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[Neojac is looking to put Atavism MMO creator on Steam]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/29/neojac-is-looking-to-put-atavism-mmo-creator-on-steam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/29/neojac-is-looking-to-put-atavism-mmo-creator-on-steam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/29/neojac-is-looking-to-put-atavism-mmo-creator-on-steam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Raise your hand if you've ever thought you could do better than a professional MMO dev. Good, now, all of you go and click the link at the bottom of this article that leads to something called Atavism Online. Atavism is billed as an "MMO creator" on its preliminary Steam Greenlight page, and it's essentially a Unity game development environment that handles all the pesky programming, networking, and server administration tasks while enabling creative types to jump in and start developing the actual game.

You might recognize the company behind Atavism, as Neojac is also building an MMO called Neo's Land using this very toolset.

[Thanks omedon666!]

MassivelyNeojac is looking to put Atavism MMO creator on Steam originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atavismatavism-onlinedevelopmentmake-your-own-mmommo-creatorneojacneojac-entertainmentneos-landsteamtoolsetsunitySun, 29 Jun 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Inochi Project offers adorable robot-animals in exchange for Kickstarter money]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/09/the-inochi-project-offers-adorable-robot-animals-in-exchange-for/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/09/the-inochi-project-offers-adorable-robot-animals-in-exchange-for/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/09/the-inochi-project-offers-adorable-robot-animals-in-exchange-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Inochi
If you've got some money burning a hole in your pocket and a love for all things robot and cute, then Forwardfor's Inochi Project Kickstarter campaign would like to have a chat with you.

Launching today, the campaign seeks £30,000 (about $50,000 US) to help accelerate further development on the MMO. The game will allow players to create their own robot animals (ani-mechs), customize homes, participate in battle arenas, explore cities, and fight against the rust plague that is turning ani-mechs into rust-covered villains.

Stretch goals climb upward to £350,000 (about $586,000 US), but pledges begin at $1.60 US. If you want to play the beta, $16 is your buy-in. We've got the trailer after the cut!

Continue reading The Inochi Project offers adorable robot-animals in exchange for Kickstarter money

MassivelyThe Inochi Project offers adorable robot-animals in exchange for Kickstarter money originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ani-mechCrowdFundingfamilyforwardforgalleriesgalleryinochiinochi-projectkickstarterkidsrobotscreenshotscreenshotstrailertrailersunityvideovideosWed, 09 Apr 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shroud of the Avatar dev update shows off Unity scene jam winner, collectors coin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/29/shroud-of-the-avatar-dev-update-shows-off-unity-scene-jam-winner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/29/shroud-of-the-avatar-dev-update-shows-off-unity-scene-jam-winner/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/29/shroud-of-the-avatar-dev-update-shows-off-unity-scene-jam-winner/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar
Portalarium's latest Shroud of the Avatar dev blog is up, and its topics range from community contests to the wood grain of a miller's table. The blog introduces the Sigil of Magic, which is an artistic representation of the way Shroud of the Avatar's nine schools of magic interact with one another, along with a new official collectors coin, which will be sent out as a reward for those who backed Shroud of the Avatar at the Early Founder Collector Pledge level or above. Additionally, the blog leaps into each of the game's different crafting tables and talks a bit about their artistic influence.

The studio also used the blog to declare a winner in its recent Unity Scene Jam contest. The contest gave Shroud of the Avatar fans 48 hours to build a scene featuring a lunar rift using the Unity engine and some provided resources. The winner will receive a Knight-level pledge, a signed game box, and a Shroud of the Avatar t-shirt. Check out the scene in a dev-hosted video after the break.

Continue reading Shroud of the Avatar dev update shows off Unity scene jam winner, collectors coin

MassivelyShroud of the Avatar dev update shows off Unity scene jam winner, collectors coin originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Sep 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcrowdfundingdev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playfreemiumkickstarterlord-britishmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsportalariumpremiumrichard-garriottshroudshroud-of-the-avatarSOTAtrailertrailersunityunity-engineupdatevideovideosSun, 29 Sep 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Embers of Caerus September update details explorable demo and team changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/23/embers-of-caerus-september-update-details-explorable-demo-and-te/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/23/embers-of-caerus-september-update-details-explorable-demo-and-te/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/23/embers-of-caerus-september-update-details-explorable-demo-and-te/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Embers of Caerus September update details explorable demo and team changes
Forsaken Studios has released its September development update video this weekend for Embers of Caerus, and in it, we get details on a new community manager, some issues the team is having with funding, and the upcoming exploration demo that's in the works with a new engine.

As technical director Dave Belcher explains in the video, the investment hurdle merely means that the team will need to step it up a bit to show off more of what the game is at this point, with the possibility of more crowd funding in the future. Belcher explains that the game will be moving from Havok's Vision engine to the Unity engine (temporarily) for new prototypes, which should help show potential investors (both large and small) what the game is all about.

Check out the entire 18-minute video just after the jump for more on what the team has been up to in the last few busy months.

Continue reading Embers of Caerus September update details explorable demo and team changes

MassivelyEmbers of Caerus September update details explorable demo and team changes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Sep 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-belcherdemoembers-of-caerushavochavoc-visionprototypeunityMon, 23 Sep 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tamriel Infinium: The Elder Scrolls Online's community focus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/26/tamriel-infinium-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-community-focus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/26/tamriel-infinium-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-community-focus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/26/tamriel-infinium-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-community-focus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Tamriel Infinium ESO community focus
When interviewing developers for Massively over the last three years, I've taken many opportunities to chat up multiple community managers. And when I was running my own community, I read article after article about how to gauge the health of a community. Although I don't remember who said it or where I might have read it, I learned that one of the best ways to measure a healthy community is the amount of artwork that players make about your particular theme, or in the case of The Elder Scrolls Online, the game.

Of course, all game creators like to see players having fun and being inspired by what they are doing. The Elder Scrolls brings with it an existing community inspired by games like Skyrim and Morrowind. The community has already fallen in love with ESO and has drawn inspiration from everything that ZeniMax has released about the game so far. One of these inspired individuals is Lisa Green, known as Aloucia on TESO-RP.com. She told me a bit about herself and the inspiration behind her painting that was featured in the latest Tamriel Chronicle.

Continue reading Tamriel Infinium: The Elder Scrolls Online's community focus

MassivelyTamriel Infinium: The Elder Scrolls Online's community focus originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artartworkbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftbosmercolumncommunitycommunity-teamDeviantArtelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofeaturedinspirationlayeringlisa-greenphasingPhasing-Technologytamrieltamriel-infiniumtesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlineunitywolf-peltzenimaxzenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosFri, 26 Jul 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/rise-and-shiny-game-of-thrones-ascent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Game of Thrones Ascent screenshot
There are several things that Game of Thrones Ascent, a social game by Disruptor Beam, does right. At the top of that list is the way the game works as a vehicle for easily digestible content, content that comes from some of the densest reading material in modern fantasy. For the record, I still haven't read any of the books that the Game of Thrones television series is based on, but luckily I have a wife who will simply burst with excitement when she reads some new tidbit... unless she tells the nearest person (me).

It must be hard making a game based on such a popular piece of fiction. The fact is that I didn't expect the little-known developers to do much good. I thought players would be smashing through a game that served as nothing but a cheap commercial for the HBO series. I was very wrong.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Game of Thrones Ascent originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandisruptor-beamf2pfacebookfeaturedfree-to-playgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascenthands-oninnogamesinterviewinterviewsjon-radoffkartugalivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinysocial-gamingstreamtwitchtwitch-tvunityvideoSun, 03 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

GDC Online information screenshot
GDC Online was fantastic this year. Really, it's great every year, but I found more bits of goodness this time around than ever before. It's simply my favorite convention, possibly because it's aimed more at press and devs than at fans. There's a wonderful lack of loudspeakers booming dance music and only a handful of booth babes. In other words, GDC Online is quieter, smaller and more professional than a typical fan convention. For a grumpy old gamer like yours truly, it's heaven. I can actually talk to developers without having to scream over music.

What did I find, and what excited me this year? A lot. We've already written up or recorded many interviews so far, but I wanted to take this week's Free for All and MMObility to recap the stuff that truly got me excited.

Let's get to it... there's simply too much to see!

Continue reading Free for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1

MassivelyFree for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeaustinbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedconconferenceconventionf2pfeaturedffaforge-of-empiresfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gdc-onlinegdc-online-2012gdcogdco-2012grepolisherokon-onlineinnogamesjustin-beckkartugalagooniamobileopinionparallel-kingdomparallel-mafiaparallel-zombiesperblueunityvelvet-ropeWed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taikodom prepares for August closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/taikodom-prepares-for-august-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/taikodom-prepares-for-august-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/taikodom-prepares-for-august-closed-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Taikodom prepares for closed beta in August
Earlier this year we were wondering what had happened to Brazilian sci-fi shooter Taikodom -- and if we'd ever see it at all. Happily, things are looking up in this department: Reloaded Games announced that the title is now on the verge of closed beta testing. CEO Bjorn Book-Larsson said that beta signups will commence shortly and the title will go into closed beta in August.

If you're wondering what Taikodom is all about, Book-Larsson attempts to sum it up as thus: "The game is a cross between EVE Online, Risk, and a shooter/action game, and has some incredible first-person space vehicle battles, combined with the capability to build large strategic battleships. Players will be able to not only engage in some incredible head-to-head combat in space, but also control vast territory and engage in interstellar politics."

Taikodom has taken so long in getting to beta because the team switched to the Unity3D engine halfway through its development. The title is slated to launch this year on the PC and Mac, with tablet and console versions to follow in 2013.

MassivelyTaikodom prepares for August closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bjorn-Book-Larssonbrowserccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinef2pfree-to-playHoplon-Infotainmentinternet-spaceshipspoliticsreloaded-gamesrisksandboxsci-fiscience-fictionspreadsheets-onlineTaikodomunityunity-engineunity3dFri, 06 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Guns of Icarus video shows off cooperative airship battles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/new-guns-of-icarus-video-shows-off-cooperative-airship-battles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/new-guns-of-icarus-video-shows-off-cooperative-airship-battles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/new-guns-of-icarus-video-shows-off-cooperative-airship-battles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Image
Remember Guns of Icarus? If not, let's recap: small indie studio, steampunk, airships. That probably rings a few bells, and you'll be happy to know that the dev team has parlayed a successful Kickstarter campaign into an extended development cycle.

As a result, we have a spiffy new video that shows off cooperative airship combat. Muse Games also wants you to know that you can download the single-player game (and sign up for the multiplayer beta) at its official website. Before you go, check out the full clip after the cut.

Continue reading New Guns of Icarus video shows off cooperative airship battles

MassivelyNew Guns of Icarus video shows off cooperative airship battles originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airshipsbrowser-basedf2pfree-to-playguns-of-icarusguns-of-icarus-onlinemusemuse-gamessteampunkunityunity-enginevideoThu, 05 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Bigpoint's cash-shop policies and why they are OK]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-soapbox-bigpoints-cash-shop-policies-and-why-they-are-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-soapbox-bigpoints-cash-shop-policies-and-why-they-are-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-soapbox-bigpoints-cash-shop-policies-and-why-they-are-ok/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Bigpoint sign
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.

I have been tasked with explaining to Massively readers why I am OK with Bigpoint's very public policy on selling "advantages." I imagine that this will not be an easy task. After all, we gamers aren't much different than the rest of humanity in the way we tend to care about things that have little or no effect on us. We all have an opinion on "selling power," but I think it's high time that someone attempts to explain why it really isn't always power that Bigpoint is selling -- and why it would be fair even if it were.

I will attempt to stick to the specific topic of Bigpoint's policies, but much of what I say will probably apply to any game developer that sells practically anything for real world money. Yes, I am talking about those wonderful collector's editions and favorite cash-shop mounts. They all fall under the same category that Bigpoint's ships or special drones do.

Click past the cut and I'll explain why.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Bigpoint's cash-shop policies and why they are OK

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Bigpoint's cash-shop policies and why they are OK originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopdark-orbitf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpsoapboxthe-soapboxunityzeus-droneTue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muse announces Guns of Icarus, unveils CG trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/muse-announces-guns-of-icarus-unveils-cg-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/muse-announces-guns-of-icarus-unveils-cg-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/muse-announces-guns-of-icarus-unveils-cg-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Guns of Icarus screenshot
Browser MMOs are a dime a dozen these days, and sometimes it seems like there's a new one popping up on an hourly basis. Consequently, first impressions are everything in such a crowded marketplace, and if its CG trailer is anything to go by, Guns of Icarus may raise a few eyebrows when it launches in 2012.

The game is built around the popular Unity engine and features a post-apocalyptic world that mixes steampunk, classic aviation, and an adventure-serial feel that evokes the seminal Xbox shooter Crimson Skies (and perhaps a gritty, aerial homage to Indiana Jones). Gameplay centers around your airship, and dev studio Muse Games says that "moving from town to town, trading and collecting resources, outfitting your ship, and battling deadly pirates" are just a few of the things you'll do.

Your airship can also feature additional player crewmembers (or NPCs if you're a loner), and the game's skill and leveling system looks to make each crewman both unique and versatile. "Expect to find your pilot putting out a fire or your mechanic manning the guns at any moment," says Muse's press release. You can check out the new CG trailer as well as a brief gameplay video after the break.

Continue reading Muse announces Guns of Icarus, unveils CG trailer

MassivelyMuse announces Guns of Icarus, unveils CG trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airshipairshipsbrowserbrowser-basedcrewmembersguns-of-icarusmusemuse-gamesplayer-crewed-shipspost-apocalypticpress-releasesci-fisteampunktrailerunityunity-enginevideoFri, 12 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Icarus and GamersFirst collaborate on new MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/icarus-and-gamersfirst-collaborate-on-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/icarus-and-gamersfirst-collaborate-on-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/icarus-and-gamersfirst-collaborate-on-new-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Icarus Studios and Gamersfirst's Reloaded Productions have announced today that the two studios will be partnering yet again on an upcoming MMORPG. The game, titled Hailan Rising, will be based on Icarus' xScape platform, which is being modified to support Unity 3D.

Hailan Rising is "slated to be the industry's first full scale PvP-based Fantasy MMORPG developed in Unity 3D," and places players in the role of one of eight character classes in the post-apocalyptic fantasy world of Hailan. After the world is destroyed by a huge flood, land is at a premium, so players must battle it out for the newly created islands and the resources they hold. For more information on this upcoming title, head over to the game's official site.

Gallery: Hailan Rising Core Gallery

MassivelyIcarus and GamersFirst collaborate on new MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygamersfirsthailanhailan-onlineicarusicarus-studiospost-apocalypticpvppvp-basedunityunity-3dunity-engineunity3dxScapeTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The constants of the console]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Once again I find myself envious of the console gamer lifestyle. If you think about it even for a bit, you can see how they almost have the best of all gaming worlds. Most popular console titles support some version of multiplayer that can simulate an MMO. Granted, players don't have access to potentially thousands of players at once and all that "massive" entails, but if we are even mildly honest, we'd admit that a great many MMO players spend their time in an instanced dungeon with the same handful of people, most of the time.

A console is also portable and standard. If you buy a console game, you pretty much know it will run on your system. Sure, there are hiccups here and there, but those would be generally the same hiccups that all players would have. The games are made for the console, not the other way around. My jealousy has begun to affect how I play -- I am starting to find ways to step further and further away from the standard PC setup, and hopefully I will never utter the words "upgrade my PC" again.

Browser-based and portable gaming are much like the console market. Let's discuss how so and why this really makes me feel good. Click past the cut!

Continue reading MMObility: The constants of the console

MassivelyMMObility: The constants of the console originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOsfeaturedflash-basediphonejavammobilitymobilesmartphoneunityTue, 17 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamigo opens the news floodgates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

"Cry havoc, and unleash the titles of war" might as well be gamigo's cry, as today it has seen fit to give us what can only be termed as a new title news explosion. Aside from offering up an interesting tidbit on its upcoming space dogfighter, Black Prophecy, the company has released information on a handful of other new titles that should pique the interest of gamers who are looking for something beyond the standard free-to-play MMO fare. Better still, some of these titles will be available in-browser, helping to open up more "jump in and game" free-to-play options.

Grimlands offers something for players who have been waiting for a post-apocalyptic title that promises the ability to evolve their own playstyles -- and cities. UFO Online: Fight for Earth features a tactics-heavy browser-based MMO environment where players will battle against each other and enemy NPCs in a world overrun with gobsmackingly enormous amounts of aliens. Magic Campus offers adventure in a turn-based world where players build a powerful cadre of pets and mentor others in the ways of magic -- all in their browsers.

Sound intriguing? Join us behind the break for a first look at screenshots and video from these upcoming gamigo titles!

Continue reading Gamigo opens the news floodgates

MassivelyGamigo opens the news floodgates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsbetablack-prophecybrowser-basedconcept-artcross-platformf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playgallerygamigoGrimlandsjrpgmacmagic-campusmmommofpsmmoomgmmorpgmmortsnew-titlespcpost-apocalypticpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotsteaser-trailertrailerufo-onlineufo-online-fight-for-earthunityunity-enginevideoThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica gets an open beta date]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/battlestar-galactica-gets-an-open-beta-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/battlestar-galactica-gets-an-open-beta-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/battlestar-galactica-gets-an-open-beta-date/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Are you ready to step into the world of Battlestar Galactica Online and have a frakkin' good time blowing Cylons into the next century? Perhaps you're more the type of person who feels a certain affinity with the toaster-people and instead would prefer to play on the side of the Cylons themselves? Whatever the case, if you've been waiting for Bigpoint Games' upcoming free-to-play SyFy Channel space dogfighter, then you're in luck. According to a post by Husker on the Battlestar Galactica Online forums, the game's open beta is right around the corner: February 8th, to be exact!

Initially, three servers will be launched for open beta: Caprica for the U.S. West coast, Scorpia for the U.S. East coast, and Tauron for players located in the EU. However, all players will be expected to use English in common chat channels, even on the EU server. The only exception is in Squad and Wing chat, which is left up to players. Any other language used in open channels will cause you to be ganked with a GM banhammer and be sent to appeal on the forums. Bigpoint also states that if more servers are needed, the company will be adjusting accordingly. In the meantime, you can check out Beau's First Impressions of the game or watch the red-hot trailer Bigpoint just released to get an idea of what this very ambitious Unity-engine-based game will be like.

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica gets an open beta date originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-mmobattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowser-basedcapricadatedogfighterf2pfree-to-playopen-betaopen-beta-datesci-fiscorpiasyfysyfy networksyfy-channelSyfyNetworktauronunityunity-engineFri, 28 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Twenty-five free MMOs for that shiny new laptop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/free-for-all-twenty-five-free-mmos-for-that-shiny-new-laptop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/free-for-all-twenty-five-free-mmos-for-that-shiny-new-laptop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/free-for-all-twenty-five-free-mmos-for-that-shiny-new-laptop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So there you are, reading a column from your favorite Massively writer on your shiny new laptop. You might be stuck with your parents and family because of the snow, or you might simply want to find a new MMORPG to play on the device. Perhaps you broke down and bought that cute pink netbook at Target, and now you need something to do with it besides reading your favorite writer of all time?

Don't worry, because I've taken the time to compile and test 25 MMOs that will work wonderfully on your new toy! Yes, there are real MMOs out there that are not dependent on the latest graphics card or six gigs of ram. These are fully realized worlds, complete with chat windows and socializing. I will make a note if the game might have some difficulty on the oldest of hardware -- or the least powerful -- so keep an eye out for that. Otherwise, download away!

For the record, this is my new toy. I got it for work, but you know the first thing I had to do was try out gaming on it. Click past the cut to see the list!

Continue reading Free for All: Twenty-five free MMOs for that shiny new laptop

MassivelyFree for All: Twenty-five free MMOs for that shiny new laptop originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurequest-worldsbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcanaan-onlinecash-shopcode-of-everanddarkorbitdarkwindDofusdomain-of-heroeseternal-landsf2pfeaturedfragoriafree-to-playftpfusionfallglitchgolemizerheroes-of-might-and-magic-onlineindependentIndielinkrealmsmabinogiMapleStorymight-and-magic-heroes-kingdomsmilmopoptropicapuzzle-piratesrunescapeshadowtaletalesweavertibiaunitywizard-101wizard101Wed, 29 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The year 2010 was a great year in gaming. If anyone tells you any different, look him in the eye -- you've just met a madman. In fact, 2010 did so much for me, personally, that it might be hard to top it for a while. I actually started getting paid to write my blog entries this year, discovered so many wonderful new developers this year, and played more hours than in all of the previous years combined.

As luck would have it, there are already several new games being announced that are making 2011 look like an even bigger year for me. Browser-based technology is only growing more robust and rich, indie gaming is finally starting to get a lot of the respect it deserves, and I now have the ability to contact almost any developer I want for use in my columns. All of this adds up to some exciting times ahead, for sure. All thanks to Massively, of course.

There are four games in particular that I am very excited about. More will come, I'm positive, but these four have already cast huge spells on me. Click past the cut to see what you should be excited about, too!

Continue reading Free for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011

MassivelyFree for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landankamaankama-gamesbattlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowserbrowser-basedbsg-onlineDofusdofus-2.0end-of-the-year-2010featuredfree-for-allfree-to-playftpglitchIndieindie-gamesmobile-gamingSquare-Enixunityunity-enginewakfuWed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: The mysteries of UNITY]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/behind-the-mask-the-mysteries-of-unity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/behind-the-mask-the-mysteries-of-unity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/behind-the-mask-the-mysteries-of-unity/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you've never made the trip to level 40 in Champions Online, the endgame is somewhat of a mystery. I remember prior to getting my first level 40 that people would talk about things like "Nemcon" and "dailies." I found it kind of strange that a level 35 character couldn't sidekick or otherwise experience anything similar to these things. That all changed for me when I journeyed into the UNITY building for the first time.

It was a little confusing -- there were no easy guides telling me where to start NemCon or what the "Qliphothic research" was for. Fortunately, you guys don't have to feel as much like a noob as I did.

Warning: This article includes some spoilers for the plot of NemCon.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The mysteries of UNITY

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The mysteries of UNITY originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosendgameendgame-contentnemesisnemesis-confrontationnemesis-systempveraidingunityThu, 16 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Atmosphir]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/first-impressions-atmosphir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/first-impressions-atmosphir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/first-impressions-atmosphir/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

After poking around some of my usual haunts to find interesting new games to show you, I stumbled across Atmosphir. Granted, it's not a true MMORPG -- I will tell you that up front. I knew, however, that it was something that needed to be shown for several reasons. It's totally free-to-play but features an optional subscription that will get you a monthly 500 points to spend in the cash shop for optional customizations and items. All weapons are already balanced and equal, so there's no "buying power" in this game.

Customization is a blast, and the characters feel sharp and bright. I was able to make a unique-looking character despite having initially limited choices. Paying the monthly subscription opens up many more choices, making it easily worth the six dollars or so. The real game shines when you load a custom-made level and rack up points. If you like what you see, you might even have a chance to edit the level yourself or make a brand-new level of your own design.

Let me me explain a bit more and you'll see why this might be a very important game to keep an eye on.

Continue reading First Impressions: Atmosphir

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Atmosphir originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atmosphirbeau-hindmanbetabrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopcustomizationf2pfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playfreemiumunityunity-engineFri, 03 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 launches into space Taikodom-style!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-launches-into-space-taikodom-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-launches-into-space-taikodom-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-launches-into-space-taikodom-style/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are not many games that truly give the player the feel of what it is like to fly a starship in space. In fact, even some of the MMOs that label themselves as sci-fi are often just fantasy games with a futuristic paint job. And if you're looking for, more specifically, a free-to-play sci fi MMO, you will find but one game, and that game is Taikodom, the Brazilian-born, space-action game. If this game seems familiar, it's because it was recently acquired by GamersFirst, who have really put production of this title into full gear. Massively was lucky enough to to get our hands on the current incarnation of this game -- pre-beta! -- at E3.

Set some 300 years in the future, Taikodom tells us that Earth -- or at least, Earth as we know it -- has completely changed. We are no longer able to set foot on the soothing surface of our blue-green homeworld. Instead, groups of space stations called Nodes are now our homes. Corporations run these nodes, and each has its own distinct faction and personality. Humanity now explores the galaxy in starships, which simulate and repeat familiar sights and sounds back to us. Hyperspace between Nodes is traversed via giant disc-shaped stations called, predictably, jumpgates. Explore this vast and exciting galaxy with us after the break!

Gallery: E3 2010: Taikodom

Continue reading E3 launches into space Taikodom-style!

MassivelyE3 launches into space Taikodom-style! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2010featuredgamersfirstopen-worldopen-world-pvpsci-fispacespaceshipstaikodomtaikodom-betaunityunity-engineThu, 17 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online explains microtransactions, high level UNITY missions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/champions-online-explains-microtransactions-high-level-unity-mi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/champions-online-explains-microtransactions-high-level-unity-mi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/champions-online-explains-microtransactions-high-level-unity-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Cryptic Studios has released a Champions Online State of the Game for July 15. Although it highlights some of the beta happenings of late, it's likely this won't affect many of our readers. However, the info they've dropped about microtransactions and high level content is definitely worth a read for any fans of the game, whether you're a Champions Online beta tester or not.

Cryptic Studios writes, "Champions Online will support micro-transactions, but contrary to the concerns of some people, the game is not 'based' on them." They explain the basic scope of what will be possible in Champions Online using microtransactions, such as aesthetic changes and account-level management tools (like renaming your character). However, in the name of balance, they state, "any micro-transaction that has a game effect can also be earned in the game through play."

Continue reading Champions Online explains microtransactions, high level UNITY missions

MassivelyChampions Online explains microtransactions, high level UNITY missions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaschampions-onlinecharacter-slotscryptic-studiosgame-mechanicsmicrotransactionsmissionsnew-titlesomegapvequestsstate-of-the-gamesuper-herosuperherothe-omega-systemunityunity-missionsThu, 16 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tom and Jerry and Ben 10 coming to the MMO realm]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/tom-and-jerry-and-ben-10-coming-to-the-mmo-realm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/tom-and-jerry-and-ben-10-coming-to-the-mmo-realm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/tom-and-jerry-and-ben-10-coming-to-the-mmo-realm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We've written a bit about the Cartoon Network MMO FusionFall of late, which enjoys a great deal of popularity with younger MMO gamers. Now it looks like two other cartoons will be coming to the MMO space: Tom and Jerry and Ben 10. Tom and Jerry is going massively multiplayer (for Asia in 2010) through TurnOut Ventures Limited, a joint venture between Turner Entertainment Holdings Asia Pacific Limited and Outblaze Investments Limited.

Hong Kong-based Typhoon Games (who are developing Hello Kitty Online) is developing the Tom and Jerry MMO. A look at the TurnOut Ventures product page also shows they're working on Ben 10 Omniverse. Both massively multiplayer titles are being built on the Unity game engine, for PC and Mac compatibility. There's no announcement at this time for North American or European releases of either title.

[Via Kotaku]

MassivelyTom and Jerry and Ben 10 coming to the MMO realm originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaben-10ben-10-omniversecartooncartoon-networkcartoonscasualhello-kitty-onlinekidsmmo-industrynew-titlesoutblazetom-and-jerryturner-entertainmenttyphoon-gamesunityTue, 02 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cartoon Network announces browser-based MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/cartoon-network-announces-browser-based-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/cartoon-network-announces-browser-based-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/cartoon-network-announces-browser-based-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Today at Comic-Con, Cartoon Network has announced the release of the first-ever MMO for kids which will be entirely browser-based. Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall is a futuristic adventure set during an alien invasion of the Cartoon Network universe. This means that players will not only be able to team up together to defend the universe from this alien invasion, but the game will incorporate all of Cartoon Network's most popular characters including stars of Ben 10: Alien Force, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls and more!

This game will consist of 60 play areas and utilize the Unity Technologies game engine. This engine has been the cutting-edge choice for several gaming projects such as Freeverse, Shockwave.com, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Flashbang Studios and more. Look for FusionFall to release later this fall.

MassivelyCartoon Network announces browser-based MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedcartoon-networkcomic-concomic-con-2008unityunity-technologiesThu, 24 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST