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[Captain's Log: To spec or not to spec?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot - Star Trek Online
Captain's Log, Stardate 65340.3...

Hello, computer (and players)! Unlike an answer to Shakespeare's original question, the answer to the question in this week's title is probably a no-brainer for most of you: Yes! Choosing a specialization, or "speccing," in MMOs is something that stretches across most titles out there, and Star Trek Online is no different. Whether you wish to resist attacks longer, do more damage, or add strength to your powers, choosing a customized spec can be rewarding and a challenge at the same time. With so many variables and places to spend your points, the possibilities are endless.

While this week's Captain's Log is not here to tell you what you should spec into for your particular class or ship set-up, I would like to go over the space skill point overhaul that STO is about to go through. In the past, one of the biggest complaints from players was that they did not have a clear understanding of which skill tree affected which ability. The devs heard this feedback and have been working on a complete revamp to make these decisions simpler. Hopefully, this will allow you to have a better understanding of where and why to spend your points in a particular skill when you do have to re-spec at the launch of F2P on January 17th, 2012.

Ensign, warp 10! Let's get our readers' bookmark buttons ready...

Continue reading Captain's Log: To spec or not to spec?

MassivelyCaptain's Log: To spec or not to spec? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriescaptain-gekocaptains-logcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosefficiencyenergy-weaponsengineering-systemsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playguidelivestreamoperation-systemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentprojectile-weaponsre-specscience-systemsshakespeareskillpointsspecspeccingspecializationspecsst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotactical-systemstargeting-systemstrek-onlinetribbletwittertwitterverseweaponsThu, 10 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mabinogi prepping Merchant of Venice, offers three new levels of premium service]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/mabinogi-prepping-merchant-of-venice-offers-three-new-levels-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/mabinogi-prepping-merchant-of-venice-offers-three-new-levels-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/mabinogi-prepping-merchant-of-venice-offers-three-new-levels-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mabinogi
It's a busy time for Mabinogi, which is still firmly in the grips of Shakespeare fever. The free-to-play title is preparing to launch its Merchant of Venice update on October 26th, and with it, a new commerce system.

Mabinogi's commerce system offers players a way to experience the highs and lows of trading with a little danger thrown in for good measure. Players will start out with a limited amount of new currency, ducats, which can be used to buy and sell from trading posts. Newly minted traders will then have to transport the currency personally while coming under fire by bandits. Pull off enough successful trade routes, and awesome new weapons will become available to you!

Nexon has also introduced a few new levels of premium service for players looking to enhance their Mabinogi experience. These optional services grant players additional inventory, free gifts, XP bonuses, and exclusive missions. As players wait for the launch of the update, Nexon is extending its free premium service for everyone to enjoy.

MassivelyMabinogi prepping Merchant of Venice, offers three new levels of premium service originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commerce-systemf2pfree-to-playmabinogimerchant-of-venicenexonpatchplayer-shopspremium-serviceshakespearetradertraderstradingupdateFri, 21 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Defy the stars: Mabinogi stages Romeo & Juliet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/defy-the-stars-mabinogi-stages-romeo-and-juliet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/defy-the-stars-mabinogi-stages-romeo-and-juliet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/defy-the-stars-mabinogi-stages-romeo-and-juliet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

What's in a name? That which we call a free update by any other name would smell as sweet! Or so a little birdie told us when we got word that Mabinogi is bringing another Shakespearean classic to Nexon's quirky title: Romeo and Juliet.

Mabinogi players now have a chance to engage with this romantic tragedy and its two star-crossed lovers. The action takes place at Rath Castle, where players will join the masquerade ball and witness the epic love story that bridged the chasm between two warring families. The addition of Romeo and Juliet to the game's landscape follows the Hamlet update earlier this year.

If you're not in the mood for love and fashionable costumes, Mabinogi's latest update invites you to grab a new weapon -- the lance -- and joust with your friends and enemies. You'll look even cooler doing this from a fire horse, a flaming steed that's been added to the game. Or if a life of peace is one you crave, then settle down in one of Mabinogi's Homesteads to grow crops, customize your ranch, and trade with others.

You can check out the screenies of the Romeo and Juliet update below, go read the full patch notes on the official site, and watch the trailer after the jump!

Gallery: Mabinogi

Continue reading Defy the stars: Mabinogi stages Romeo & Juliet

MassivelyDefy the stars: Mabinogi stages Romeo & Juliet originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 May 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfarmingfire-horsefree-to-playhamlethomesteadhomestead-systemjoustlancemabinogimasquerade-ballnexonranchrath-castleromeo-and-julietshakespearestar-crossed-loversMon, 09 May 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon brings Shakespeare's Hamlet to Mabinogi]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/nexon-brings-shakespeares-hamlet-to-mabinogi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/nexon-brings-shakespeares-hamlet-to-mabinogi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/nexon-brings-shakespeares-hamlet-to-mabinogi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

To play Mabinogi or not to play Mabinogi, that is the question. Classic literature fans may have an easier time answering it after viewing two new trailers for Nexon's free-to-play fantasy MMORPG. The tortured Shakespearian prince will be making an appearance in Chapter 4 of the game's story campaign, and if you're scratching your head as to why, Nexon explains all on its official website.

"Both Mabinogi and Hamlet are rich stories filled with twists, intrigue, and memorable characters. These similarities, along with the legacy of being one of the most famous of Shakespeare's works, made the story of Hamlet a natural to fit within the world of Mabinogi," it reads.

The update will also be bringing new gameplay to Mabinogi in the form of theater missions and a new destiny system that allows for further skill specialization. Additionally, new character skills, shadow mission updates, and item upgrades are coming with the patch. Hit the jump to check out the two new videos and head to the official site for further details.

Continue reading Nexon brings Shakespeare's Hamlet to Mabinogi

MassivelyNexon brings Shakespeare's Hamlet to Mabinogi originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chapter-4destiny-systemf2pfree-to-playhamletitem-upgradesmabinogiNexonnexon-americapatchshadow-missionsshakespearestorystory-campaigntheater-missionsSat, 08 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Figgy pudding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/the-road-to-mordor-figgy-pudding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/the-road-to-mordor-figgy-pudding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/the-road-to-mordor-figgy-pudding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

For those of us who celebrate the holidays, right now is an insanely busy time of the year. There are presents to be wrapped, eggnog to be nogged, and looks of annoyance to be thrown at the radio when the music station decides to play that Do They Know It's Christmas? song for the sixth time that hour.

It also means that winter holidays are hitting most major MMOs, including our beloved Lord of the Rings Online. This year, the Yule Festival is marked by the addition of a whole new area -- Winter-home -- and players are already neck-deep in the quests, snowball fights and theatrical hilarity. Turbine's done a spectacular job this year infusing a lot more life and fun into the festivals, from the shrew stomping this past spring to the Haunted Burrow this fall. Winter-home is, in many ways, a perfect capstone to a terrific year for the game, and it's a pretty enjoyable event from what I've seen so far.

So grab that cute Hobbit or Dwarf and join me as we travel to the merriment of Winter-home this week!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Figgy pudding

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Figgy pudding originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordora-christmas-carolBah-humbugcharles-dickenschristmascosmeticcosmetic-outfitdickensdo-they-know-its-christmasdwarfeating-contestfeast-beastfeaturedfrostbluff-theaterfrostbluff-theatreglittering-yule-steedglobehaunted-burrowhobbitholiday-eventin-game-eventlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromuppetpretty-in-pinkrich-vs-poorrise-of-isengardshakespeareshrew-stompingsnowball-fightsparkle-ponysparkleponystatler-and-waldorftolkienturbinewinter-homeyule-festivalFri, 17 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: What's in a name]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/anti-aliased-whats-in-a-name/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/anti-aliased-whats-in-a-name/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/anti-aliased-whats-in-a-name/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Earlier this week, Blizzard really got the MMO gaming community up-in-arms after the announcement of its latest Real ID feature -- your real name attached to all of your forum posts on its official forums. That's right. No more hiding behind a fake persona when you want to go a-trolling.

But, with the transition to a "real name" system comes a whole slew of security issues, privacy issues, and comfort issues. Everyone has an opinion on the system, as well as their own theories on if the official forums are going to crash and burn or if the forums are going to experience a rebirth as people finally watch their tongues when they post.

Blizzard is, essentially, asking, "What's in a name?" And, if Shakespeare is to be believed, there's not much back there. It's not the name that needs changing, it's the personalities behind them. It's less about the name, and more about what, or who, it represents.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: What's in a name

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: What's in a name originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedcharacter-namesculturefeaturedname-changename-change-problemsopinionreal-idreal-nameshakespearewhats-in-a-nameworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Edward Castronova reveals lessons learned from Arden]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/23/edward-castronova-reveals-lessons-learned-from-arden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/23/edward-castronova-reveals-lessons-learned-from-arden/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/23/edward-castronova-reveals-lessons-learned-from-arden/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

As you may recall, Edward Castronova, professor at Indiana University and researcher of virtual world economics, had been developing a Shakespeare-based MMO, only to close it down because, in his words, 'It's no fun. We failed to design a gripping experience.'

In the current issue of Wired, Castronova offers his '5 tips for making games that don't suck', based on his experience. To summarize:

Continue reading Edward Castronova reveals lessons learned from Arden

MassivelyEdward Castronova reveals lessons learned from Arden originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-tipsadviceardenedward-castronovashakespearewiredSun, 23 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curtain falls on "Shakespeare World"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/curtain-falls-on-shakespeare-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/curtain-falls-on-shakespeare-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/curtain-falls-on-shakespeare-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

shakespeareYou may never have heard of Arden, the brain child of Edward Castronova and now you never really will. The project was ambitious, aiming to create a MMORPG that also educated the players in the world and works of someone regarded by many as the greatest wordsmith the English language has ever seen.

According to this report in Technology Review, the virtual world failed because whilst it was crammed with educational content, no one went there because "it was no fun" and they forgot to include the puzzles and the monsters and the game-play elements. The work was supported by a $250,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation's digital learning programme. Whilst this is pretty big money in educational grant terms, particularly in the humanities, it's a drop in the ocean when compared to the millions of dollars that go into creating the online MMORPGs that we normally review.

It is a lesson well worth remembering for everyone creating educational games, you need the educational content AND the game content. A hard balance to strike - I speak from personal experience here.

MassivelyCurtain falls on "Shakespeare World" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArdenDigital-LearningeducationEdward-CastronovaMacArthur-FoundationShakespeareTue, 08 Jan 2008 12:01:00 EST