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[Infinite Crisis dredges up Swamp Thing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/infinite-crisis-dredges-up-swamp-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/infinite-crisis-dredges-up-swamp-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/infinite-crisis-dredges-up-swamp-thing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ic
Swamp Thing, you make my heart sing! You make everything groovy... especially when you show up to stomp evildoers with the power of peat.

Coming to Infinite Crisis on December 17th, Swamp Thing will be the newest super-powered character in the game. According to his description, "Swamp Thing can endure tremendous damage and is capable of complete regeneration. He also has control over plant life, and can command it to do his bidding."

We've got a video preview of Mr. Thing after the break, so check it out and then hug a tree afterward so that you'll end up on his good side.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis dredges up Swamp Thing

MassivelyInfinite Crisis dredges up Swamp Thing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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infinite crisis
Have you ever wondered what developers do in their spare time? Apparently, they cook up crazy schemes like hosting an inter-office tournament and then broadcasting it to the world.

This tournament is called DEvember and comes to you courtesy of Turbine Entertainment. Starting on December 2nd and continuing through the 18th, the tournament will feature several rounds of 1v1 Infinite Crisis action starring 32 employees spanning all of the studio's teams.

Other than being entertained by devs beating up each other, players can benefit from the tournament by winning prizes via guessing who will win. Our money is on Rock Star Wonder Woman[TM].

MassivelyTurbine holds an Infinite Crisis tournament against itself originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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warner bros
The rocky situation for Warner Bros. is far from over. Game Informer is reporting that the conglomerate is planning more layoffs through "most business groups" starting this week and going through early 2015. Variety says that up to 1,000 employees from TV, film, and other divisions will be let go from the cuts.

This report stems from a staff memo that discusses this internal, company-wide restructuring. While Turbine was not specifically mentioned, there is concern following the recent bout of layoffs that hit the Lord of the Rings Online developer.

MassivelyWarner Bros. plans more layoffs through early 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dcdc-universeddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playinfinite-crisislayoffslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromobasuperherosuperheroesturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwbWed, 05 Nov 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinite Crisis reveals creepy alien starfish Starro]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/infinite-crisis-reveals-creepy-alien-starfish-starro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/infinite-crisis-reveals-creepy-alien-starfish-starro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/infinite-crisis-reveals-creepy-alien-starfish-starro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Infinite crisis
Crowd-control fans, listen up: Turbine MOBA Infinite Crisis has today announced Starro, a new playable controller champion going live on November 5th. For those not up on their DC lore, the short version is "creepy alien starfish." Long version?
Starro is a Star Conqueror. These nomadic and parasitic creatures roam the cosmos in two forms: motherstars and parasites. Motherstars are sentient, while parasites are extensions of the motherstar's consciousness. A parasite attaches itself to other sentient creatures, allowing the motherstar to control that creature's mind. Once controlled, the victims work toward growing more motherstars to go out and bring universal harmony to other planets-by conquering them. Little did the Star Conqueror who came to be known as Starro know how difficult carrying that plan out on Earth would be! Starro has little concern for what happens to the individuals it controls. They're a tiny part of the whole. When Starro speaks to creatures it doesn't control, it does so telepathically, urging them to join in universal harmony.
We've got some pics and a video below to finish out Starro's reveal.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis reveals creepy alien starfish Starro

MassivelyInfinite Crisis reveals creepy alien starfish Starro originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Oct 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis
Turbine has today previewed Infinite Crisis' latest playable MOBA hero, the youthful Stargirl, who fell into her sidekick role after discovering and donning her stepfather's old costume. In her heroic form, she's a blaster who wields a glowing staff to damage and crowd control enemies. Her skills include a cutesy buff called Family Heirlooms and a even-more-cutesy nuke that beams pink stars at her enemies; her ultimate, however, is a powerful nuke, slow, debuff, and shield all in one.

Stargirl goes live on October 15th. We've included new screenies and her intro video below.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis reveals Stargirl, complete with pink stars

MassivelyInfinite Crisis reveals Stargirl, complete with pink stars originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ic
An absolutely massive update for Infinite Crisis has landed, boasting over 6,000 changes and tweaks, not to mention the addition of a pair of new champions: Nightmare Robin and Atomic Joker.

Nightmare Robin is actually Bruce Wayne's son Damian, who got infected with the vampiric curse and is a little miffed at being one of the undead. At least he has two large knives and a lot of bleeding-edge training to compensate. Atomic Joker is a bit more lighthearted, what with being a head in a jar who is trying to rebuild civilization in his image.

The September release overhauled the launcher, improved the new player experience, polished many of the map visuals, tweaked animations, and added a Crime Alley map where champions can test out skills against the computer.

You can check out Atomic Joker and Nightmare Robin in the gallery below and in the videos after the break.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis recruits Nightmare Robin and Atomic Joker

MassivelyInfinite Crisis recruits Nightmare Robin and Atomic Joker originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We are a mystery!
No. Yes. Maybe? We're going to level with you, dear readers: We frequently have no idea what Turbine Entertainment is doing. We had no idea the studio was going to bring back Asheron's Call 2, for example, and our bets about Infinite Crisis were way off. So when we say that the company might be developing an MMO, well, it's a shot in the dark, but there's reason to suspect this might be happening.

The studio is looking for both a Senior Mobile Engineer (that is, an engineer experienced with mobile engineering, not an engineer who is both a senior and mobile) and a new Art Director, both of which seem to imply that the studio is developing something completely new rather than a mobile port. Or maybe it's baseless speculation. Who knows?

MassivelyIs Turbine developing an MMO for mobile devices? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmo-industrymobilemobile-gamingrumorsspeculationturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswbwb-gamesTue, 16 Sep 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinite Crisis recruits Blue Beetle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/15/infinite-crisis-recruits-blue-beetle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/15/infinite-crisis-recruits-blue-beetle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/15/infinite-crisis-recruits-blue-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis has recruited a new warrior in its fight against property damage and excess jungling: Blue Beetle.

Blue Beetle, aka Jamie Reyes, came across a blue scarab that wrapped him up in battle armor. The sentient armor and Jamie came to a mutual understanding to fight for whatever player was controlling them that session.

Blue Beetle comes equipped with an energy cannon, a scarab scanner, a dash, and even an infiltrator mode. Bad guys get too close? Time for a little mandible taser, am I right? Turbine touts Blue Beetle as a highly mobile champion that can sneak up and smack down solo targets.

Check out Blue Beetle in action after the jump.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis recruits Blue Beetle

MassivelyInfinite Crisis recruits Blue Beetle originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Apr 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The World of Magic
Last week, we heard news that the Harry Potter MMO was put on hold by Warner Bros. while they decided "if the production would be a good investment or not." But the development team at Bio-Hazard Entertainment decided to show WB what they're made of with a side project named The World of Magic.

TWoM doesn't look to be a direct Harry Potter game, but instead an MMO inspired by the IP. "We think that this MMO will be exactly what you guys wanted and more!" a dev blog states. "Our new site is will soon give you more info, images, videos, and options that will allow you to see how similar it will be to HP. It has broken our hearts that HP is on hold but maybe this gives us the opportunity to show WB that our new company can do it and not matter what obstacles get in our way, we can overcome them!"

While further details aren't available at this time, the project's new website already has 600 members and plenty of gallery images to get any Harry Potter fan excited.

[Thanks to Viturino for the tip!]

MassivelyThe World of Magic aims to take over for the Harry Potter MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bio-hazard-entertainmentharry-potterharry-potter-onlinehpthe-world-of-magicwarner-broswbMon, 10 Mar 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinite Crisis hits open beta on March 14]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/infinite-crisis-hits-open-beta-on-march-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/infinite-crisis-hits-open-beta-on-march-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/infinite-crisis-hits-open-beta-on-march-14/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Infinite Crisis
Turbine has announced that its Infinite Crisis MOBA will launch its open beta on March 14.

Former Lord of the Rings Online and current Infinite Crisis executive producer, Jeffrey Steefel, commented on the game's growth since closed beta began: "We now have three maps, three modes, a huge amount of different ways you can play the game. Twenty-seven characters and, in fact, we are adding a new character every three weeks." The game is said to include new costumes for each character, a digital comic, and action figures in the near future.

MassivelyInfinite Crisis hits open beta on March 14 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Feb 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Turbine has announced that the "champion of love," Star Sapphire, is coming to Infinite Crisis.

Star Sapphire wields her namesake's ring, able to channel love and keep the Predator entity in check. In the game, she's a ranged damage dealer who's best kept out of immediate harm's way. She can choose to unleash the Predator to do damage or to keep it attached for a speed boost.

Star Sapphire will be added to the game on February 26th. You don't have to wait until then to check out her moves, however, as we've got her champion spotlight video after the break!

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis brings Star Sapphire into the fold

MassivelyInfinite Crisis brings Star Sapphire into the fold originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian-speaking DC Universe fans across the pond will be able to play Infinite Crisis in their native tongue thanks to the combined efforts of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Fabrika Online. The MOBA will be available in Russia, Ukraine, the CIS countries, and Georgia with full Russian language support. David Haddad, Senior VP of Digital Publishing at WBIE noted that this was just the first step toward delivering this competitive experience to gamers around the world. Regarding the collaboration with Fabrika Online, Haddad stated,
"We are very excited about the launch of Infinite Crisis in Russian and are especially thrilled to be working with Fabrika Online. The company has a huge footprint in the local online gaming market with the ability to activate the community and provide customer support."
The Russian closed beta is available now; interested players can sign up on the language's official site.

[Source: WBEI press release]

MassivelyInfinite Crisis travels to Russia originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Jan 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So we get mecha-Supes or whatever, but no Steel. Great.
Modeling Superman in any video game is kind of problematic, since his whole schtick is that he's faster than anything, invulnerable, and strong enough to fling the moon into the sun if he really wanted to. This already presents some problems when balancing for a single-player game, but in a game like Infinite Crisis, how can you make sure that the Man of Steel feels like himself without making him massively overpowered?

The video past the cut shows off Turbine's take on the character. In essence, each of Superman's skills gives him a damage shield, with subsequent skills improving the shield, making him much harder to take down. His iconic abilities are all in place -- super-speed, strength, heat vision, and the like -- all adding up to a character that hits hard while being difficult to take down. Take a gander at the video to see just how the Last Son of Krypton will perform in the arena.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis reveals the Man of Steel as a champion

MassivelyInfinite Crisis reveals the Man of Steel as a champion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A new villain has joined the Infinite Crisis lineup, and she uses her nuclear-imbued powers to protect friends and entrap her enemies. Atomic Poison Ivy, created when a nuclear fallout withered and mutated her world's plant life as well as transformed her into a human/plant hybrid, is none-too-happy with humanity for causing the destruction. Her skills, Poisoned Earth, Bramble Rapture, and Wall of Thorns, deal power damage. Atomic Poison Ivy's passive, Toxic Growth, marks opponents for additional damage and her ultimate, Secrets of the Forest, provides an AoE stealth and power armor buff for allies. Check out all these skills in action and get a few tips and tricks for playing Atomic Poison Ivy in the video below.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis adds Atomic Poison Ivy

MassivelyInfinite Crisis adds Atomic Poison Ivy originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jan 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While full of plenty of superheroes to play, Infinite Crisis has not forgotten about the sidekicks that fight alongside them. The latest playable hero to join the MOBA's roster is none other than Robin, based on Tim Drake. Cast as (what else) a melee support role, Robin benefits his team with skills such as This Guy, Bo Master, and Dynamic Duo, each skill offering various team buffs and enemy debuffs. Robin's ultimate, Emergent Leader, combines AoE damage with team buffs.

Gather some hints and tips for utilizing Robin in the reveal trailer below. Folks interested in playing Robin -- or any of the other heroes -- for themselves, can sign up for closed beta on the official site.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis trailer introduces Robin

MassivelyInfinite Crisis trailer introduces Robin originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Dec 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You impress me, you get a masthead.
After a couple of very active months, November was a bit calmer for superheroic games as a whole. It makes sense, of course, since pretty much every game is calmer during November and December aside from sales and holiday events. But there were few big Kickstarter campaigns, a lot of updates that everyone knew were coming, and of course a very poignant anniversary for pretty much everyone reading this column today.

That having been said, the entire month was not a slow funeral dirge for the loss of City of Heroes. In fact, one game apparently decided that the otherwise quiet month was a great time to make some big changes right off the bat, so that's pretty cool. Venture on past the cut with me and we'll take a look at the superhero news from November in review... and possibly bow our heads briefly in respect for the departed.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Superhero games across November

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Superhero games across November originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Dec 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis
She may be metal and gears, but underneath that she's all woman too. She's Mecha Wonder Woman, the newest champion to come to Infinite Crisis.

Mecha Wonder Woman originated as a diplomatic robot for Queen Hippolyta, but decided to get into the superhero vengeance game when the queen was assassinated. The Justice Consortium upgraded her, giving Mecha Wonder Woman the ability to dispense justice with an iron fist.

We've got your first look at Mecha Wonder Woman in a video after the break, so check it out and see if this MOBA champion might be calling to your own sense of justice.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis brings out Mecha Wonder Woman

MassivelyInfinite Crisis brings out Mecha Wonder Woman originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Nov 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championdcdc-universeinfinite-crisismechamecha-wonder-womanmobasuperherosuperheroesturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwbwonder-womanTue, 26 Nov 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Bundle includes LotRO Steely Dawn pack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/humble-bundle-includes-lotro-steely-dawn-pack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/humble-bundle-includes-lotro-steely-dawn-pack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/humble-bundle-includes-lotro-steely-dawn-pack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LotRO
For the next five or so days, Warner Bros. is participating in a new Humble Bundle that includes a special package for Lord of the Rings Online. Humble Bundle allows players to name their own price for a collection of games, and as long as customers pay more than the average amount (currently $4.62), then the Steely Dawn pack will be tossed in for LotRO players.

The Steely Dawn pack includes a unique cosmetic armor set, the Evendim quest pack, five XP boosts, and 500 Turbine Points. To use the pack, you have to access LotRO through Steam.

MassivelyHumble Bundle includes LotRO Steely Dawn pack originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Nov 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's all about the punchline here.
Harley Quinn has gone from being a simple sidekick for the Joker to being a respected villain in her own right, albeit one that's generally seen as something of an airhead. It's easy to forget that she was a psychiatrist assigned to take care of the Joker in the first place. So it kind of makes sense that she'd be more than just another pretty smash-happy character in Infinite Crisis, instead taking a more subtle role as a healer and support.

Harley's passive ability buffs movement and attack speed for all nearby allies, while her activated abilities consist of a direct heal, a ranged attack, a knockback, and a knockup. The net result is that Harley works as support for teammates, knocking away certain enemies while keeping her immediate team healed and buffed. Check out the video preview past the break for more details on how to make the most of Harley's specific arsenal.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis shows off Harley Quinn

MassivelyInfinite Crisis shows off Harley Quinn originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Nov 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis trailer introduces Atomic Green Lantern
Sometimes, being a hero is more than a difficult job, it's a downright painful experience. Such is the case for the newest champion to join the Infinite Crisis line-up: Atomic Green Lantern. Hailing from a destroyed civilization, this Hal Jordan's ring has been powered-up with a radioactive isotope after being mysteriously deactivated (and the subsequent loss of his right arm). Unfortunately, that new power source comes with a cost -- a shorter, more painful life.

In game, Atomic Green Lantern is a melee bruiser with skills that inflict that deadly radiation on others, such as Scorched Earth and Meltdown. Catch some tips and hints for using these skills and more in the Atomic Green Lantern spotlight video after the break.

[Source: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis trailer introduces Atomic Green Lantern

MassivelyInfinite Crisis trailer introduces Atomic Green Lantern originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Oct 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some men just want to watch the world explode.
Superheroes don't fight clean. When a battle happens, you don't expect just a couple of guys punching each other, you expect people being thrown through buildings and cars being flung around like nothing. You expect destruction across the whole landscape, in other words. The developers working on Infinite Crisis understand that and know full well that part of the superhero equation is making sure that you get to have a major impact on the environment, and that's the subject of the newest behind-the-scenes video for the game.

Both the destructible environments and the catastrophic event system seen in the game are meant to help players feel the impact of actions and of changing strategies. The battlefield isn't the same at the end as it is when you start. Walls get smashed, meteors fall and block off passages, and players adapt to new options and new circumstances. Take a closer look at what these systems mean in the video embedded just past the break.

[Source: Turbine Entertainment press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis takes a deep look at blowing up cars

MassivelyInfinite Crisis takes a deep look at blowing up cars originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Oct 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis
October's Infinite Crisis update brings a small preview of big changes. Turbine is adding an "early version" of the game's augmentation system, an addition that should help players to learn the basics of character enhancement before the full system goes live. Augmentation is accomplished via amplifier sets, which are collections of items designed to enhance champions in a variety of ways depending on role and play style.

Each amplifier set is composed of four augments and three mods. Augments enhance stats, while mods enhance artifacts. Every amplifier item will be associated with a brand; each brand benefits specific champion roles. While the complete amplifier system will allow players to build their own sets from scratch, the sets introduced this month are package deals. Turbine has plans to release hundreds of augments and mods as Infinite Crisis grows.

Check out the video after the jump for a quick look at amplifiers, or hit up the official post for a detailed breakdown.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis amplifier set preview lands with October update

MassivelyInfinite Crisis amplifier set preview lands with October update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Oct 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis spotlights Catwoman in newest champion profile
"Former pickpocket turned master thief, Catwoman gave up a career of crime to exact ferocious justice." That's how the newest champion spotlight video for Infinite Crisis starts out, highlighting the backstory of Catwoman. The agile medium-ranged damage dealer uses her whip and cat-like reflexes to win against her opponents.

Turbine's super-hero MOBA is still in the beta stages, but you can sign up for free at the game's main website. Be sure to check out the video after the cut for more details on Catwoman and Infinite Crisis.

[Thanks to Johnny for the tip!]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis spotlights Catwoman in newest champion profile

MassivelyInfinite Crisis spotlights Catwoman in newest champion profile originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Sep 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis introduces Arcane Green Lantern in new video
One thing you can count on with Infinite Crisis is the addition of new champions from alternate dimensions of the DC Multiverse. But the surprise always comes in exactly what hero is added to the ranks. Today, Turbine introduced the newest iteration of an energy-manipulating favorite: Arcane Green Lantern.

Arcane Green Lantern combines support and enforcer, offering shields, crowd-control, and boosts to teammates. Active skills include the AoE Emerald Lantern, Construct Champion Shackles, and Deny the Black; the champion's passive is Emerald Light. For more details on these skills, along with some tips and tricks on how to best play this hero, watch the video just after the cut. You can also get a gander at the mug of Arcane Green Lantern in a close up shot.

[Source: Turbine Press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis introduces Arcane Green Lantern in new video

MassivelyInfinite Crisis introduces Arcane Green Lantern in new video originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Sep 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get a peek behind the scenes in new Infinite Crisis video
Sometimes when you look at an aspect of a game, you think, "Wow, where did the devs get that idea?" Other times you wonder "What were they thinking?" In both cases, a nice behind-the-scenes look at things can at times help answer those questions. And Turbine Entertainment has released one such video for Infinite Crisis wherein the development team talks about how the DC Multiverse is integrated in the game design, from various champions to the items available in the artifact foundry.

For your own peek behind the dev curtain, check out the video after the break. And if you want to join the closed beta, head on over to the official site to sign up.

[Source: Turbine Entertainment press release]

Continue reading Get a behind-the-scenes peek at Infinite Crisis in new video

MassivelyGet a behind-the-scenes peek at Infinite Crisis in new video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Sep 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAX Prime 2013 A doomsday strike to the heart of Infinite Crisis
I think I'd be a lousy MOBA level designer. I'd always wondered why PvP and MOBA maps came few and far between; after all, how hard is it to whip up a quick level? I realized my ignorance after listening to Turbine Creative Director Cardell Kerr talk about the immense amount of thought and planning that goes into a single map.

Kerr and his team were showing off Infinite Crisis, the upcoming DC superhero MOBA, at PAX Prime this weekend, with constant matches taking place between superhero-wannabes. As with most everything at PAX, it's a mix of promotion, information, and entertainment, although I got the feeling that the team also had something to prove. After all, everyone seems to be making MOBAs these days to catch some of that League of Legends/Dota 2 money, and because such, it's triply important that an upstart have a way of distinguishing itself from the pack. Merely having Wonder Woman and Batman show up won't be enough these days (although it certainly doesn't hurt).

So what is Infinite Crisis angling to do that will make this the MOBA you'll click on more than the others? It comes down to options: options how to play your game, options how to exploit advantages on a map, and options when it comes to game modes.

Continue reading PAX Prime 2013: A doomsday strike to the heart of Infinite Crisis

MassivelyPAX Prime 2013: A doomsday strike to the heart of Infinite Crisis originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands On with Infinite Crisis's new map
Superheroes always seem to find a reason to start throwing punches. In fact, their instinctual need for violence is a perfect fit for the MOBA genre. Endless arena battles with little or no consequences make for a description divined for tight-loving super beings.

Infinite Crisis, the new DC Comics-based MOBA from Turbine and Warner Bros. Entertainment, is introducing its closed beta to a new map: Coast City Marina. The map is a mixture of massive-urban jungles, capture points, and even a giant-AoE doomsday device. It's as though every type of MOBA gametype were mashed into one large, everything-on-it burger. And then Batman beat you up with it.

Continue reading Hands-on with Infinite Crisis' new Coast City Marina map

MassivelyHands-on with Infinite Crisis' new Coast City Marina map originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Aug 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis video introduces Atomic Wonder Woman
Who needs a lasso when you can wield a chainsaw? Not Atomic Wonder Woman! Meet this new champion and her chainsaw in Infinite Crisis' latest video. After the world is devastated by the nuclear firestorm of World War III, Wonder Woman's mission changes from peace to restoration, and she uses her new weapon of choice to fight for that end. A melee assassin, Atomic Wonder Woman has low survivability and huge burst damage. Her skills include Vault, Smite, and Savage Sweep, and her ultimate is Reclaimer. All of these skills are boosted by her passive, Rev, which builds up and offers a little something extra to each.

If you are heading to Gamescom 2013, you can play as Atomic Wonder Woman (complete with Rosie the Riveter scarf) at the Infinite Crisis booth in the Electronic Sports League hall CM Storm Arena. Otherwise you'll have to wait until she's released to closed beta on August 21st. In the meantime, catch all her moves -- along with a plenty of tips and tricks -- in the video after the cut.

[Source: Turbine Entertainment press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis video introduces Atomic Wonder Woman

MassivelyInfinite Crisis video introduces Atomic Wonder Woman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In front of the scenes it's superhumans punching each other. You knew that.
On one level, Infinite Crisis feels like an obvious premise. Take a setting that already gives players plenty of reasons to beat one another up as iconic heroes and villains, give those players plenty of iconic heroes and villains, enjoy the show. But according to the new behind-the-scenes video, the game took a fair bit more effort than that. It's partly a result of game technology finally matching up with what players need and want in this sort of game.

The video features commentary by both DC Comics creators and Turbine Entertainment staff members. One of the big elements of the game is that environments are not static things, that they can be interacted with and damaged during play, and that helps contribute to the feel of a game of superheroes rather than just another MOBA. If you want a closer look, check out the full video embedded just past the break.

[Source: Turbine Entertainment press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis shows off what's going on behind the scenes

MassivelyInfinite Crisis shows off what's going on behind the scenes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Aug 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still holding out for Red Son incarnations.
Some people aren't necessarily instantly on board with the idea of a MOBA featuring DC Comics characters. But if Infinite Crisis had you hooked right from the premise, you can go ahead and put your money where your mouth is as of today. The game has just launched its Founders program, a chance for future players to buy now and enjoy the benefits later... like many other free-to-play titles have done recently.

Three packages are available for purchase now, with all three unlocking immediate beta access, early access to Coast City, and an exclusive icon for use in-game and on the forums. The $20 package also includes 800 Crisis Coins (in-game microtransaction money) and 3 Champion unlocks. $50 gets you 3200 Crisis Coins, 6 unlocks, and an exclusive Gaslight Batman costume. And $100 gets you 8600 Crisis Coins, 12 unlocks, an exclusive costume for both Gaslight Batman and regular Batman, and early access to the next map addition. To help up the hype, the game has also released a trailer detailing the Coast City map, which is embedded just past the break.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis announces the new Founders program

MassivelyInfinite Crisis announces the new Founders program originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis video showcases Batman
The newest video offering from Turbine's Infinite Crisis shows off the Dark Knight himself as we see footage of Batman's special skills.

Watching, Waiting is a skill that grants a bonus to attack and power armor. Entering stealth doubles that bonus while also healing the Caped Crusader over time. Battarang is a skill that throws a single blade at an enemy, dealing damage and marking the target for a short time. Martial Arts allows Batman to leap to his target, dealing attack damage and activating the stun of Battarang.

To see these skills -- as well as Batman's ultimate skill and some helpful tips for playing Batman effectively -- check out the full video just after the cut. And if you'd like to get your hands on Infinite Crisis yourself, the beta sign-ups are still open.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading Infinite Crisis video showcases Batman

MassivelyInfinite Crisis video showcases Batman originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Jul 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2013 Infinite Crisis' coast is toast
Are you Marvel or DC? Turbine's hoping that you are partial to the latter, especially considering that the studio wants to rope you in with its DC superhero-themed game, Infinite Crisis. Over a hearty lunch of Kryptonite stew and Flash fries at E3, Massively's Jasmine Hruschak spoke with Creative Director Cardell Kerr, Director of Digital Communications Adam Mersky, and Executive Producer Jeffrey Steefel about the title's development and the IP's fit as a MOBA.

Infinite Crisis draws upon DC's entire multiverse for its inspiration. For non-comic book geeks, the multiverse consists of several often-interacting universes that feature different versions of the same places, superheroes, and events. Ergo, the Batman you know from our world also might have a steampunk alter-ego in the multiverse, or the virtuous Green Lantern of earth might have a post-apocalyptic counterpart as the Atomic Green Lantern. Infinite Crisis takes these heroes from all over the multiverse and tosses them together to see what happens. Hint: It ain't puppy dogs and sunshine parades.

Continue reading E3 2013: Infinite Crisis super-punches MOBA flaws

MassivelyE3 2013: Infinite Crisis super-punches MOBA flaws originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinite Crisis shows off the Coast City map
Turbine has released a brand new trailer for its closed beta MOBA, Infinite Crisis. This trailer shows off the game's Coast City map, featuring a two-lane-style layout with a top and bottom lane crammed with turrets and an important middle area known as The Wastes.

The map also features control points known as Power Relays that enable a team to gain the patrol view advantage of The Wastes.

You can see the entire Coast City trailer just after the jump.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis shows off the Coast City map

MassivelyInfinite Crisis shows off the Coast City map originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flying high, trying new.
Today marks the start of a new format for A Mild-Mannered Reporter, but it's a natural segue because this is what I'd be doing anyway. Yes, it's time for a roundup of news, and over the past month, most of the news has been about two superheroic games hitting the "action" button until it falls off. It's all about Marvel Heroes and Infinite Crisis, in other words.

Not that these are the only two games that have been doing things, mind you. Both Champions Online and DC Universe Online have brought out some new content, although the volume differs. But the biggest waves are being made by games emphasizing the punching of villains with extreme prejudice. Or the punching of heroes; it's a fine line.

The point is that there is no finer time to round up superhero news, especially with the return of ComicsAlliance. So let's move on to the roundup, taking it point by point.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Rounding up May's superhero news

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Rounding up May's superhero news originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporteractionaction-mmochampionschampions-onlinechampscoconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdcdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfeaturedfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentinfinite-crisismarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemild-mannered-reportermobamuonews-roundupopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3ps3pweroundupsecret-identitysoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperhero-genresuperheroesturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwbWed, 05 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Could Lord of the Rings Online end in 2014?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/the-road-to-mordor-could-lord-of-the-rings-online-end-in-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/the-road-to-mordor-could-lord-of-the-rings-online-end-in-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/the-road-to-mordor-could-lord-of-the-rings-online-end-in-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Road to Mordor Could Lord of the Rings Online end in 2014
Almost two years ago, Star Wars Galaxies players were rocked to their core by the news that their virtual world was to be sunsetted at the end of the year. Despite obvious SOE love for the title and player petitions, the call was already made: LucasArts didn't want to renew the contract with SOE, and that was that. Because of an IP, an entire galaxy was lost.

It's one of the "cons" of IP-based MMOs. Because there is licensing and contracts and other legal mumbo-jumbo involved, an online game that is completely wedded to an intellectual property has the added danger of being shut down completely if the IP is denied to the studio. SWG is a sobering lesson as to how this can happen to an otherwise healthy game.

If you haven't noticed already, Lord of the Rings Online is somewhat inspired by a certain IP. This IP can survive without the game, but the opposite is not true. So the scary question that we'd rather not ask is this: What if Turbine loses the rights have its game set in the Lord of the Rings universe?

It's not an unreasonable question. And what makes it even scarier is that it could conceivably happen as early as next year.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Could Lord of the Rings Online end in 2014?

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Could Lord of the Rings Online end in 2014? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlegallicenselicensinglord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmiddle-earth-enterprisesopinionroad-to-mordorstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-road-to-mordortolkien-enterprisesturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswbSat, 04 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: The Matrix Online's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/jukebox-heroes-the-matrix-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/jukebox-heroes-the-matrix-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/jukebox-heroes-the-matrix-onlines-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes The Matrix Online's soundtrack
It's been almost three-and-a-half years since players were forced to unplug from The Matrix Online for the last time, but the memories and music remain. When I first was wowed by The Matrix back in 1999, the dark, action-packed score became an instant favorite of mine. It's a franchise in which the sound is critical to the feel of the films, and it makes sense that this would extend to the MMO.

The makers of MxO went to great lengths to retain the look, story, and audio of the films, which is why the trilogy's composer, Don Davis, was called in to create the music for the game. While the films are more dependent on an orchestra for the score, Davis went with a heavy synth sound for the MMO. It's still quite Matrix-y, however, and pretty dang cool to discover (or discover all over again).

Let's boot up this ancient laptop that I found and see if we can coax a few tunes out of it before Windows 98 shuts down on us for good.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: The Matrix Online's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: The Matrix Online's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composercomposersfeaturedgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimatrixmmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmxoopinionsoesoundtracksoundtracksthe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinewbTue, 19 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai: Delivering instant MMOs to your browser]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/gaikai-delivering-instant-mmos-to-your-browser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/gaikai-delivering-instant-mmos-to-your-browser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/gaikai-delivering-instant-mmos-to-your-browser/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Gaikai
Imagine that you're reading up on an MMO on a site such as Massively (far-fetched, but stay with us on this). The words intrigue you and you think it might be worth checking out. You make a mental note to do so in the future -- to head over to the game's site, see if there's a trial, download it, set up an account, and give it a whirl -- but time gets away from you and none of that actually happens.

Now imagine that right after you read that article there was a single button or link. Clicking on it, a Java window opens up on top of your screen and tells you that you're now playing a trial of the game. There's no wait, no download, no lengthy form to fill out -- just click and play, right away. You go from interested to inside the game within mere seconds, your computer specs (mostly) aren't an issue, and your curiosity is immediately sated.

This isn't a far-fetched dream but the here-and-now reality. This is cloud-streaming MMOs brought to you by Gaikai. And it just might be the future of MMOs as we know it.

Continue reading Gaikai: Delivering instant MMOs to your browser

MassivelyGaikai: Delivering instant MMOs to your browser originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2moonsacclaimactivisionage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedbest-buyblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowser-mmochronicles-of-spellborncloudcloud-streamingconandave-perryddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaea-originearthworm-jimf2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playfuncomgaikaigaikai-inchyboriaipadkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrostreaming-mmothe-darknessturbineturbine-entertainmentunchainedwalmartwarcraftwbwizard101world-of-warcraftwowyoutubeWed, 14 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Lord of the Rings Online dev diary is rather audacious]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/latest-lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-is-rather-audacious/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/latest-lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-is-rather-audacious/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/latest-lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-is-rather-audacious/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Lord of the Rings Online
Lord of the Rings Online's PvMP changes just keep rolling in, it seems. Last week, the Turbine team announced that a new currency known as commendations will be replacing the role of destiny in matters of PvMP transactions. Today, we've got a new dev diary that announces the upcoming addition of a new PvMP-only stat called Audacity.

What is Audacity, exactly? Well, put simply, it's a PvMP stat that will provide players with benefits such as reducing incoming damage and lowering the duration of crowd control abilities. Higher audacity, obviously, equates to lower incoming damage and shorter crowd control effects. But why introduce this feature in the first place? According to the post, the team believes that having PvMP and PvE gear on the same progression path resulted in underwhelming or overly difficult-to-obtain PvMP gear since the team had to ensure that "the PvMP items did not devalue the PvE offerings." In addition, Turbine feels that, thanks to the damage changes made in Rise of Isengard, PvMP combat was too fast-paced. The addition of audacity is intended to nix both of these problems.

Freeps will acquire their first rank of Audacity automatically at level 40, and further ranks will be boosted by PvMP gear that can only be purchased with commendations. Creeps, meanwhile, will gain their first rank of Audacity upon creation, and they'll gain further ranks by purchasing them directly from class trainers (seeing as how Creeps don't wear equipment).

For the full details on this new system, just click on through the link below to the official dev diary.

MassivelyLatest Lord of the Rings Online dev diary is rather audacious originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audacitycommendationcommendationsdev-diariesdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrlotroplayer-vs-monster-playplayer-vs-monster-playerplayer-vs-playerpvmppvpturbineTurbine-Entertainmentwarner-broswbWed, 22 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. invests in Korean publisher to 'co-develop certain online games' [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/korean-developer-secures-rights-to-make-batman-lord-of-the-ring/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/korean-developer-secures-rights-to-make-batman-lord-of-the-ring/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/korean-developer-secures-rights-to-make-batman-lord-of-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Batman and Barrow-wight
Unless you live in South Korea or are a massive fan of the F.E.A.R. series, chances are you haven't heard much about Korean studio Inplay Interactive. That's going to change right now, so prepare yourself.

Inplay is a developer that's worked on F.E.A.R.: Origin Online and SNK All Stars Online but is now poised to rapidly expand its portfolio. Today, the studio announced that it has inked a deal with Warner Bros. to develop two of its most significant IPs into MMOs: Batman and Lord of the Rings. In turn, Warner Bros. will be both an investor and a shareholder of the company.

[Update: We've learned that our original source was mistranslated. Warner Bros. has indeed invested in Inplay Interactive with intent to "strengthen the Korean development capability of online games to the world." The partnership "Intend[s] To Co-Develop Certain Other Online Games by utilizing Warner Bros. Properties," but the specific properties have not as yet been disclosed as originally reported. We apologize for the confusion.]

MassivelyWarner Bros. invests in Korean publisher to 'co-develop certain online games' [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fearfear-origin-onlineinplayinplay-interactiveipkorealord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotronew-titlessnk-all-stars-onlinesouth-koreaturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswbFri, 20 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/the-game-archaeologist-answers-asherons-call-2-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/the-game-archaeologist-answers-asherons-call-2-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/the-game-archaeologist-answers-asherons-call-2-the-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist
Time machines are expensive, and with gas the price it is today, it's not always viable to fuel up your DeLorean and travel back to the early 2000s just to check out some of those long-gone MMOs. Fortunately, jawing about them with former players and developers is the next best method of revisiting canceled MMOs.

It's been a personal treat to spend the month covering a game I never got to see when it was live. Asheron's Call 2 seems like it was a special game that tried hard and resulted in spectacular ideas and flaws alike. We've gotten to hear from former fansite owners and a developer on the team, which leaves just one group to check in with: the players themselves.

So today it's all about reminiscing over AC2 with the players who still carry a torch for this title and perhaps have a poster of it on the ceiling over their beds. I wouldn't be surprised if there's one or two people out there who made "children" out of discarded Asheron's Call 2 boxes and have enrolled them in elementary school only to be declined because they couldn't be authenticated. That's just how much love there is out there for this game.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The community

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The community originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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