Massively

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[Make My MMO: December 7 - 13, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/13/make-my-mmo-december-7-13-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/13/make-my-mmo-december-7-13-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/13/make-my-mmo-december-7-13-2014/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Make My MMO

This week in MMO crowdfunding news, Shards Online pretty much stole the show. Sure, Star Citizen and Elite: Dangerous made some noise like they always do, but the player-driven sandbox world-builder from Citadel Studios not only polished off a successful Kickstarter campaign but also started getting a bit of pub outside the usual MMO blogging circles.

Click past the cut for the rest of this week's crowdfunding roundup.

Continue reading Make My MMO: December 7 - 13, 2014

Make My MMO: December 7 - 13, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscrowdfundingkickstarterkickstartersmake-my-mmommo-industrypledgeshardsshards-onlinetake-my-moneySat, 13 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards closes its successful Kickstarter campaign with a livestream]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/shards-closes-its-successful-kickstarter-campaign-with-a-livestr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/shards-closes-its-successful-kickstarter-campaign-with-a-livestr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/shards-closes-its-successful-kickstarter-campaign-with-a-livestr/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Shards Online has already met its Kickstarter goals, and now Citadel Studios is throwing a celebratory wrap-up livestream as the clock winds down. And when we say now, we really mean now, since the stream runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EDT today. The team will be giving away alpha codes and riffing on some of the gameplay viewable in the new campaign highlight video that we've embedded after the break.

Continue reading Shards closes its successful Kickstarter campaign with a livestream

Shards closes its successful Kickstarter campaign with a livestream originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingfantasykickstartersandboxshardsshards-onlineFri, 12 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards lead dev talks skill caps, pickpocketing, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/shards-lead-dev-talks-skill-caps-pickpocketing-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/shards-lead-dev-talks-skill-caps-pickpocketing-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/shards-lead-dev-talks-skill-caps-pickpocketing-and-more/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, Interviews, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Citadel Studios CEO Derek Brinkmann was interviewed by Worlds Factory this week, and the subject of course was indie sandbox Shards Online. The piece explains Shards' debt to both Neverwinter Nights and Ultima Online, the latter of which Brinkmann helped develop.

He explains Shards' current skill cap (each skill tops out at 50 while the total cap is 250) as well as everything from hirelings and tamed companions to housing, pickpocketing, and guild wars!

Shards lead dev talks skill caps, pickpocketing, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmocrowdfundingderek-brinkmanneaelectronic-artsfantasykickstarterlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentneverwinter-nightsnwnsandboxshardsshards-onlineultimaultima onlineuoThu, 11 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online showcases 30 seconds of housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/shards-online-showcases-30-seconds-of-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/shards-online-showcases-30-seconds-of-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/shards-online-showcases-30-seconds-of-housing/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Video, Sandbox, Housing, Crowdfunding, Buy-to-Play

Housing enthusiasts who have been following Shards Online will like the game's latest video release. Though short in duration, it whets your abode appetite by showcasing various housing styles that players will be able to obtain and place in the open world. It also teases the customization options by giving a peek at a few decorations and promising oodles more.

Shards Online has surpassed its Kickstarter goal and has less than $5K remaining until the next stretch goal (the story editor toolkit) is reached. Interested fans have two more days to back the project; the Kickstarter closes at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12th.

[Source: Citadel Studios press release]

Continue reading Shards Online showcases 30 seconds of housing

Shards Online showcases 30 seconds of housing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadelcitadel-studioscrowdfundinghousingkickstarteropen-world-housingplayer-serversandboxshardsshards-onlinetrailertrailersvideovideosWed, 10 Dec 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online adds permadeath ruleset]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/shards-online-adds-permadeath-ruleset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/shards-online-adds-permadeath-ruleset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/shards-online-adds-permadeath-ruleset/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

shards online

Shards Online's Kickstarter campaign is on fire, having blown past its $50K fundraising goal and now plowing through stretch goals. With eight days to go on the campaign, who knows how far it'll get, but there's one thing for certain: Thanks to passing the $80,000 mark, the fantasy sandbox will incorporate permadeath into some of its server rulesets.

For the stretch goal, the developers wrote, "We will add an extra official ruleset to Alpha One with increased skill gains and permanent death! Not only will we have this ruleset running on some of our official servers, but players will be able to run these rules on their own community servers."

Shards Online adds permadeath ruleset originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadel-studioscrowdfundingderek-brinkmannfundingkickstarternewsnews-itemspermadeathplayer-run-serversrulesetrulesetssandboxserver-rulesetshardsshards-onlinestretch-goalThu, 04 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online has big plans for balancing crafting vs. loot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/shards-online-has-big-plans-for-balancing-crafting-vs-loot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/shards-online-has-big-plans-for-balancing-crafting-vs-loot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/shards-online-has-big-plans-for-balancing-crafting-vs-loot/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Video, Game Mechanics, Dev Diaries, Sandbox, Crafting, Crowdfunding

Shards Online

Yesterday, Citadel Studios released a video dev blog highlighting how crafting will work in its upcoming sandbox, Shards Online. Lead systems designer Bruce "Logrus" Bonnick explains that the team will balance looted and crafted items by making those items truly distinct. "Rather than make loot and crafting compete with each other, I prefer to kind of have them co-mingled," he says. Different properties will exist on gear depending on how it is acquired, thereby suiting different playstyles.

Massively's MJ explored the current build of the game with Citadel's Derek Brinkmann over the holiday weekend via livestream. Shards Online's second Kickstarter reached its $50,000 goal last week.

The crafting vlog is below.

Continue reading Shards Online has big plans for balancing crafting vs. loot

Shards Online has big plans for balancing crafting vs. loot originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruce-bonnickcitadelcitadel-studioscraftingcrowdfundingkickstarterlogrusplayer-serversandboxshardsshards-onlinetrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 01 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Shards Online's turkey shoot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/the-stream-team-shards-onlines-turkey-shoot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/the-stream-team-shards-onlines-turkey-shoot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/the-stream-team-shards-onlines-turkey-shoot/#commentsFiled under: Video, New Titles, Livestream, The Stream Team, Crowdfunding, Player-Generated Content

Having a little trouble envisioning just what is possible on the player-run worlds of Shards Online? When devs say the shards can be modded to make a unique world, they really mean it! To give a little taste of the game's potential, Citadel Studio's Co-Founder Derek Brinkmann is hosting a post-holiday turkey shoot for play testers, and Massively's MJ is getting in on the fun! Will she be able to bag a few turkeys herself? Brinkmann will be on-hand to answer any questions as well, so join us live at 2:00 p.m. for the holiday hunt!

Game: Shards Online
Host: MJ Guthrie
Date: Saturday, November 29th, 2014
Time: 2:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Shards Online's turkey shoot

The Stream Team: Shards Online's turkey shoot originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadelcitadel-studioscrowdfundingderek-brinkmannHoliday-eventholiday-eventskickstarterlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvplayer-serversandboxshardsshards-onlinestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamThanksgivingthe-stream-teamturkey-shoottwitchtwitch-tvSat, 29 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Joining the Shards Online dev playtest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/the-stream-team-joining-the-shards-online-dev-playtest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/the-stream-team-joining-the-shards-online-dev-playtest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/the-stream-team-joining-the-shards-online-dev-playtest/#commentsFiled under: Video, New Titles, Livestream, The Stream Team, Crowdfunding, Player-Generated Content

Shards Online recently met its Kickstarter goal, and Citadel Studio's Co-Founder Derek Brinkmann joins Massively's MJ to show off the game's latest developments (not the least of which is female avatars!). If you've been watching this game, you know that the future sandbox offers players the chance to really develop their own gaming worlds -- literally. So now that the funding goals are met, what's next? Now is the time to get all your questions answered by the dev team, as well as see what things are in store! Join us live at 2:00 p.m. EDT for a look at the devs latest playtest.

Game: Shards Online
Host: MJ Guthrie
Date: Saturday, November 22nd, 2014
Time: 2:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Joining the Shards Online dev playtest

The Stream Team: Joining the Shards Online dev playtest originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadelcitadel-studioscrowdfundingkickstarterlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvplayer-serversandboxshardsshards-onlinestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvSat, 22 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online's Kickstarter has already reached its $50k goal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/shards-onlines-kickstarter-has-already-reached-its-50k-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/shards-onlines-kickstarter-has-already-reached-its-50k-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/shards-onlines-kickstarter-has-already-reached-its-50k-goal/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business Models, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Player-Generated Content

Shards

Sandbox MMO hopeful Shards Online has met its Kickstarter goal of $50,000 with 23 days still to go. Citadel Studios' first Kickstarter for the ambitious game reached only $73,401 of its $320,000 goal last June.

Project lead Derek Brinkmann dropped by the Massively comments last week to reassure potential donors and explain the thinking behind the new campaign:

I'd like to personally address the concerns about our new goal. After our previous campaign winded down, we put our heads together and created a refocused plan to get to alpha. The minimum amount we could get to alpha with was 100k. It doesn't seem like much, but we have been in active development for over a year and have already personally invested quite a bit of money into the project.

We reached out to our friends and family and found we were able to raise 50k from small investments. That gets us half of the way there. We decided that reaching out to our fans would be the best way to get the rest of the funds. The alternative was to approach angel investors which would have forced us to change the spirit of the project.

Stretch goals begin at the $60,000 mark and include emote animations, new craft skills, and a permadeath ruleset.

Shards Online's Kickstarter has already reached its $50k goal originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadel-studioscrowdfundingderek-brinkmannfundingkickstarternewsnews-itemsplayer-run-serverssandboxshardsshards-onlineWed, 19 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make My MMO: November 9 - November 15, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/15/make-my-mmo-november-9-november-15-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/15/make-my-mmo-november-9-november-15-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/15/make-my-mmo-november-9-november-15-2014/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Player-Generated Content, Make My MMO

This week in MMO crowdfunding news, Shards Online returned to Kickstarter seeking $50,000 and a coat of polish for its player-driven multiverse sandbox. Citadel Studios developers also visited the Massively comment section to answer questions about the upcoming title, which is well over halfway to its goal with 27 days remaining.

Elsewhere, Star Citizen continued to roll around in piles of money, while Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen stirred from its slumber to offer up some early development screenshots. Click past the cut for the rest of this week's MMO crowdfunding news.

Continue reading Make My MMO: November 9 - November 15, 2014

Make My MMO: November 9 - November 15, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscrowdfundingkickstarterkickstartersmake-my-mmommo-industrypantheonpantheon-rise-of-the-fallenpantheon-rotfpledgeshardsshards-onlinestar-citizentake-my-moneySat, 15 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: November 8 - 14, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/betawatch-november-8-14-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/betawatch-november-8-14-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/betawatch-november-8-14-2014/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Business Models, Expansions, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Massively Meta, Betawatch, Miscellaneous, Crowdfunding

EverQuest

World of Warcraft's Warlords of Draenor launched this week, departing the halls of Betawatch. What else is new in the world of MMO testing?

Our complete Betawatch roundup is below.

Continue reading Betawatch: November 8 - 14, 2014

Betawatch: November 8 - 14, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcivilization-onlineclosed-betaelvenareverquesteverquest-2game-testingkingdom-riftlaunchlauncheslineage-eternallords-of-vermillionlost-arkmassively-metaopen-betapantheonpantheon-rise-of-the-fallenroundupshardsshards-onlinestar-vitizentestingzergidFri, 14 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online returns to Kickstarter [Updated with the video]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/shards-online-returns-to-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/shards-online-returns-to-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/shards-online-returns-to-kickstarter/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Crowdfunding, Player-Generated Content

Shards Online is back on Kickstarter, this time with a modest $50,000 goal and a promise to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to the final goal. The multiplayer sandbox made waves earlier this year thanks to its playable pre-alpha client and its unique multiverse built on player-run servers.

We've got the new Kickstarter trailer and the abridged press release below.

Continue reading Shards Online returns to Kickstarter [Updated with the video]

Shards Online returns to Kickstarter [Updated with the video] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadelcitadel-studioscrowdfundingfantasykickstarterplayer-generated-contentplayer-run-serversprivate-serverssandboxshardsshards-onlineuser-generated-contentThu, 13 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online teases second Kickstarter campaign]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/shards-online-teases-second-kickstarter-campaign/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/shards-online-teases-second-kickstarter-campaign/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/shards-online-teases-second-kickstarter-campaign/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

shards online

Shards Online isn't about to let a flopped crowdfunding campaign get it down, as the mod-heavy sandbox is preparing to launch a second Kickstarter run. According to a development roadmap posted earlier this summer, Shards Online is currently transitioning from pre-alpha to alpha testing, where it will reside for the bulk of 2015.

As part of those preparations, Shards Online has released a quick half-minute video to promote the upcoming November fundraiser. Check it out after the break and see if it's enough to tempt you into coughing up some cash when Shards Online passes around the plate.

Continue reading Shards Online teases second Kickstarter campaign

Shards Online teases second Kickstarter campaign originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetabeta-testbeta-testingcitadel-studioscross-genrefantasymulti-genresandboxshardsshards-onlinetestingtrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 10 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here is the current Shards Online dev roadmap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/citadel-outlines-shards-development-roadmap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/citadel-outlines-shards-development-roadmap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/citadel-outlines-shards-development-roadmap/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Shards Online's Kickstarter may be over, but Citadel Studios looks to be even more determined to finish building its player-driven MMORPG sandbox. The firm has posted a new development roadmap on the game's official website, and Citadel co-founder Derek Brinkmann explains how the team is tightening its dev plan "to get to an alpha state as soon as possible."

Brinkmann also mentions that one of Citadel's goals is to "have enough replayable content on our first map to keep players engaged while we continue development."

Click past the cut to view the full roadmap.

Continue reading Here is the current Shards Online dev roadmap

Here is the current Shards Online dev roadmap originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadelcitadel-studiosderek-brinkmanndevelopment-roadmapfantasypersistent-worldprivate-serverprivate-serverssandboxshardsshards-development-roadmapshards-onlinetoolsetThu, 03 Jul 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: June 7 - 13, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/13/betawatch-june-7-13-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/13/betawatch-june-7-13-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/13/betawatch-june-7-13-2014/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Business Models, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Massively Meta, Betawatch, Miscellaneous, Crowdfunding

SOTA

In-testing MMO Shroud of the Avatar raised eyebrows this week with an update that retooled pledge tiers to arguably give crowdfunders considerable sandbox advantages in return for piles of money. What else is new in the land of MMO testing?

Line of Defense is aiming for early access on Steam in July.
We checked in on Shards Online's public pre-alpha.
Star Citizen began inviting players to test the long-awaited dogfighting module.
Caves and swimming are now live in Landmark's closed beta.
Marvel Heroes' Mac client is now in open beta.
The Crew hopes for a July 23rd beta and a November 11th launch.
Destiny's alpha is now live on the PlayStation 4.
Archlord 2's closed beta begins June 17th.
Astro Lords' closed beta is now live as well.

The full Betawatch roundup awaits!

Continue reading Betawatch: June 7 - 13, 2014

Betawatch: June 7 - 13, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jun 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarchlord-2astro-lordsbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchclosed-betadestinygame-testinglandmarklaunchlaunchesline-of-defensemarvel-heroesmassively-metaopen-betaroundupshardsshards-onlineshroud-of-the-avatarsotastar-citizentestingthe-crewFri, 13 Jun 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online opens website with 24 hours left on Kickstarter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/11/shards-online-opens-website-with-24-hours-left-on-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/11/shards-online-opens-website-with-24-hours-left-on-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/11/shards-online-opens-website-with-24-hours-left-on-kickstarter/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Reminiscent, yes.

As of this writing, Shards Online has 24 hours remaining on its Kickstarter program and has yet to break a quarter of its funding goal. Odds are that it's not going to hit that marker, although fans are encouraged to jump in and donate while the campaign is still running. But the team at Citadel Studios isn't giving up on the project and has launched a website for the game devoted to all things related to Shards Online.

Despite what you may have suspected from the last paragraph, the page is not currently fishing for donations. The team will be holding the game's first community roundtable discussion on June 13th, starting at 8 p.m. EDT, when the developers will discuss what comes after Kickstarter and why there are no plans to ask for funding on the site directly. It'll be worth watching if you're a fan of the game -- and if you're a fan and still haven't donated, now is the time to do so.

[Source: Citadel Studios press release]

Shards Online opens website with 24 hours left on Kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadel-studioscrowdfundingcrowdsourcingfundingkickstarterkickstarter-eventnewsnews-itemsplayer-run-serverssandboxshardsshards-onlinesitesiteswebsitewebsitesWed, 11 Jun 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Checking out Shards Online with Citadel's Derek Brinkmann]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/07/the-stream-team-checking-out-shards-online-with-citadels-dere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/07/the-stream-team-checking-out-shards-online-with-citadels-dere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/07/the-stream-team-checking-out-shards-online-with-citadels-dere/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Previews, Livestream, Sandbox, The Stream Team, Crowdfunding

Are you eager to see what Shards Online is all about? Do you have questions you want to ask a dev? Well now is the perfect time to kill two birds with one stone. Massively's MJ is diving into Shards along with Citadel Studio's Co-Founder Derek Brinkmann during the title's pre-alpha public weekend. You'll have the chance to see the game in action as well as have your queries answered by one who is in the know. Join us live at 2:00 p.m. EDT to check things out!

Game: Shards Online
Host: MJ Guthrie
Date: Saturday, June 7th, 2014
Time: 2:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Checking out Shards Online with Citadel's Derek Brinkmann

The Stream Team: Checking out Shards Online with Citadel's Derek Brinkmann originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Jun 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadel-studioscrowdfundingDerek-Brinkmanndev-streamkickstarterlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvMJ-Guthrie-livestreammv-tvmvtvpreviewpublic-weekendsandboxShardsshards-onlinestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideoSat, 07 Jun 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online opens up a public weekend event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/05/shards-online-opens-up-a-public-weekend-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/05/shards-online-opens-up-a-public-weekend-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/05/shards-online-opens-up-a-public-weekend-event/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Previews, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Nothing to hide, indeed.

Does Shards Online sound interesting to you? Well, then, why not play it? Starting at 4:00 p.m. EDT today and running through the weekend, anyone can download the game's current client and jump in on the pre-alpha servers for free. Moreover, anyone can just as freely discuss what they see in the game, with no NDA in place (not that having one would make much of a difference here, obviously).

The only caveat is that this is a pre-alpha preview, which means that the version of the game that you'll be seeing is still in a very rough and unfinished state. But if you've been curious about the game's Kickstarter campaign but reluctant to donate without seeing the game in action, here's your chance to get in the game and find out more for yourself. We'll also be streaming from inside the game on Saturday, if you'd like to watch but don't have the time to jump in yourself.

Shards Online opens up a public weekend event originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabetabeta-testcitadelcitadel-studiosnewsnews-itemsopen-betaopen-pre-alphapre-alphapreviewpublic-previewshardsshards-onlinetestingThu, 05 Jun 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards backers can play as soon as Kickstarter campaign completes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/20/shards-backers-can-play-as-soon-as-kickstarter-campaign-complete/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/20/shards-backers-can-play-as-soon-as-kickstarter-campaign-complete/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/20/shards-backers-can-play-as-soon-as-kickstarter-campaign-complete/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business Models, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Shards Online

Citadel is kicking off week two of its Shards Online Kickstarter with new incentives for backing the multiverse sandbox. Shards is different from other crowdfunded MMOs in that there is a "fully playable build available now," the company explains.

As such, backers will get in the game "as soon as the campaign completes," and they'll receive three months of subscription time on top of their current pledge level, too.

Citadel will also be hosting events for backers, the first of which will be livestreamed Saturday, May 24th at 4:00 p.m. EDT. Finally, the firm has announced a referral program that includes both in-game rewards and pledge-level increases for each new backer that you recruit. You can get all the details in the press release after the cut.

[Source: Citadel press release]

Continue reading Shards backers can play as soon as Kickstarter campaign completes

Shards backers can play as soon as Kickstarter campaign completes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 May 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadelcitadel-studioscrowdfundingfantasykickstartermultiverseplayer-generated-contentsandboxshardsshards-kickstartershards-onlineuser-generated-contentTue, 20 May 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards is a full MMO and a private server platform]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/shards-is-a-full-mmo-and-a-private-server-platform/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/shards-is-a-full-mmo-and-a-private-server-platform/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/19/shards-is-a-full-mmo-and-a-private-server-platform/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Shards house

Shards Online released a video update to its Kickstarter project over the weekend, along with a huge wall-o'-text focused on lore. Citadel Studios boss Derek Brinkmann stars in the clip, which addresses one of the most common questions about Shards so far.

"Is Shards a game, or is it a platform? The answer is it's both," Brinkmann explains. "First and foremost it's a full game. It's built from the ground up with its own rulesets, live content, real-time events, moderation, updates, developer support, PvP, PvE, crafting, housing, the whole kit and kaboodle."

In terms of the title's platform aspects, Brinkmann says that you don't have to be a programmer or a modder to run your own Shards server. He also explains how private servers are simply one of the game's many options, since the official Shards servers will offer full MMO functionality. You can view the video after the cut.

Continue reading Shards is a full MMO and a private server platform

Shards is a full MMO and a private server platform originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 May 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadelcitadel-studioscrowdfundingderek-brinkmannfantasykickstartermultiverseprivate-serverssandboxshardsshards-onlineshards-videovideoMon, 19 May 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make My MMO: May 11 - May 17, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/17/make-my-mmo-may-11-may-17-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/17/make-my-mmo-may-11-may-17-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/17/make-my-mmo-may-11-may-17-2014/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Crowdfunding, Elite: Dangerous, Origins of Malu, Make My MMO

Make My MMO header

This week in MMO crowdfunding, Shards Online officially launched its Kickstarter and revealed its gameplay to the world via its first livestream event. Some other crowdfunding stuff probably happened too, but really, we're all Shards all the time in these parts, and we'll be your best friend if you go give Citadel some money so that we can eventually make a Massively server filled with love and world domination.

In case objectivity is your thing, we've included the rest of the week's crowdfunding news after the cut.

Continue reading Make My MMO: May 11 - May 17, 2014

Make My MMO: May 11 - May 17, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 May 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burning-dogburning-dog-mediabusiness-modelscrowdfundingeliteelite-dangerouskickstarterkickstartersmake-my-mmommo-industryoomoriginsorigins-of-malupledgesandboxsci-fantasysci-fishardsshards-onlinetake-my-moneythe-far-reachesSat, 17 May 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch a glimpse of Shards Online in its first-ever livestream tonight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/14/catch-a-glimpse-of-shards-online-in-its-first-ever-livestream-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/14/catch-a-glimpse-of-shards-online-in-its-first-ever-livestream-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/14/catch-a-glimpse-of-shards-online-in-its-first-ever-livestream-to/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business Models, Previews, News Items, Events (Massively's Coverage), Livestream, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

Shards Online

Just a few short weeks ago, Massively took its first in-depth look at Shards Online, an upcoming isometric sandbox that straddles the broad line between massive and not-so-massive. The catch? We weren't permitted to snap screenshots or video for you! Developer Citadel Studios aims to rectify that with its first-ever livestream of the game tonight on its Twitch channel.

Shards Online launched a Kickstarter yesterday, so if you like what you see, you can already contribute to the project, which raised almost $25,000 in its first day. The stream itself begins tonight at 8 p.m. EDT; we've embedded it below.

Continue reading Catch a glimpse of Shards Online in its first-ever livestream tonight

Catch a glimpse of Shards Online in its first-ever livestream tonight originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 May 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadel-studiosfantasyisometriclivestreamnot-so-massivelysandboxshardsshards-onlinestreamstreamingvideoWed, 14 May 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online launches its Kickstarter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/13/shards-online-launches-its-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/13/shards-online-launches-its-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/13/shards-online-launches-its-kickstarter/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, News Items, Sandbox, Crowdfunding

And the armor design looks nice, so that's cool.

If you had a dollar for every Kickstarter MMO that advertised itself as a fantasy sandbox, you'd have... well, a fair bit of money. We've lost count. Shards Online, though, is a bit of a different beast, as it's not reserving its sandbox nature to mechanics. Players will be able to influence and take control of server rules, creating individual shards where things are arranged just right for particular playstyles. The prospect of unlimited custom rulesets for servers is pretty different, isn't it?

The game's Kickstarter campaign has just launched, aiming for $320,000 by 6/12/14. It includes most of the things that you'd expect in an MMO Kickstarter -- beta access, digital copies, and so forth. If you've got $10,000 to throw at the game, you can even get a custom-designed house and have the developers show up as gods to run a one-time live event. If you're interested in the concepts, check out the Kickstarter and consider throwing a few dollars toward it.

Shards Online launches its Kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 May 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadel-studioscrowdfundedcrowdfundingfantasykickstarternewsnews-itemsrulesrulesetssandboxserver-rulesserver-rulesetsshardsshards-onlineTue, 13 May 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's first look at sandbox Shards Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/29/massivelys-first-look-at-sandbox-shards-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/29/massivelys-first-look-at-sandbox-shards-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/29/massivelys-first-look-at-sandbox-shards-online/#commentsFiled under: Trailers, Video, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, Miscellaneous, Sandbox

How many games have you played only to find yourself uttering the phrase, "If only I could run my own server"? Chances are, there at least one or two titles you''d love to make into a private playground for select friends using your own personal ruleset. Lucky for you, in Shards Online, you'll be able to do precisely that!

Announced last month, this upcoming sandbox by former Mythic Entertainment devs is built on the premise that players will run the majority of the virtual worlds how they want to. Do you want a fantasy world where you can boot those who ruin immersion? You got it! What about the ability to take over mobs and fight the players while spouting personalized comments? Yup, that too. What if you want a hardcore world where survival is for the fittest? Mm-hmm, starving to death is an option, as is permadeath. And how about a world where gameplay unfolds around players as they explore rather than offers questing on rails?

That's the theory behind the game. But how do these ideas hold up in practice? Last week I sat down with Citadel Studios co-founder Derek Brinkmann to witness a demonstration of Shards Online and talk all about the plans for the game. And what I saw certainly looks promising! So if this idea tantalizes your gaming taste buds, keep reading to get the scoop. I've even added a teaser video.

Continue reading Massively's first look at sandbox Shards Online

Massively's first look at sandbox Shards Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadel-studiosdemodemonstrationDerek-BrinkmannDMfeaturedgame-mechanicshousinginterviewinterviewsnew-mmoPGCplayer-generated-contentplayer-housingpreviewsandboxshardsShards-OnlinetrailertrailersUltima-OnlinevideovideosTue, 29 Apr 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: April 12 - 18, 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/18/betawatch-april-12-18-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/18/betawatch-april-12-18-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/18/betawatch-april-12-18-2014/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Business Models, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Massively Meta, Betawatch, Miscellaneous

Betawatch

This week, Trion expanded Trove's "adventurer" supporter tier, which costs $20, to include instant access to the game's ongoing alpha test. What else is new in the world of MMO betas this round?

Shards posted a survey for hopeful alpha test candidates (thanks, Siphaed!).
WildStar showed off new body customization options in its latest round of beta.
Face of Mankind's open beta begins... today!
Swordsman joins our list with its closed beta signups.
Archlord 2 opened its closed beta registration earlier this week.
Landmark implemented a major building patch for its beta.
We streamed Origins of Malu's alpha with the developer team.
Icarus Online's Korean open beta got a video preview.
HEX announced its closed beta will begin on April 23rd.
Monkey King Online soft-launched into open beta.
CasinoRPG, which does call itself an MMORPG, officially moved from beta to launch on April 16th.

Read on for the complete Betawatch roundup!

Continue reading Betawatch: April 12 - 18, 2014

Betawatch: April 12 - 18, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Apr 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarchlord-2betabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcasinorpgclosed-betaface-of-mankindfeaturedgame-testinghexicarus-onlinelandmarklaunchlaunchesmassively-metamonkey-king-onlineopen-betaorigins-of-maluroundupshardsswordsmantestingtrovewildstarFri, 18 Apr 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shards Online developers plan for a player-run MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/shards-online-developers-plan-for-a-player-run-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/shards-online-developers-plan-for-a-player-run-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/31/shards-online-developers-plan-for-a-player-run-mmo/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, New Titles, News Items

On some servers, parkour is set to 0. On others, it's set to 1. The really neat ones are where it's set to 20.

More or less every MMO starts up its advertising with some trace of the idea that you can play however you want. Not every MMO talks about the idea of letting players run the servers at the top level, however. But that's what Shards Online is aiming to provide. A recent interview with the developers discusses the idea, with studio co-founder Derek Brinkmann explaining that it's one of the first steps to dismantling the idea that the designers have to tell you how to enjoy yourself.

Citadel Studios is a team made up of former Ultima Online developers who wondered why more games haven't embraced the idea of taking live events to their logical conclusion with modern technology. Shards Online is set in a multiverse, with several different worlds featuring slightly different rules, while players can tweak the overall structure to their individual preferences by running their own servers. The game is in development for Windows, Linux, and Mac, with an alpha expected later this year.

Shards Online developers plan for a player-run MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citadel-studiosderek-brinkmanngame-mechanicsmmo-industrynew-titlesnewsnews-itemsplayer-run-serverspreviewpreviewsserversshardsshards-onlineMon, 31 Mar 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima, WAR, DaoC vets form Citadel Studios, announce player-driven Shards title]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/ultima-warhammer-daoc-vets-form-citadel-studios-announce-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/ultima-warhammer-daoc-vets-form-citadel-studios-announce-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/ultima-warhammer-daoc-vets-form-citadel-studios-announce-play/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Sandbox, Player-Generated Content

Shards art

What do you get when you combine the dev talents of Derek Brinkmann, Chris Ondrus and Tim Cotten? Apparently you get a new firm called Citadel Studios which is building an Ultima Online-inspired "game that will enable players to customize their experience and change the face of player collaboration forever."

The project is codenamed Shards, and it draws on the dev trio's experiences building Dark Age of Camelot, Warhammer Online, UO, and classic Elder Scrolls RPGs.

"We left our soul-crushing, corporate jobs to make the games we'd actually play," says Brinkmann, founder and CEO of Citadel Studios. "Ultimately the community will dictate what Shards becomes, because we're not just providing a game but also a platform for players to express their creativity."

Citadel's press release is light on game-specific details, but it states that the company is "ignoring the modern online gaming imperative to squeeze every last cent from every player." Shards will "give players more power than ever before, without constantly asking them to take out their wallets." The firm has released a brief teaser trailer which you can watch by clicking past the cut.

[Source: Citadel press release]

Continue reading Ultima, WAR, DaoC vets form Citadel Studios, announce player-driven Shards title

Ultima, WAR, DaoC vets form Citadel Studios, announce player-driven Shards title originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Mar 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-ondruscitadelcitadel-studiosderek-brinkmannplayer-generated-contentsandboxshardstom-cottenuser-generated-contentTue, 11 Mar 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar explains how MMO servers work]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wildstar-explains-how-mmo-servers-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wildstar-explains-how-mmo-servers-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wildstar-explains-how-mmo-servers-work/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Dev Diaries, WildStar

WildStar explains how MMO servers work

Welcome, class, to MMO Servers 101! Your professor today is Carbine Studios Lead Network & Database Engineer David Ray, and he's here to give a technical overview of how MMOs set up and run their servers. Please take notes. While Ray won't reveal all of Carbine's secrets, his explanation should be sufficient if you're curious as to how an average MMO sets up its backend.

If you're expecting an article that reveals WildStar's server rulesets, specific regions, or other practical player concerns, then this is not for you. However, it is a frank and fascinating look at the guts of the ship that runs MMOs, and considering that Ray has worked on both the space shuttle and other MMOs, we suspect that there's a good chance he knows what he's talking about.

WildStar explains how MMO servers work originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacarbinecarbine-studiosdaemondavid-rayncsoftrealmsandparksci-fantasysci-fiserverserver-architectureserversshardshardswildstarwsFri, 12 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What game would you play if it had an alternate gameplay server?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-daily-grind-what-game-would-you-play-if-it-had-an-alternate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-daily-grind-what-game-would-you-play-if-it-had-an-alternate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-daily-grind-what-game-would-you-play-if-it-had-an-alternate/#commentsFiled under: Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous

Darkfall

I'm a carebear, I admit. I find that getting ganked while I'm trying to figure out how to have fun in a game is a bit on the frustrating side. I don't mind organized PvP, but free-for-all PvP in an open world just isn't for this old man.

At the same time, I love sandbox games, but I can't understand why so many great sandbox games have to also be FFA PvP. Let's take Darkfall, for instance. I would play that game in a second if it had a PvE server, but it doesn't. I also love Wurm Online, but if it were PvP-only, I would never have given it a second look.

Whether it's RP, PvE, PvP, or whatever else you fancy, there's probably a game out there that you'd play if it had a ruleset you enjoy. So which one is it?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

The Daily Grind: What game would you play if it had an alternate gameplay server? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternatesalternativecarebeardaily-grindopinionpvepvprpserversshardstdgthe-daily-grindFri, 09 Mar 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/#commentsFiled under: Age of Conan, Asheron's Call, City of Heroes, Dark Age of Camelot, Darkfall, Dofus, EVE Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Fallen Earth, Lord of the Rings Online, Ultima Online, Vanguard, Shadowbane, Humor, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous

Perfect Ten

I've always thought that rulesets are a golden opportunity for MMO developers to get creative with their products and try something fresh and exciting. Unfortunately, most every MMO these days, new and old, adheres to the four "vanilla" rulesets that have been in place since Pong. You have your default PvE, your same-as-PvE-except-we-have-a-naming-policy PvE-RP, and the two player vs. player variants: PvP and PvP-RP.

Those are all well and good, but... y'know... couldn't rulesets be used to create fascinating variations on these games? It turns out that yes, yes they can.

While the vanilla rulesets are the vast majority, there does exist a group of fringe rulesets that dared to walk the different patch, er, path and made versions of MMOs that are a bold and refreshing flavor. Like blue! Sometimes these new rulesets were whipped up to inject new life into an aging title, giving players a valid reason to come back and see the game from a different perspective.

In this week's Perfect Ten, we're going to check out just how wild 'n' wacky server rulesets can get!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets

The Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5150acage-of-conanasherons-callblood-and-glorycity-of-heroescodemasterscohcooperativedaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalldofuseqeqiieqmaceveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-iiexchangefallen-earthfeaturedffafree-for-allheroiclandrovallord-of-the-rings-onlineloreplaylotroperfect-10perfect-tenpermadeathplanes-of-powerprogressionpvproleplay-encouragedrperule-setrulesetrulesetsserverserver-rulesserversshadowbaneshardshardssiege-perilousstation-exchangesubscriber-onlythe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbineultima-onlineuovanguardvip-onlyThu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The industry's obsession with shards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-soapbox-the-industrys-obsession-with-shards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-soapbox-the-industrys-obsession-with-shards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-soapbox-the-industrys-obsession-with-shards/#commentsFiled under: Business Models, MMO Industry, Opinion, The Soapbox, Miscellaneous

Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

The MMO genre is now over a decade old, and in that time we've seen countless innovations in game design, graphics technology and hardware infrastructure. Some of these innovations have become so essential that without them a game looks cheap, old or backward. A functional market or auction mechanic now replaces the old meet-and-trade style barter of some early MMOs, for example, and an MMO without copious map or chat tools is seen as grossly incomplete. The limits of what is possible have been pushed gradually forward, and yet certain ideas that were formed in the genre's infancy still seem to stick to new titles like glue.

Sharded server models made a lot of sense in the early 2000s, when server hosting was expensive and the teams working on the server code were small. Those limitations have been rapidly shattered in recent years, but still new MMOs shard their communities into small groups. There are even alternative server models out there that are just as cost-effective as the sharded model but are devoid of the negative side-effects of smashing the community into hundreds of pieces.

Read on as I take a look at why developers rely on the sharded server model, the problems surrounding splitting communities and what alternative server models are out there.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The industry's obsession with shards

The Soapbox: The industry's obsession with shards originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gameschampions-onlinecharacter-transfercommunitydatabaseeveeve-onlineeverquestfeaturedhardwareopinionrunescapeserverserver-firstserver-modelshardshardingshardssoapboxthe-soapboxultima-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftTue, 29 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2011: Massively interviews RIFT's Scott Hartsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/pax-east-2011-massively-interviews-rifts-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/pax-east-2011-massively-interviews-rifts-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/pax-east-2011-massively-interviews-rifts-scott-hartsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Events (Real-World), Interviews, Launches, MMO Industry, Interviews (Massively's), Events (Massively's Coverage), RIFT

With the launch of RIFT still fresh, members of the Trion team packed their bags and flew to Boston to attend PAX East. Even though they didn't have a booth, their "We're not in Azeroth anymore" banner made their presence known. In addition, Community Manager Cindy "Abigale" Bowens hosted a party in Boston to celebrate the launch with players and fans. Massively had a chance to sit down and talk with Trion CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman about launch day, security, plans for the future, and a whole lot more. Read on for the full interview!

Continue reading PAX East 2011: Massively interviews RIFT's Scott Hartsman

PAX East 2011: Massively interviews RIFT's Scott Hartsman originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abigaleadd-onsaddonsappappscindy-bowensdungeon-finderfeaturedguild-warsinterviewinterviewslaunchlaunch-daypaxpax-2011pax-eastpax-east-2011riftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmanserver-populationserver-populationsserver-queuesshardssocial-gaming-nightsuccesstriontrion-worldsTue, 15 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Getting a head start]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/enter-at-your-own-rift-getting-a-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/enter-at-your-own-rift-getting-a-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/enter-at-your-own-rift-getting-a-head-start/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Launches, RIFT, Enter at Your Own Rift

Dateline: Thursday, February 24th, 12:55 p.m. EST. After having rushed home from work (huzzah for a half-day), I was frantically putting the kids to bed for an afternoon nap and patching up my RIFT client. Twitter was abuzz with gamers sitting at the starting gate and revving their mice. It was here. After seven betas, it was here, and we would be the first in the door.

12:59 p.m. EST. Began checking the server status list, trying to will the dull grey names to light up as they signified activity.

1:00 p.m. EST. Scott Hartsman posts a short message on Twitter: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to RIFT."

Right on cue, the servers came up, and what felt like the entire population of Oregon tried to cram into the game all at once. By 1:01 p.m., when I logged in, my chosen server of Faeblight was already full and had 461 people in the queue. I was 462. It would be another 45 minutes until I was able to play the game proper.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Getting a head start

Enter at Your Own Rift: Getting a head start originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abigalebasketballfeaturedfootballhead-startholy-graillars-buttlerlaunchpick-up-gamesrealmsriftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmanserversshardssoccersocialsocial-experiencesocial-gamesocial-gamingtriontrion-worldsturtleturtle-mountturtle-powertwitterworld-of-warcraftWed, 02 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT adds 31 additional servers for launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rift-adds-31-additional-servers-for-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rift-adds-31-additional-servers-for-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rift-adds-31-additional-servers-for-launch/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Launches, RIFT

If you thought Trion Worlds was running out of hardware for RIFT after the previous week's onslaught of new realms brought online, think again. In anticipation for tomorrow's official launch, the studio is bringing a whopping 31 additional servers to bear between the North American and European markets.

RIFT's US side is getting 11 new PvE and eight PvP servers, while EU is due for six of each. This brings the grand total to 58 North American and 41 European servers.

While the role-playing realms have repeatedly boasted high queue times since the head start, it's interesting to note that none of these 31 new servers are the RP or PvP-RP ruleset.

You can follow the status of the servers -- including if they're up, how full they are and how many players (if any) are in the queue -- by using Trion's shard status page (also available in German and French varieties).

RIFT adds 31 additional servers for launch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropenanew-serverspvpriftrift-planes-of-telararoleplayrprp-pvpserversshard-statusshardstriontrion-worldsMon, 28 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online dev diary details legendary item and relic changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Game Mechanics, News Items, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries

While the radiance mea culpa and radiance's subsequent removal from the game is the big Lord of the Rings Online news nugget of the month, it's worth noting that Turbine's version of Middle-earth will be rolling out some changes to legendary weapons as well.

In a new dev diary at the official LotRO website, Ken "Graalx2" Burd and Brian "Zombie Columbus" Aloiso spell out some of the upcoming tweaks. The good news is that the randomness associated with legendary items is soon to be a distant memory. In spite of the Pool A/Pool B legacies introduced with the Mirkwood expansion, players would still occasionally be stuck with item legacies that didn't fit with particular playstyles. New Legacy Replacement Scrolls will remedy this situation; they will be acquired through the deconstruction of an item with the desired legacy (or through the game's item shop).

The devs also have a bit of info to pass along regarding changes to the game's relic system. In a nutshell, the goal for relics was the same as the goal for legendary item tweaks: reduce the random element and give the player more control. To this end, the number of relic tiers has been reduced to six, as has the amount of time required to attain the top tier. Secondly, Turbine has added a new legendary item currency called shards, which serves to "bind various parts of the system together," according to Aloiso. It's a lot more complicated than that, of course, and you can read the lengthy details at the official LotRO website.

Lord of the Rings Online dev diary details legendary item and relic changes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-aloisodev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgraalx2ken-burdlegendary-item-currencylegendary-itemslegendary-weaponslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthrelationshipsremakes+and+sequelsshardstolkienturbineTurbine-Entertainmentzombie-columbusWed, 23 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST