cartoony territory. It's not like I'm trying to relive my youth; I just take a game more "seriously" when it attempts to look less serious while actually being pretty serious. I'm talking about games like Free Realms or Ryzom or Glitch: games that are cartoony and not ultra-realistic but do boast some serious gameplay or even lore behind the art. I love that.

So when I first logged into Cloud Nine, you can imagine how I felt.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Cloud Nine

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Cloud Nine originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindChangyoucloud-ninef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpLiveStreamnetgamerappelzrose-onlinetwitch-tvtwitchtvvideozentiaSun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Which came first, the grind or the grinding?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/free-for-all-which-came-first-the-grind-or-the-grinding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/free-for-all-which-came-first-the-grind-or-the-grinding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/free-for-all-which-came-first-the-grind-or-the-grinding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Grinding is an interesting thing. I've thought about it a lot lately in an effort to come to grips with the fact that I just don't play MMOs like my friends do. Oh, don't get me wrong; I can log in and blow away five hours of my life on a title, just like I did last night with the newly relaunched APB: Reloaded. Holy moly, I can play that game forever, especially if I have a friend with me. I can also spend countless hours in other games, exploring and generally acting like some kind of virtual hippie, never touching a sword or destroying a foe. A lot of the time, combat just feels repetitive.

Exploring for hours and driving a car into mailboxes over and over really shouldn't count as grinding though, should it? Grinding is, in my opinion, defined by the repetition of the exact same action (or close to it) for a long time, usually in the pursuit of a single goal. The thing is, the grind has been around since the dawn of graphical MMOs. Hasn't it?

But what started the grind? Was the desire for grind already there? Is the playerbase just better-suited for grinding? Click past the cut and let's chat about it. Grab some tea.

Continue reading Free for All: Which came first, the grind or the grinding?

MassivelyFree for All: Which came first, the grind or the grinding? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apbapb-reloadedbeau-hindmanBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcity-of-heroescoheaElectronic-Artseqeverquestf2pfeaturedflyfffree-for-allfree-to-playftpgamersfirstgrindgrindingncsoftopinionparagon-studiosrappelzrose-onlinesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-grindUltima-OnlineuoWorld-of-WarcraftwowWed, 01 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Would I play RIFT for free?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/free-for-all-would-i-play-rift-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/free-for-all-would-i-play-rift-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/free-for-all-would-i-play-rift-for-free/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Today I got the email informing me that my RIFT subscription had expired. I bought it when it came out and enjoyed the beta, but suddenly the hard decision was upon me. Was I going to subscribe to the game? Was I going to pay 15 dollars a month for basic access to the wonderful world that Trion has created?

There is a lot that goes into a decision like subscribing to a game, even when that decision feels easy. A subscription is really a vote of confidence, especially considering that we have no idea what the game might become or where it might go in the future. That automatic payment says so much about our trust in a company and its product, even though lately it seems more and more people are not trusting it like they once did.

Click past the cut and let's discuss, and I'll tell you whether or not I subscribed.

Continue reading Free for All: Would I play RIFT for free?

MassivelyFree for All: Would I play RIFT for free? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopdiscountf2pfeaturedflyfffree-for-allfree-to-playftpmabinogiNexonnexon-americarappelzriftrift-planes-of-telararose-onlinetriontrion-worldsWed, 06 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Remembering my first F2P experiences]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/free-for-all-remembering-my-first-ftp-experiences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/free-for-all-remembering-my-first-ftp-experiences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/free-for-all-remembering-my-first-ftp-experiences/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

I sit here, racking my brain, trying to think of the very first free-to-play game that I experienced. It's been quite a long time, at least seven years. As a quick history, I started in MMORPGs in '99, by bringing home a box of Ultima Online for my wife to look at. She laughed at me at first, but soon I would return home from work to find her in the middle of a marathon gaming session. We then switched to EverQuest and then to City of Heroes. In between those major choices, I spent a lot of time exploring the internet for new games.

I want to say that one of the first free-to-play games I found was FLYFF, or possibly ROSE Online. It's hard to remember exactly. I searched old emails and found a few references to some games, but I can only verify start dates like February of 2004 for games like There or Second Life. On a side-note, my EVE account started on July 30th, 2004. Regardless, I can remember my first experiences with free-to-play games. I recall the grindy-yet-beautiful worlds I visited, marveling at high-level players who must have played for six months solidly in order to achieve their greatness.

Continue reading Free for All: Remembering my first F2P experiences

MassivelyFree for All: Remembering my first F2P experiences originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-OnlineArchLordbeau-hindmancash-shopcity-of-heroesCOHeverquestf2pfacebookfeaturedflyfffree-for-allfree-to-playftpmaple-storyrose-onlinesecond-lifethereUltima-OnlineUOWorld-of-WarcraftwowWed, 14 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ROSE Online goes free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/rose-online-goes-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/rose-online-goes-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/rose-online-goes-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


ROSE Online, the fantasy MMO from TriggerSoft, has just announced its new plans to switch over to a free-to-play business model. Previously, the game was $11.99 a month for several years, and while successful within the Gravity Interactive family of games, this new plan hopes to attract even more users.

This changeover will take place on July 29th. On July 22nd, they will be removing the subscription page from the ROSE Online website. Any paid subscriptions that are set to expire after the 29th will be credited 40 mileage points per day from that point. You can read more about the details of this plan and player reaction at the ROSE Online forums.

MassivelyROSE Online goes free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsfree-to-playgravity-interactiverose-onlinetrigger-softTue, 15 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST