Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of May 19th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-19th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-19th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-19th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
Missing livestreams is so 2011! There's no excuse now, what with the livestream schedule page going up every week, the constant reminders across Twitter, and the super-cool regulars we have who hang out in the chat room with us. But, alas, some of you do occasionally miss a stream or two and need someone to point out what you might have missed. That someone would be me, and this column is the place to go.

Last week we had all sorts of cool stuff. Some of the highlights? First we had Richie with some Diablo III Hell-smashing action, MJ deciding to run some dungeons in EverQuest II and Aion, finishing up her Choose My Adventure run in City of Heroes and checking up housing decorations in Vanguard. I'm known to run a stream or two as well, and this week I showed off the new fully voice-acted quest Song from the Depths in RuneScape.

Click past the cut and enjoy!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of May 19th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of May 19th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiondiablo-3diablo-iiiEQ2EverQuest-2EverquestIif2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpjagexlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmv-tvmvtvnc-softround-uprounduprunescapeSOESony-Online-Entertainmentstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtwitchtwitch-tvvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvideovideosSun, 27 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Vanguard, Saga of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/why-i-play-vanguard-saga-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/why-i-play-vanguard-saga-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/why-i-play-vanguard-saga-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

vanguard
"How is Vanguard?"

If there's one question that comes up time and time again, it's that one. It experienced a launch disaster, lack of content post 35+, bugs, duping, exploits, performance issues, and the sad "parking lot layoffs," yet Vanguard: Saga of Heroes always seems to generate buzz any time it comes up in conversation.

There's a certain aura surrounding this game, and even though it languished with low subscription numbers for years, it always seems to attract attention when it's covered at Massively. There's something about Vanguard that kept me playing solidly well past launch and still pulls me back from time to time. With a free-to-play launch just around the corner, it seems like the perfect time to explain why I play Vanguard.

Continue reading Why I Play: Vanguard, Saga of Heroes

MassivelyWhy I Play: Vanguard, Saga of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryanmassively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonvanguardvanguard-dungeonsvanguard-flyingVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvanguard-shipsvgwhy-i-playWed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard update brings new loyalty rewards for subscribers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vanguard
As Vanguard straddles the line between its old subscriber-only business model and this summer's free-to-play transition, the team is still plugging away at minor updates to the game. Today's patch brings a smattering of updates and fixes as well as the May loyalty rewards for current subscribers.

Active players will get to haul away five goodies from SOE, including a brown sloop ship, unique tack and barding, and a "Kamelott Overland Onslaught Life-Sustaining Exo-Skeleton" mount. Players can also pick up free supply crates and veteran's caches (the latter are available only for level 50+ characters) every 44 hours.

The update also fixed a few small issues with quests, retweaked some skills for Rogues and Bards, and changed a couple of items to make them work properly.

SOE will continue to dish out loyalty rewards until Vanguard goes F2P.

MassivelyVanguard update brings new loyalty rewards for subscribers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bardbardsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-updatekooleloyalty-rewardspatchpatch-notesrogueroguessandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonupdateupdate-notesvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgWed, 09 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hellgate Tokyo
Maybe I'm alone in this, but my jaw just dropped when I came home this past week to see that Massively posted the news that Shadowbane is coming back to life. Granted, it's only going to happen in China, but still, that's pretty incredible. Shadowbane's been in the ground for three years now, and if I had to pick an MMO that deserved resurrection, this particular one would be farthest from my mind (no offense if you liked the game; it's just that there are so many others that are even more worthy).

But how can this not give you hope? Many of us have lost an MMO we loved or at least had a decked-out character populating the character select screen, and the thought of that game coming back against all odds is a goosebump-rising one. It may also smack of justice served, as some MMOs fail not because of faulty gameplay but because of mismanagement by the studio, complex legal wrangling, or bad marketing.

Today let's look at a few examples of dead MMOs that were brought back to life and what this may mean for the future of the industry. Zombie MMOs! Not, you know, MMOs with zombies.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrchangyouclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsclone-wars-adventurescrimediablodiablo-clonef2pfallen-earthfantasyfaxion-onlinefeaturedflagshipfree-realmsfree-to-playfrogsterg1galaxiesgame-archaelogistgamersfirsthanbitsofthellgatehellgate-globalhellgate-londonhellgate-tokyojohn-smedleylego-universemythosmythos-europemythos-globalnostalgiaopinionPirates-of-the-Burning-Seapvprebootredbanaresurrectionrevivalsandboxsci-fishadowbanesoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgot3t3funtabula-rasathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinevanguardzombie-mmozombiesTue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Warped]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

One Shots
Massively reader Johanis delivered today's One Shots image, which features one of TERA's pegasi in flight. He tells us,
Here is a shot of Honeynut, my TERA Archer, who was exploring during last weekend's open beta. While flying from one destination to another, she suddenly warped through one of many travel gates, and it was gorgeous. She emerged into a beautiful land just waiting to be explored.
Enjoy Johanis' entry alongside a few others past the break!

Continue reading One Shots: Warped

MassivelyOne Shots: Warped originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotseaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylucasartsone-shotsreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtortelonterathe-old-republictoruser-submissionsvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgSun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of April 21st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
What a week it has been in Massively's world of streaming games! We have a little bit of something for all types of viewers. Hardcores, roleplayers, explorers, crafters and lazy-bums like yours truly: We have something for all of you. Be sure to bookmark our livestream schedule page so that you can always see the schedule ahead of time. It's much easier to plan your life around our videos if you know the schedule early. Invite your friends... we love to hear from new people in the chat room!

This week, we had some EVE Online adventuring with Mike followed by his attempt at Drakensang Online, a browser-based action MMO. Adventure Mike took a spin in the way-back machine and streamed some EverQuest, and MJ scored some time in EverQuest II, a chunk of Vanguard, and Aion. She's been a very busy streamer! Lastly, I took a look at Gemstone IV, a fantastic MUD that almost brought tears to my eyes. Tears of frustration, but many tears of joy.

Let's get to watching!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of April 21st

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of April 21st originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionccpdrakensang-onlineeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedgemstone-ivLiveStreamlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmv-tvmvtvpreviously-on-mv-tvround-uproundupstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvanguardvideovideosSun, 29 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SOE logo
We imagine that the word downtime makes Sony Online Entertainment employees cringe, convulse, and eye-twitch for hours on end after last summer's disastrous hacker-induced service outage. Happily, though, the next service interruption is planned, and we've got plenty of notice.

SOE will be performing maintenance this Monday, April 23rd, and the firm says that all of its game services will be unavailable for approximately 24 hours. The downtime starts at 3:01 a.m. EDT. Commerce transactions and account management functionality will also be affected, so you might as well cross all of your SOE-related plans off Monday's calendar.

MassivelySOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playhistoricalkid-friendlykidskids-mmommofpspiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaplanetsideplaystation-3playstation3potbspsps1ps3sandboxsci-fisoesoe-downtimesoe-maintenancesoe-planned-maintenancesoe-service-interruptionsonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard - magic hour duo
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.

"Yaaay!"

"FU-- yeah!"

"Finally."

"WOW! This is the best MMO news I have heard in a long time!"

These are just a few of the comments that greeted our recent announcement of Vanguard's upcoming free-to-play conversion. The reactions were overwhelmingly positive, and Sony Online Entertainment's open-world fantasy themepark was lavished with praise by a wide cross-section of Massively readers. This makes me wonder where all these folks have been since the game's launch in early 2007. It's not like Vanguard shut down and is being resurrected, you know? More importantly, I wonder whether free-to-play can actually save the game from the scrap heap of shuttered SOE MMOs.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaideditorialeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playop-edopinionrantrantssoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonthe-soapboxvanguardvanguard-f2pvanguard-free-to-playvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 17 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of April 7th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-7th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-7th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-7th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
Oh hey, guys and gals, did you know that it was just Friday the 13th? Yes, it was. Don't worry; you'll have nothing but good luck on this week's recap of livestream goodness. If you missed a stream that you really wanted to see, or if you've never tuned in to check out what we do, head on over to our Twitch.tv page and keep an eye out. Be sure to bookmark the livestream guide as well so you can keep up with the current schedule. We have a lot of variety in our line-up, so it's always good to check back!

This week we had some great stuff! MJ has been streaming like her life depends on it lately, first jumping into EverQuest II, then spending some time in Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. She had to pay some attention Aion, of course, and there, she showed off some player housing and took a trip on an airlink. Mike was back in EVE Online avoiding death-rays and spacemen and later found himself dead in RIFT... again. The Mists of Pandaria have tempted Richie once again, and thankfully our cameras were there to capture it. Meanwhile, I spent some time boating in Second Life and gave a first look at Stronghold Kingdoms.

Just look at that lineup, will you? We're proud! Now click past the cut and get to viewing!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of April 7th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of April 7th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbeau-hindmanBlizzardccpeve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedFirefly-Studioslinden-labLiveStreamlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmj-guthriemv-tvmvtvpreviously-on-mv-tvriftround-uproundupsecond-lifeSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamstronghold-kingdomstelontriontwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 15 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Man oh man, why couldn't I just take a month or so off of this column without getting sucked back into it? Why must classic MMOs be so compelling and newsworthy these days?

I planned to take some time off of TGA while I went through Dark Age of Camelot in Choose My Adventure (which you're all reading, yes?), but there was so much to talk about regarding older MMOs that I couldn't sit back and stay mum. Ergo, I've dashed off this special "break" column devoted to commenting on recent news about classic games. Hopefully this will help tide you over until I get back into the full swing of things in April.

On the docket for today's discussion is Vanguard's forthcoming F2P change, EverQuest's recent conversion, Anarchy Online's stunning graphic engine video, and more!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Bio break! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseqeq-nexteq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistmmofpsnostalgiaopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-2playstation-3psps1sandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accesstelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO doesn't get the respect it deserves?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-doesnt-get-the-respect-it-deserves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-doesnt-get-the-respect-it-deserves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-doesnt-get-the-respect-it-deserves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vanguard - Dread knight flying mount
So 2012 is shaping up to be a great year for MMO fans. There are a ton of new and interesting titles coming out in the next little while, and even forgotten games like Vanguard are getting some love. Now that Sony Online Entertainment is devoting dev resources to Brad McQuaid's beloved (yet strangely abandoned) 2007 themepark, it's probably time to find another MMO to take over that Rodney Dangerfield slot in our collective consciousness.

You know, the MMO that gets no respect.

It's a fantastic game, yet no one plays it. And if its devs would just pay it a little bit of attention, it would knock the socks right off the rest of the genre. So how about it, Massively morning crew? Which MMO doesn't get the respect it deserves?

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!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which MMO doesn't get the respect it deserves? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindf2pfantasyfree-to-playno-respectopinionrespectrodney-dangerfieldsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttdgtelonthe-daily-grindvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is maintenance mode better than nothing at all?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-better-than-nothing-at-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-better-than-nothing-at-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-better-than-nothing-at-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vanguard
In the last few years, long before rumors that Vanguard would be heading down the F2P path were confirmed, players groused about the state of the game, complaining that SOE was allowing the game to languish with no devs and no updates. Those were exaggerations, of course, but the players were vocal about their perceived neglect, throwing around dirty words like "abandonware," and worse, "maintenance mode" -- the idea that an MMO is just kept as is with no updates and only enough attention to keep the servers running.

Of course, players whose games were sunsetted entirely (Tabula Rasa, Asheron's Call 2, and The Matrix Online, to name a few) might have wished for maintenance mode rather than death. Getting no updates might suck, but at least you still have a game to play.

What say you -- is maintenance mode better than nothing at all?

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!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is maintenance mode better than nothing at all? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abandonwareac2asherons-call-2brianna-royce-tdgdaily-grindmaintenance-modeopinionsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsunsettabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineTRvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesMon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE showers Vanguard loyalists with gifts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/soe-showers-vanguard-loyalists-with-gifts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/soe-showers-vanguard-loyalists-with-gifts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/soe-showers-vanguard-loyalists-with-gifts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vanguard
While many newcomers to Telon might be checking out Vanguard for the first time when it goes free-to-play this summer, loyal subscribers wondered, "What do we get, apart from an influx of newbie chat questions?" To that, SOE replied: "GIFTS. And lots of them."

The studio announced a series of loyalty rewards for current subscribers that can be grabbed in-game by going to a Herald of Telon in a major city. The first rewards are a "Loyal" title, a Banshee pet, and a Bracelet of Lucky Charms.

Currently only players on Halgar can obtain these rewards, with Telon's inhabitants gaining access tomorrow. Each set of rewards will only be available for a limited time, with more sets to come between now and the F2P relaunch.

MassivelySOE showers Vanguard loyalists with gifts originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bansheebanshee-petf2pfantasyfree-to-playgiftgiftsloyalty-programloyalty-rewardslucky-charmsrewardssandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsubscriber-giftstelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesveteran-rewardsvgWed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
With the recent announcement from Sony Online Entertainment that Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will be going free-to-play sometime this summer, questions immediately began to surface. How will it effect current players? Will it be anything like the other free-to-play titles that SOE runs? Well, we were as curious as anyone else, so we fired off a few questions to SOE in the hopes of snagging some more insight into the transformation.

We received our answers from Andy Sites, Director of Development, and the ever-familiar Salim Grant, Creative Director.

It's an exciting time to be a Vanguard player, but will putting a free title on a game that has struggled in the past make any difference? Time will tell. In the meanwhile, click past the cut to check out what SOE had to say!

Continue reading SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions

MassivelySOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-sitesbeau-hindmancash-shopconversionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playftpinterviewinterviewslive-gamerMicrotransactionssalim-grasalim-grantsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard
Massively Speaking Episode 194 welcomes aboard resident Star Trek Online expert Terilynn Shull to talk about Tribbles and bits and why Star Trek doesn't have more "The Fly" incidents involving the transporter and local flora or fauna. Captain Archer would have been vastly improved by beaming him into a badger.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbrantbrianna-royceccpccp-gamesend-of-nationseonf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegothicguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmmortsncsoftopinionpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespodcastpodcastingpodcastsromrtsrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsupernaturaltaboreatelontriontrion-worldsvampirevampiresvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarwhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 194Massively.com Staff01:05:44podcasts<![CDATA[Vanguard going free-to-play this summer, beefs up dev team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vanguard
With Sony Online Entertainment's heavy free-to-play push these past couple of years, Vanguard players hoped that they would not be overlooked by their digital overlord. Breathe easier, heroes, for this summer will bring thee and thine a F2P Vanguard -- and a big push for further game development!

While specifics about the F2P conversion are hazy at the moment, SOE says that players should look to its work with previous MMO F2P adaptations (such as the recently relaunched EverQuest) for an idea how things will go down in Vanguard town.

It's not just going to be a token change for this mostly forgotten title; SOE says that it has assembled a new team of Vanguard-loving devs to generate more frequent updates, including "general improvements and new content." The game's previous update was this past December. Coming on board to shape the future of the game are Director of Development Andy Sites, Creative Director Salim Grant, and Technical Director Todd Schmidt.

The announcement concludes with a promise for team spotlights, more information on F2P, and development discussion to come in the near future.

MassivelyVanguard going free-to-play this summer, beefs up dev team originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andy-Siteseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playSalim-Grantsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonTodd-Schmidtvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgWed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/some-assembly-required-six-must-haves-for-creative-expression/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
Creativity. It is expressed in so many ways in so many mediums. Art, literature, architecture, music, performance... I love it all, conventional and unconventional. Heck, I revel in it! Why do you think my work and recreation include gaming?

Wait, gaming?! You betcha!

Beyond the artistry of the developers, MMORPGs offer outlets for player creativity in a variety of ways. I am not ashamed to admit that the primary reason I delve into MMORPGs is not for the gameplay but to explore and experience the creative expression of others (and to express some of my own as well). In fact, finding and sharing that very creativity by championing and highlighting player-generated content is precisely what Some Assembly Required is about.

Between (or in lieu of) the hacking, the slashing, and the plundering, players seize proffered tools in myriad virtual realms to build works of art, pen masterpieces, construct edifices, compose melodies, and take the stage, all within the pixeled confines of a virtual world. Unfortunately, not all games have adequate tools for such creative expression. While inspired players can make do if they must, having supporting features exponentially enhances a game (and positively affects retention). Thankfully, some games provide a few standard-setting features that -- in my opinion -- should be included in every game on the market. Here are six of those must-have features.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Six must-haves for creative expression originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearance-slotsbookbookscreativitydecoratingdungeon-makeremotesEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedgame-mechanicshousingopinionperformancepgcplayer-booksplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-housingplayer-written-booksquest-builderroleplayRolePlayingrpsandboxsarSOEsome-assembly-requiredSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesswgterraformingvanguardwritingxsyonxsyon-preludeFri, 02 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: There's no such thing as a miracle MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-miracle-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-miracle-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-miracle-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Soapbox
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.

They're out there, in every forum, in every comment section, and across the blogosphere. They number in the thousands if not tens of thousands (just spitballing here), and they all share three common traits. One, they're discontented with any and all current MMOs; two, they love to gripe about said discontentment to anyone who will listen; and three, they have a grand hope that a particular upcoming title will finally break the discontentment code to become the be-all, end-all MMO for them.

The miracle MMO, if you will.

This is going to be the MMO that will right all wrongs. It will shift paradigms, break us out of whatever rut we're supposed to be in, and make us all fall down on our knees in gratitude that we have the privilege of living in such a grand age as this.

So let's cut to the chase: There's no such thing as a miracle MMO, and there never will be -- except in your mind. If you can come to terms with that, you'll be a lot happier as a gamer.

Continue reading The Soapbox: There's no such thing as a miracle MMO

MassivelyThe Soapbox: There's no such thing as a miracle MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredguild-wars-2gw2jesus-mmomiraclemiracle-mmoopinionrantstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorthe-soapboxvanguardTue, 28 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
I'm a sucker for a good, clever idea. You know the type: the ideas that make you slap yourself on the forehead and shout, "Why didn't I think of that first?" Or for the less humble of us out there, "Why, I did think of that first! But I got lost on the way to the patent office and I'm pretty sure that someone stole my dream journal to pilfer my genius notions!"

While critics point their fingers at the MMO industry and proclaim it a barren wasteland of innovation, there are quite a few awesome -- if small -- ideas that bubble up in MMO and move the genre forward. Maybe they're teeny-tiny baby steps; maybe they're giant hopscotch leaps over the six-spot with the rock in the middle. But these ideas can and have had the power to change how these games are made and played.

So this week I'm saluting 10 clever ideas, both large and diminutive, as a reward for a job well done!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Clever ideas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aoe-lootaoe-lootingarea-of-effect-lootingcity-of-heroesclever-ideascohdiplomacydiplomacy-systemdoffdoodlingdungeon-finderduty-officer-systementertainereveeve-onlineexamplarexemplaringfeaturedglitchguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2listlistsminimapoverflow-serverperfect-10perfect-tenriftsidekicksidekick-systemsidekickingstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswgswtorterathe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentome-of-knowledgevanguardwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 185: Bree-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/massively-speaking-episode-185-bree-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/massively-speaking-episode-185-bree-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/massively-speaking-episode-185-bree-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking
Massively Speaking Episode 185 marks the debut of the Justin and Bree show as the microphone is passed on to a new generation. Many Bothans died to bring you this broadcast, so show some respect, you scruffy-looking nerfherder! Today we talk about RIFT's new trial, MMO anniversaries, and why Star Wars: The Old Republic may not be dying fast enough for everyone's taste.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 185: Bree-to-play

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 185: Bree-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaeverquest-iihumormassively-metamassively-speakingpodcastpodcastingpodcastsriftrunescapestar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicvanguardTue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 185Massively.com Staff58:25podcasts<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: Week of January 30, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-30-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-30-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-30-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars
Welcome to Previously on MV TV! Our livestreaming schedule has picked up a lot over the past few weeks, and our readers have busy lives, so we know it's impossible to watch every single streaming event live. Fortunately for you, we save all of our streams all for posterity on Massively's Twitch TV channel, so you can view them at your leisure. Even better, we've got a roundup of a few of last week's MV TV highlights from the livestream team. Follow along after the jump for the best of the best!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: Week of January 30, 2012

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: Week of January 30, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetarenanet-guild-warsblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentccpccp-gamesd3diablo-3diablo-iiidiiieveeve-onlineguild-warsguildwarsgwlinden-labsecond-lifeslsoesony-online-entertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldSun, 05 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Vanguard fifth anniversary year-in-review]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/a-vanguard-fifth-anniversary-year-in-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/a-vanguard-fifth-anniversary-year-in-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/a-vanguard-fifth-anniversary-year-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
It's that time again -- time to look back on a year of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes and see what changed and what stayed exactly the same. The game is now five years old, and the last year has been relatively exciting for the community. Vanguard is just one of those titles that seems to want to last forever. The playerbase is loyal, mature, and truly dedicated to this aging title. Will the players' efforts pay off?

We took a look back on the last year to see what the larger announcements were. There were some surprises and even updates (yes, actual updates to the game), something that is still affecting the community. While other games might publish monthly or even weekly updates, the Vanguard players are the camels of the greater MMO community and have learned to live off very little development fuel.

Bear in mind that as I type this, an update is being played through on the test server.

Continue reading A Vanguard fifth anniversary year-in-review

MassivelyA Vanguard fifth anniversary year-in-review originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybeau-hindmanbirthdaycorpse-runningdeath-mechaniceqeverquestf2pfan-fairefeaturedfree-to-playftphardcorelive-gamerpatchesretrospectivesilium-grantsiliusSOESony-Online-EntertainmentupdatesvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesMon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make a wish and blow out the candles: Vanguard celebrates five years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/make-a-wish-and-blow-out-the-candles-vanguard-celebrates-five-y/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/make-a-wish-and-blow-out-the-candles-vanguard-celebrates-five-y/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/make-a-wish-and-blow-out-the-candles-vanguard-celebrates-five-y/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vanguard
In the midst of the cold winds of January, it's the warmth of the Winter Solstice that keeps Vanguard players alive and happy. With Vanguard's fifth anniversary here at last, SOE is blowing on the coals of this simmering MMO in the hopes of raising the flames of community interest.

First up is the Winter Solstice in-game event, which started on January 21st. Players can participate by locating the event NPC in New Targonor. On next Sunday, the 29th, the Vanguard CMs will be throwing an anniversary bash and handing out gifts on the Telon server starting at 1:00 p.m. EST.

SOE's also throwing a Facebook contest to give away one of five in-game items. Interested parties are encouraged to head over to Vanguard's Facebook page for more information on how to enter.

Massively will also be on the scene for Vanguard's fifth celebration this weekend with two special livestreams on Massively TV, so stay tuned!

MassivelyMake a wish and blow out the candles: Vanguard celebrates five years originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestfacebookfifth-anniversaryin-game-eventlivestreammassively-tvsaga-of-heroessoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvanguardwinter-solsticeMon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: January 23-29, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/mv-guide-january-23-29-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/mv-guide-january-23-29-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/mv-guide-january-23-29-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule!

Continue reading MV Guide: January 23-29, 2012

MassivelyMV Guide: January 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetarenanet-guild-warsbiowarebioware-mmobioware-mmorpgbioware-star-warsbioware-swtorbrowser-basedccpccp-eveccp-gamesdisneydisneys-toontowneaelectronic-artseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-romglitchglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-hi-rezguild-warsguildwarsgwhi-rezhi-rez-global-agendahi-rez-stdioes-global-agendahi-rez-studiosjagexjagex-game-studiosjagex-runescapeliden-labs-second-lifelinden-labslivestreamlivestreaminglucas-artslucas-arts-mmolucas-arts-mmorpgluvinia-onlinemassively-livestreammassively-tvmv-guidemv-tvoutsparkromrunes-of-magicrunescaperyzomsecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssoesonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-gamestar-wars-mmostar-wars-mmorpgstar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-torstarwarsstarwars-the-old-republicsw-torswtorthe-old-republictiny-specktoontownurban-rivalsvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldMon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: Week of January 9th, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-9th-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-9th-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/previously-on-mv-tv-week-of-january-9th-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fallen Earth, aka Good God in Heaven, shoot it!
Welcome to the brand-new Previously on MV TV! Our livestreaming schedule has picked up a lot over the past few weeks, and our readers have busy lives, so we know it's impossible to watch every single streaming event live. Fortunately for you, we save all of our streams all for posterity on Massively's Twitch TV channel, so you can view them at your leisure. Even better, we've got a roundup of a few of last week's MV TV highlights from the livestream team. Follow along after the jump for the best of the best!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: Week of January 9th, 2012

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: Week of January 9th, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mmobioware-mmorpgbioware-star-warsbioware-swtoreaelectronic-artsf2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-to-playg1gamersfirstleague-of-legendsliden-labs-second-lifelinden-labslivestreamlivestreaminglollucas-artslucas-arts-mmolucas-arts-mmorpgmassively-tvmv-tvpreviously-on-mv-tvriotriot-gamessecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-gamestar-wars-mmostar-wars-mmorpgstar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-torstarwarsstarwars-the-old-republicsw-torswtorthe-old-republicvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldSun, 15 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: January 9-15, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/mv-guide-january-9-15-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/mv-guide-january-9-15-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/mv-guide-january-9-15-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Need For Speed World
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule!

Continue reading MV Guide: January 9-15, 2012

MassivelyMV Guide: January 9-15, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedankamaapbapb-reloadedbiowareccpchampions-onlinedc-universe-onlinedcuodie2niteea-biowareeve-onlinefallen-earthfeaturedg1gamersfirstglitchglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosjagexleague-of-legendslindenlablivestreamlivestreamingmv-guidemv-tvneed-for-speed-worldnfswperfect-world-entertainmentpweriotriot-gamesrunescapesecond-lifesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsquare-enixstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortiny-specktorvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroeswakfuMon, 09 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
If you are perusing this column, chances are you are a fan of virtual worlds and the sandbox genre. Join the club! (Dues will be due on the third Tuesday.) The aspect that compels many aficionados to delve into a game is the ability to make an impact on the world in some small respect instead of making them into Hive Member 1593072 running a static, predetermined gauntlet. How that impact is accomplished, however, varies; there are multiple features that can facilitate it, and which ones are considered most important depends on the player.

With the loss of one of the best sandbox games just last month, some players may be feeling a void. Others still are looking/hoping for the "ultimate" sandbox that contains nearly every virtual world feature. Certainly, there are some upcoming games that make some drool-worthy promises, but what about playing something now? There are actually games out on the market that have at least one aspect of the genre, if not more.

To start off the new year, Some Assembly Required looks at some of the top features of virtual worlds and lists games that incorporate these features. While this list isn't exhaustive (considering the sheer number of games when you include all of the smaller free-to-play titles, I'd run out of column space!), it is a comprehensive enough overview to point you toward some games worth playing that perhaps you hadn't considered before.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaionaion-gameAnarchy-Onlineaocccpccp-eveccp-gameschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcity-of-heroescocohcraft-of-godscraft-of-the-godscraftingcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalleden-eternaleq-1eq-2eq-ieq-iieveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineever-quest-1ever-quest-2ever-quest-iever-quest-iieverquest-1everquest-2everquest-ieverquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiflyffFuncomglitchguild-housinghousingking-of-kings-3liden-labs-second-lifelinden-labslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroluna-onlinemabinogimission-architectnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioesplanetsideplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionsplayer-housingplayer-run-economyrunescapeRyzomsecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssoe-eq-1soe-eq-2soe-eq-isoe-eq-iisome-assembly-requiredsony-eq-1sony-eq-2sony-eq-isony-eq-iisquare-enixst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineturbineTurbine-EntertainmentUltima-OnlineUOvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldwar-of-the-immortalswizard-101xbox-360XsyonFri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Favorite moments from the Massively livestream]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-guild-counsel-favorite-moments-from-the-massively-livestrea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-guild-counsel-favorite-moments-from-the-massively-livestrea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-guild-counsel-favorite-moments-from-the-massively-livestrea/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWG final moments
I'm sure you know about Massively's ever-expanding video channel. But what you might not know is that over the past year, I've done a little MMO walkabout, sampling as many different games as I could on my character Mmognaut. What I was particularly interested in was branching out and getting to know the communities that make these games what they are, and the Massively livestream was a great way to do that while giving the viewers a chance to experience it too.

Through livestreaming and Twitch TV, I've had a great opportunity to explore dozens of MMOs over the past year, often with my co-host Jeremy Stratton. In my weekly column here, I often focus on common issues that happen within a guild, but I've also looked at MMO communities on the whole, and that should include the community that's grown here at Massively. What's really neat is that there's an overlapping at times during these shows, where the in-game communities of the MMO we're showcasing mesh with the Massively community, and it's made for some fantastic moments. Join me in this week's Guild Counsel as I look back over my favorite moments from the past year.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Favorite moments from the Massively livestream

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Favorite moments from the Massively livestream originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineclone-wars-adventurescommunitycrafting-critterscwadarek-connoledc-universe-onlinedcuoderek-cannoleeq-2eq-iieq2eqiiEverQuest-2everquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedflyffflyff-world-championshipg1gamersfirstgpotatoguild-counselinvictusjeremy-strattonlivestreamlydia-popemassively-livestreamrabidfishsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgtony-jonestwitch-tvvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvindictuszatoziaThu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Revisiting Mabinogi]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/rise-and-shiny-recap-revisiting-mabinogi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/rise-and-shiny-recap-revisiting-mabinogi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/rise-and-shiny-recap-revisiting-mabinogi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mabinogi screenshot
If you've kept up with my columns for a while, it should be no secret that I think Mabinogi is still one of the best games out there. While it does have its issues, the game simply presents more sandboxy goodness to players (while keeping those systems coming) than almost any game I can think of. In fact, the game has added so much since I started this column that a returning player can get confused. A new player might even become lost.

I like to officially dip my toes into old, familiar games once in a while. Checking back on these games from my past is a great way for me to get my gamer's bearings and see how my opinions might have changed. Mabinogi has been calling to me for a while because I haven't really jumped into it for that long over the past few months. I figured now is the time.

Click past the cut!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Revisiting Mabinogi

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Revisiting Mabinogi originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmaneve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpLiveStreammabinogimin-kimNexonnexon-americarise-and-shinytwitch-tvvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvindictusSun, 04 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 community night reveals vehicle customization, Vanguard tanks, and in-game footage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/planetside-2-community-night-reveals-vehicle-customization-vang/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/planetside-2-community-night-reveals-vehicle-customization-vang/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/planetside-2-community-night-reveals-vehicle-customization-vang/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2
What would you do if you had developers for a highly anticipated MMO on video chat with your fansite's community? The correct answer is "Pump them for all the information you can, then see if you can't get a first glimpse of said game in action."

PlanetSide Universe scored 1000 points this past weekend with that answer, as the site's community night video podcast covering PlanetSide 2 turned into an informational bonanza for the game's fans. The hosts talked to SOE's Matt Higby and Tramell Isaac about PS2's maps and vehicle customization while also getting a tour around the team's offices and a couple segments of in-game footage showing off PlanetSide 2's engine.

The fansite also netted a pair of new pictures showing off the impressive Vanguard tanks, which you can check out in the gallery below. The full community night podcast is after the jump, but you might want to put on a bib beforehand to catch all the drool!

Gallery: PlanetSide 2

Continue reading PlanetSide 2 community night reveals vehicle customization, Vanguard tanks, and in-game footage

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 community night reveals vehicle customization, Vanguard tanks, and in-game footage originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-nightfirst-lookgalleryin-game-footagematt-higbyplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-universepodcastps2screenshottramell-isaacvanguardvanguard-tankvehicle-customizationvideovideo-podcastMon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: November 21-27, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/mv-guide-november-21-27-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/mv-guide-november-21-27-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/mv-guide-november-21-27-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Digimon Masters
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

We've got a fun-sized lineup this week as the Americans on the Massively crew prepare to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family. Join us for the first half of the week for some livestreaming of games both old and new, and don't forget to bookmark our new Twitch TV channel!

Continue reading MV Guide: November 21-27, 2011

MassivelyMV Guide: November 21-27, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digimon-masterseldoranlivestreamlivestreamingmassivelytvmv-guidemv-tvtwitch-tvvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesMon, 21 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard content update to feature new dungeon, golden path, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/vanguard-content-update-to-feature-new-dungeon-golden-path-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/vanguard-content-update-to-feature-new-dungeon-golden-path-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/vanguard-content-update-to-feature-new-dungeon-golden-path-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Vanguard - Kojani unicorns
Holy smokes, it's a Vanguard content update! No, really. Sony Online Entertainment has just delighted fans of its long-neglected fantasy themepark with a post on the official boards that outlines some nifty changes coming in the near future.

In addition to a new thirteen-boss dungeon called the City of Brass, the devs are also cranking out overland raid bosses, removing the game's corpse recovery mechanics, and easing the leveling experience. There's also a blurb about increased drop rates and a "golden path" via the game's riftways that will guide players to the ideal adventuring areas for their level.

There's no date on all the goodies as of yet, but the post says that SOE is "getting close" to migrating the patch to Vanguard's test server. Head to the official forums to see for yourself.

MassivelyVanguard content update to feature new dungeon, golden path, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-brasscontent-updatecorpse-recoverydungeonsexperience-curvefantasygolden-pathoverland-raid-bosssoeSony-Online-EntertainmenttelonvanguardwooFri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: November 14-20, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/mv-guide-november-14-20-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/mv-guide-november-14-20-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/mv-guide-november-14-20-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Global Agenda
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

We've got some exciting MV TV news this week: We're changing the channel! We've moved to Twitch TV, and we think you're going to love the new look. You can still access the old livestream archives at our Livestream.com channel, but beginning today, everything new will be shown and saved on our Twitch TV channel.

Ready to see what's on MV TV this week? Follow along after the jump and take a look!

Continue reading MV Guide: November 14-20, 2011

MassivelyMV Guide: November 14-20, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlineeqeverquestevonyfrogsterglobal-agendahi-rezjustin-tvleague-of-legendslivestreamlivestreaminglolmv-guidemv-tvperfect-world-entertainmentproject-exonautpweriftriotriot-gamesromrunes-of-magicsoesony-online-entertainmenttriontrion-worldstwitch-tvvanguardMon, 14 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2's New Conglomerate faction detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/planetside-2s-new-conglomerate-faction-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/planetside-2s-new-conglomerate-faction-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/planetside-2s-new-conglomerate-faction-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - New Conglomerate soldiers
The distinction between terrorist and freedom fighter can be subjective, and the latest PlanetSide 2 dev blog offers an appropriate example. The piece profiles one of the three factions fighting for control of the planet Auraxis, and the New Conglomerate is either a bastion of liberty or a collection of cowardly infidels depending on whom you ask.

The NC are "in total open war with both the Terran Republic and the Vanu Sovereignty, seeking to free humanity from the tyrannical grip of the former and defend them from the fanatical alien influence of the latter," according to the blog entry.

If you're more interested in PlanetSide 2's gameplay than its lore, Sony Online Entertainment wants you to know that the New Conglomerate is "built around hitting first, hitting hardest, and taking a beating." Vehicles like the Reaver and the Vanguard are built to stay in the fight longer at the cost of mobility and speed. Head to the official PlanetSide 2 website for further details.

MassivelyPlanetSide 2's New Conglomerate faction detailed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction-pvpdev-blogdev-diaryfaction-warfarefactionsfreedom-fightersless-lore-more-gameplaymmo-shooterNew-Conglomerateplanetside-2ps2reaversci-fishootersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentterroriststhree-faction-pvpvanguardTue, 08 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR's Georg Zoeller salutes the Trooper class]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/swtors-georg-zoeller-salutes-the-trooper-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/swtors-georg-zoeller-salutes-the-trooper-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/swtors-georg-zoeller-salutes-the-trooper-class/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
He won't play favorites between the choice of builds, but BioWare's Georg Zoeller is remarkably open otherwise when it comes to talking about Star Wars: The Old Republic's Trooper in action.

In an interview on RepublicTrooper.com, Zoeller fields a number of questions about the Trooper's capabilities in combat, especially in regard to how a ranged class can function as a tank. After struggling with these unique problems, BioWare tuned the Vanguard (the Trooper's advanced tanking spec) to be a mid-ranged tank with visual effects to show when the class was warding off melee attacks.

"Statistically, their tanking ability is based more upon absorption and shielding and less about avoidance, making them the slightly more predictable tanks (Medics love that)," he wrote. "Finally, they are visually very different when in action, as most of their abilities are themed around technical attacks "

Zoeller said that all-Trooper guilds are entirely possible, given the flexibility of the advanced class roles, as Troopers cover the gamut of the Holy Trinity. He sees Trooper healers as being extremely desirable: "Commandos are the only medic class capable of increasing their target's mitigation and receptivity to heals. They are also the only Advanced Class that features a 'smart heal,' an auto-response heal that triggers on the target when they take damage."

MassivelySWTOR's Georg Zoeller salutes the Trooper class originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecommandoeaelectronic-artsgeorg-zoellerholy-trinityinterviewmedicrepublictrooper.comstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortankingthe-ol-republictortroopervanguardFri, 04 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Guild horror stories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/the-guild-counsel-guild-horror-stories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/the-guild-counsel-guild-horror-stories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/the-guild-counsel-guild-horror-stories/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EQII demon
Ah, fall! Crisp cool air, gorgeous foliage, and enough horror and frights to leave you looking like someone who's just seen Samara from The Ring. Halloween is chock full of scares and horror stories, and guilds are no different. Whether you've led a guild or been part of one, chances are you've witnessed your fair share of terrifying tales.

In this week's Guild Counsel, I'll share a few of mine, and I welcome you to add yours below. So gather round the campfire, pass the marshmallows, and bundle up in that sleeping bag because it's time to share our guild horror stories.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Guild horror stories

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Guild horror stories originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieverquesteverquest-iifeaturedguild-counselguild-dramaguild-horror-storiesguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryanraidingrogue-raiderssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardThu, 27 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Making a new guild work in an old game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/the-guild-counsel-making-a-new-guild-work-in-an-old-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/the-guild-counsel-making-a-new-guild-work-in-an-old-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/the-guild-counsel-making-a-new-guild-work-in-an-old-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vanguard
Running a successful guild is a difficult challenge, and I'm defining successful as a guild that, regardless of playstyle, can accomplish its goals and endure for years. There are thousands of guilds created, but very few of them last more than a year, and even fewer can boast of being around for longer.

One of the toughest challenges for any guild leader is creating and building a guild from scratch in a game that's been around for years. I experienced that when I moved our guild from Vanguard to EverQuest II, where I had played for a few years before. We were the little fish in the big pond, and since everyone was either starting there for the first time or re-rolling on the server we chose, we had to build everything from the ground up. What made it hard was that as we leveled together and struggled through the content together, it became more and more tempting for people to jump ship and move to an established guild that was ahead of us.

Building a new guild in an older game is difficult but not impossible, and there are a few areas to be mindful of if you want to run a guild that can survive the test of time. In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll look at a few ways that guild leaders can make a new guild in an old game actually work.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Making a new guild work in an old game

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Making a new guild work in an old game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceeq2eqiiEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryannew-guilds-old-gamerecruitingsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesThu, 06 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
John Smedley has been in this business a long, long time. Under his eye, Sony Online Entertainment has released some of the most influential and controversial titles out there. It should surprise no one that he has had to become very flexible when it comes to his customers, but he's also very decisive when it comes to fluctuations in the market.

One of those fluctuations is the coming of free-to-play gaming and unlimited trial payment models. Of all the audiences in the world of gaming, SOE's tend to skew a bit older. These are players who might not appreciate all changes and who definitely know what they like. And so when Smedley and SOE released freemium titles like Free Realms and rolled out free versions of one of their most popular titles, EverQuest II, some said it would be the end of SOE.

Well, they're still here. And Smedley was kind enough to take some time to talk to me about this very subject. Click past the cut for more!

Continue reading Free for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play

MassivelyFree for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedfrfree-realmsinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleyleague-of-legendslolplanetsideriot-gamessmedleySOESony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvgWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Flying high]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/one-shots-flying-high/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/one-shots-flying-high/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/one-shots-flying-high/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes offers its players a wide variety of mounts, including several with the ability to take flight. Massively reader Korvin took advantage of this to add to our One Shots lineup:
This is the Kojan archipelago, and the place is Jalen's crossing, not so far from Caia'l Brael, the starting place for Wood Elf and Raki races. Here you can hire a flying pegasus to get yourself to Arks of Harmony (the group of floating islands in the screenshot). Jalen's Crossing is a gigantic bridge that connects Youthgreen island with the eastern islands and was built and protected by Raki. Raki are a foxlike race whose members fled their homeland after it was destroyed by the Ulvari. The Arks of Harmony became their safe haven and a place to store important information on how to protect themselves from future threats.
We're all about looking up this week on One Shots! Show us your favorite aerial image -- whether it be taken from the ground looking up or from atop a high-flying mount or tall perch, we want to see!

Next week we're throwing the ball back to you. There's no theme and no requirement; just send us your favorite screenshots and tell us why you love them. Add your name and a little bit about the image, send it in to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll feature it in this week's One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Flying high originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galleriesgalleryone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesFri, 23 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: September 19-25, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/mv-guide-september-19-25-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/mv-guide-september-19-25-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/mv-guide-september-19-25-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During livestream events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, livestream events are subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule!

Continue reading MV Guide: September 19-25, 2011

MassivelyMV Guide: September 19-25, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-studioslivestreamlivestreamingmagic-the-gathering-onlinemtgomv-guidemv-tvsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestovanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesMon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST