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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[RIFT players set record for most in-game weddings in one day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/rift-players-set-record-for-most-in-game-weddings-in-one-day/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Culture, Events, in-game, News items, RIFT

Screenshot -- RIFT

It wasn't but yesterday that we ran our feature on the gaming achievements of the Guinness Book of World Records: Gamer's Edition 2012, but between then and now, a new MMO-related record has been set. As many of you know, RIFT recently added marriage to its plethora of features, allowing players to make the ultimate commitment in Telara. Well, the ultimate commitment besides joining a raiding guild, at any rate.

A press release today announced that RIFT players banded together with the goal of setting the record for the most in-game marriages in a 24-hour span. We're not certain what the previous record was if there was one at all, but RIFT players managed to set the bar with a staggering 21,879 marriages performed between noon on February 14th and noon on February 15th. RIFT executive producer and Trion Worlds CCO Scott Hartsman is pleased with the outcome, stating in the press release that "Ascended Weddings were a great way to lift the veil on RIFT's new 'Gatherings' feature, social experiences that bring players together in new and interesting ways." He goes on to add that "[the studio] looks forward to expanding this great new gameplay element in the always-evolving world of Telara." So congratulations to all of the lucky couples. Enjoy your new ball-and-chain!

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

RIFT players set record for most in-game weddings in one day originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegaming-cultureguinness-book-of-world-recordsguinness-book-of-world-records-gamers-editionin-game-marriagein-game-marriagesin-game-weddingin-game-weddingsmarriagemarriagesmmo-culturerecordrecordsriftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsweddingweddingsworld-recordworld-recordsThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: A RIFT wedding primer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-rift-wedding-primer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-rift-wedding-primer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-rift-wedding-primer/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Events, in-game, Opinion, RIFT, Guides, Enter at Your Own Rift

Rift Wedding

Right now in RIFT, couples are donning their best attire, polishing up their rings, and practicing their vows as they participate in a Valentine's Day wedding challenge. From yesterday until today at noon, players will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for most in-game weddings in a single day. I decided to participate, so I bought the elegant wedding dress and veil from the marriage coordinator and said to my husband, "Will you marry me in-game?" His answer was, "Why?"

I can't say I'm surprised because we've been married for the better part of 17 years, and he's never really been into the social part of gaming as much as I have. But he's also a good sport, so he agreed to buy a tux and do the ceremony anyway. In this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, we'll walk you through the process of tying the knot in game, from the pre-wedding prep to the lively celebrations afterwards.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: A RIFT wedding primer

Enter at Your Own Rift: A RIFT wedding primer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enter-at-your-own-riftfantasyfeaturedguinness-book-of-world-recordsguinness-world-recordsin-game-marriagekaren-bryanmmo-weddingopinionriftrift-planes-of-telaratelaratriontrion-worldsweddingweddingsWed, 15 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion releases RIFT wedding trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/trion-releases-rift-wedding-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/trion-releases-rift-wedding-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/trion-releases-rift-wedding-trailer/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, RIFT

RIFT - wedding party

A couple of weeks ago Trion announced its plan to get RIFT in the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the most virtual marriages in a 24-hour period. Today the company has released a new video designed to show off the matrimony mechanics and give fans a sneak peek of what's in store for the Valentine's Day record attempt.

The festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. EST on February 14th, and Trion says that "any two RIFT players who get hitched in-game will be counted in the Guinness World Records title attempt and will receive 'The Avowed' in-game title." Don't forget to check out the video after the break.

[Source: Trion press release]

Continue reading Trion releases RIFT wedding trailer

Trion releases RIFT wedding trailer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascended-weddingfantasyin-game-marriagein-game-weddingmarriagerifttelarathe-avowedtrailertriontrion-worldsvalentines-dayvideoweddingworld-record-attemptWed, 08 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist moves into Lucasfilm's Habitat: Part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/the-game-archaeologist-moves-into-lucasfilms-habitat-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/the-game-archaeologist-moves-into-lucasfilms-habitat-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/the-game-archaeologist-moves-into-lucasfilms-habitat-part-2/#commentsFiled under: Virtual worlds, The Game Archaeologist, Miscellaneous

Habitat

Last week on the exciting cosmic adventures of the Game Archaeologist, we uncovered the ancient civilization of Lucasfilm's Habitat, one of the early predecessors to graphical MMOs. While we talked about how it came to be and pondered just how much money we'd waste if game companies were still charging by the minute, we didn't have the time or space to cover the community and events that formed around this experimental project.

That day has come. Prepare your bladder for imminent release!

Giving a bunch of players tools to do every which thing in the game and turning them loose without strict regulation might seem like a recipe for an instant sewage pit of a game today, but our cultured, classy behaviors weren't quite trained into us in 1986. When players first set eyes on Habitat, they weren't thinking of min-maxing, kill-stealing, or raid progression; they were trying to make sense of a virtual world using the only frame of reference they had to date: their own lives. Out of a melting pot of ideas and objects came fascinating stories from one of the earliest MMO proto-ancestors of the modern era. Get your '80s on as we head back... to the future!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist moves into Lucasfilm's Habitat: Part 2

The Game Archaeologist moves into Lucasfilm's Habitat: Part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycootiecootiesdivorcedungeon-of-deathfeaturedgm-eventsgriefersgriefinghabitatharry-potterin-game-divorcein-game-weddingjk-rowlinglive-eventlive-eventslucasartslucasfilmslucasfilms-habitatmarriagepvppvp-zonessysopssystem-operatorsthe-game-archaeologistultima-onlineuovirtual-worldvirtual-worldsweddingworld-of-warcraftTue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT's 1.7 patch filled with content, coming soon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/rifts-1-7-patch-filled-with-content-coming-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/rifts-1-7-patch-filled-with-content-coming-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/rifts-1-7-patch-filled-with-content-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, RIFT, Dungeons

RIFT - some dragon or other

What's next for RIFT? Well, the 1.7 patch, for starters. The update is called Carnival of the Ascended, and if it sounds a bit festive, it is. Telaran weddings are in the offing, as Trion is introducing a marriage mechanic to its fantasy MMO. There's also the new River of Souls Chronicle, which the official forums bill as an "undead adventure for two."

A new master mode dungeon is coming too, as is an expert dungeon overhaul with more options and better loot for endgame avatars. Finally, there's a free weekend coming your way on January 19th, and you can return to Telara (or check it out for the first time) for no charge through January 22nd.

RIFT's 1.7 patch filled with content, coming soon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7-patchascendedcarnival-of-the-ascendedchronicledungeonsendgamefantasyin-game-marriagelootmarriagemarriage-mechanicmaster-modemaster-mode-dungeonnew-contentriftrift-1.7rift-planes-of-telarariver-of-souls-chronicletelaratriontrion-worldsweddingMon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever attended an in-game wedding?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-attended-an-in-game-wedding/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous

Wedding

Last week Bree talked about in-game funerals, giving readers an opportunity to chat about those they'd attended. Several people mentioned in-game weddings, so in today's Daily Grind we're going to turn to that markedly more cheerful event.

It's not uncommon at all for people to meet that special someone in an MMO, so the concept of celebrating that relationship in the game where it started doesn't follow too far behind. Quite a few developers have acknowledged that by providing wedding attire and accessories for the happy couples, with some even going so far as to provide a wedding system with in-game perks for those who have tied the knot.

Whether it be a RP union between two characters or a ceremony for two players, have you attended an in-game wedding? Have you participated in one? Use that handy comment button below and tell us all about it!

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

The Daily Grind: Have you ever attended an in-game wedding? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in-game-weddingin-game-weddingsmarriagemarriagesopinionrelationshipstdgthe-daily-grindweddingweddingsTue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[75% of MapleStory's marriages suffer the heartbreak of divorce]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/75-of-maplestorys-marriages-suffer-the-heartbreak-of-divorce/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/75-of-maplestorys-marriages-suffer-the-heartbreak-of-divorce/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/75-of-maplestorys-marriages-suffer-the-heartbreak-of-divorce/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, MapleStory, Culture, Free-to-play, Browser, Roleplaying

MapleStory wedding

Monogamy isn't in the cards for most MapleStory players, and neither are faithfulness, silver anniversaries or alimony-free lifestyles. You see, MapleStory boasts an incredibly high rate of divorces with its marriage system, as a whopping 75% of players who get married in-game end up getting those unions annulled.

MapleStory's marriage system is fairly popular, with 26,982 such events occurring last year in North America alone. Each marriage costs $25 for the couple, but it seems that the initial investment wasn't enough to keep a majority of the players together for long. Within a year, over 20,000 of those marriages broke up.

Due to the high divorce rate -- much higher than the real-world version by far -- Nexon investigated individual stories of in-game divorce trying to figure out why these virtual marriages aren't sticking. One player named Seth realized that his "Maple spouse" was merely using their relationship to bum free items off of him, which led to their break-up.

Marriage in MapleStory is a detailed process involving an official engagement, two rings, real-world cash, and a spiffy in-game item that gives the happy pair a big boost to stats. However, if a marriage is annulled, each partner has a 10-day cooling off period before he or she can remarry.

[Source: Nexon press release]

75% of MapleStory's marriages suffer the heartbreak of divorce originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annulledannulmentdivorceengagementf2pfree-to-playin-game-marriagemaple-spousemaplestorymarriagemarriagesnexonnexon-nanexon-north-americaweddingwedding-bellsThu, 15 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Allods Online orders a mega-patch with a launch on the side]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/gdc-2011-allods-online-orders-a-mega-patch-with-a-launch-on-the/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/gdc-2011-allods-online-orders-a-mega-patch-with-a-launch-on-the/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/gdc-2011-allods-online-orders-a-mega-patch-with-a-launch-on-the/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Launches, Patches, Free-to-play, Allods Online

It's utterly bizarre to consider that Allods Online, for as long as it's been out and playable by the masses, has yet to leave the boundaries of open beta. As we mentioned yesterday, this is about to change, as gPotato announced that the next patch would finally bring the title to an official release.

And what a patch this is! Allods players will feast upon a gourmet meal with all the fixins, including a rise in the level cap from 42 to 47. This means that the talent grids are getting bigger as a result, so expect new skills and abilities across the board. Players will receive a talent point reset to let them rebuild their characters if so desired.

Check out 16 brand-new screenshots of the patch below, and hit the jump for an in-depth look at Allods' growth and illuminating videos!

Gallery: Allods Online

Continue reading GDC 2011: Allods Online orders a mega-patch with a launch on the side

GDC 2011: Allods Online orders a mega-patch with a launch on the side originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalcursed-itemsfeaturedgallerygame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011gpotatoholy-charmshot-tub-time-machinekirahlaunchlevel-capmarriage-systemmarriedmarrymountsraidscreenshotstime-travelvideoweddingwhirlpool-of-timeThu, 03 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes players get engaged in-game and in style]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/city-of-heroes-players-get-engaged-in-game-and-in-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/city-of-heroes-players-get-engaged-in-game-and-in-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/city-of-heroes-players-get-engaged-in-game-and-in-style/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Culture, Events, in-game, News items

The City of Heroes team loves its community. There's no real doubt about that -- whether or not you care for the design principles the team has embraced, any given member will happily engage with players about the reason behind same. So it's probably not surprising to learn that the team backed up an in-game proposal with more than just GM support. It might be a little more surprising, however, to find out that it included a Giant Monster and the intervention of War Witch herself.

The New York Post has the full details in comic form as well as a brief interview with several members of the Paragon Studios team about what it was like helping to make the proposal one to remember. And really, when your engagement starts off by destroying Rularuu, what can you say but yes? Read the full details over in the article, sure to bring a smile to the faces of any City of Heroes players of a romantic bent... or any romantics, period.

City of Heroes players get engaged in-game and in style originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdawwwengagementin-game-eventsmarriagematrimonyncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplayer-run-eventsspecial-eventsweddingThu, 02 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UPDATED: Win a new Guild Wars costume pack from Massively!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/win-a-new-guild-wars-costume-pack-from-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/win-a-new-guild-wars-costume-pack-from-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/win-a-new-guild-wars-costume-pack-from-massively/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Guild Wars, Contests, Events, in-game, Giveaways

Yesterday's surprise reveal of Guild Wars: Hearts of the North came with some very exciting extras for Massively. First, John Stumme spent some quality time with us, giving us all the inside scoop on this new content.

The second extra goes straight to you, our readers. You see, Hearts of the North includes all sorts of new costumes and headpieces for players. Here at Massively, we managed to get our hands on 10 costume packs, and we are in a sharing mood. We've got five Wedding Couple packs (which include the bride and groom attire) and five Wedding Party packs (which include the entire set of costumes).

Would you like one for your very own? Then talk to us! What do you love about the new content? What are you looking forward to seeing in Hearts of the North? Let us know in the comments section below by 11:59 p.m. EST tonight and you'll be entered in a random drawing for one of these costume packs! Don't forget to check out our contest rules, and good luck!

[Update: All winners have been chosen and emailed. Congratulations!]

UPDATED: Win a new Guild Wars costume pack from Massively! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcontestcostumesgiveawaygiveawaysguild-warsGuild-Wars-2guild-wars-beyondguild-wars-hearts-of-the-northgwgw2gwen-and-keiran-sitting-in-a-treehearts-of-the-northk-i-s-s-i-n-gncsoftweddingFri, 19 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive interview: Guild Wars unveils Hearts of the North]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/exclusive-interview-guild-wars-unveils-hearts-of-the-north/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/exclusive-interview-guild-wars-unveils-hearts-of-the-north/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/exclusive-interview-guild-wars-unveils-hearts-of-the-north/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Guild Wars, Events, in-game, News items, Guild Wars 2

When we last left our heroes, a distraught Gwen was crying in the Hall of Monuments, and Keiran Thackeray had disappeared. Thankfully, knowledgeable Guild Wars fans weren't too worried over the fate of the most prominent couple in the game. Logan Thackeray and Ebonhawke in Guild Wars 2 carry our assurance that the original couple reunited and married at some point.

That point has arrived with Hearts of the North, the newest content addition to Guild Wars. Hearts of the North brings new quests and missions to the game as you progress from the search for Keiran to the wedding festivities. There is plenty of variety, including a Bonus Mission Pack-style event in which you play as Keiran and a more lighthearted chance to help a Norn wedding planner arrange the ceremony. The highlight of all the new content, of course, is the wedding. There are five new costumes for you to choose from for the ceremony, so get ready to choose your favorite formal wear and help bring our lovebirds back together!

Hold on though, because we have so much more for you! We are as excited to see new Guild Wars content as the rest of the community, and we inundated ArenaNet with questions. John Stumme had plenty to say to all of them, even tossing in a few extra surprises for us. Follow along after the jump for the full scoop on Hearts of the North!

Continue reading Exclusive interview: Guild Wars unveils Hearts of the North

Exclusive interview: Guild Wars unveils Hearts of the North originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenaneteotneye-of-the-northguild-warsGuild-Wars-2guild-wars-beyondgwgw2gwenhearts-of-the-northjohn-stummekeiran-thackerayncsoftquestsweddingThu, 18 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You are cordially invited to the Asheron's Call wedding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/you-are-cordially-invited-to-the-asherons-call-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/you-are-cordially-invited-to-the-asherons-call-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/you-are-cordially-invited-to-the-asherons-call-wedding/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Asheron's Call, Culture, Events, in-game, Patches, News items

Asheron's Call is getting up in years. That's not an insult, just a statement of fact: at eleven years old, the game has been around for an astonishingly long time. But the fine folks at Turbine haven't forgotten about the game; and they've put together a very special event for May: a wedding. Not a wedding of death and destruction, not a wedding rife with some sort of horrible beasts attacking. It's a wedding between two of the game's longstanding NPCs, and everyone in the game is invited to attend.

Of course, there's more in the latest update besides just the wedding... but the wedding really is the centerpiece, and lo and behold, they've put together an entire developer diary explaining how the event went from the concept to execution, and how everything fits together. And how unusual it is, even from the developer perspective, to have the centerpiece of an event be just a wedding. Take a look at the release notes, the developer diary, and the screenshots of the celebrated event -- and if you're an Asheron's Call player, you can take a look at the wedding in person.

You are cordially invited to the Asheron's Call wedding originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-calldeveloper-diarydevelopmenteventin-game-eventturbineturbine-entertainmentweddingSat, 08 May 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luminary introduces new wedding system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/luminary-introduces-new-wedding-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/luminary-introduces-new-wedding-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/luminary-introduces-new-wedding-system/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Culture, Events, in-game, Free-to-play

Fans of NDOORS Interactive's Luminary: Rise of GoonZu may be happy to hear that today the free-to-play MMO has introduced a new wedding system to the game. This system will allow a happy couple to get hitched in-game complete with ceremony, proper wedding attire and an announcement throughout the game.

Since Luminary is more of a political MMO, players can either marry for love or for political alliances. Married couples can earn Affection Points, which can reap additional benefits to status effects in game. Plus, on your wedding anniversary (12 days game-time), the new lovebirds will receive a special gift. Check out the complete press release after the jump.

Continue reading Luminary introduces new wedding system

Luminary introduces new wedding system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luminary-rise-of-the-goonzundoorsndoors-interactiveweddingWed, 17 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AdventureQuest Worlds wedding attracts 11,000 guests]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/adventurequest-worlds-wedding-attracts-11-000-guests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/adventurequest-worlds-wedding-attracts-11-000-guests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/adventurequest-worlds-wedding-attracts-11-000-guests/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Culture, Events, in-game, Free-to-play

How many people would you choose to attend your wedding? Some go for a smaller and more intimate setting with just a handful of people. Over at the other extreme, some folks shell out for 1000+ of their closest friends to enjoy their special moment. Want to take it even further? You could be like the couple from Missouri that just tied the knot and had 11,000 people sitting in on the ceremony. Of course, the catch is that the wedding took place in AdventureQuest Worlds, and their guests attended virtually. Their private wedding room was cloned, which allowed for thousands of gamers to experience the celebrations along with then.

The event was a success overall, and undoubtedly a lot easier to organize than a wedding of that scale would be in the real world. Weddings are notorious for the meticulous planning that comes before them, and equally for the little (hopefully inconsequential) things that tend to go wrong on the day. If we had to make a list of things we'd like not to happen during a loved one's wedding, "Troll raid" would be somewhere near the top. As fate would have it, Trolls did show up to raid the AQW wedding, but thankfully the guests took it in their stride, and cake was enjoyed by all.

AdventureQuest Worlds wedding attracts 11,000 guests originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-quest-worldsadventurequest-worldsaqwartix-entertainmenttrolltroll-raidtrollsweddingwedding-cakeFri, 16 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's very own Corpse Bride]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/eve-onlines-very-own-corpse-bride/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/eve-onlines-very-own-corpse-bride/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/eve-onlines-very-own-corpse-bride/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Culture, Events, in-game, Forums, Humor

Massively multiplayer online games aren't just a passing hobby for many players out there, it's a real passion in their lives. At Massively, we frequently hear about unions of all types in MMOs -- titles which allow players to marry one another, couples who decide to tie the knot in-game, married couple experience bonuses, and now and again an inventive marriage proposal. But this is something new...

EVE Online player Suva Orefinger is ready to settle down with her (real life) boyfriend, and he says he'll marry her... assuming she's willing to prove her commitment to him. In typical EVE fashion, her boyfriend's bargaining posture has led to a rather unique proposition. He's posed a challenge to Suva: fill a Charon-class freighter with corpses and he'll make his vows. This is no easy feat. A character must die for each corpse to be created in EVE, and the Charon is a massive ship, which can hold nearly 100,000 of these victims of New Eden's violence. "Something easily gotten is not highly valued," her boyfriend says. But if Suva can do it, he'll be all hers, 'til death do they part.

Continue reading EVE Online's very own Corpse Bride

EVE Online's very own Corpse Bride originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescharoncorpsecorpse-brideeveeve-onlineforumsfreightermarriagemeat-popsiclenew-edensci-fisuva-orefingerweddingwtfFri, 14 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[News from the Wider MMO World: August 26, 2008]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/news-from-the-wider-mmo-world-august-26-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/news-from-the-wider-mmo-world-august-26-2008/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/news-from-the-wider-mmo-world-august-26-2008/#commentsFiled under: At a glance, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-fi, Screenshots, Dreamlords, Jumpgate Evolution, Neocron 2, Culture, Events, real-world, Events, in-game, Expansions, Game mechanics, Lore, MMO industry, New titles, Patches, PvP, News items, RuneScape, Free-to-play, Browser, Mabinogi, Requiem: Bloodymare, Fiesta

The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.

Mabinogi welcomes Generation 3
The MMO that bills itself as "your fantasy life" has gotten its next upgrade with Generation 3. Now Mabinogi players will have the ability to marry each other, complete with license and wedding attire for both genders. An overarching quest will require warriors to recover dungeon seals to prevent the Fomor from entering the world. And finally, the pet system gets an overhaul, with new interactions, behaviors, and controls. The removal of the combat cap, increased UI options, and new items all await players in Generation 3.

Neocron 2 developer declares insolvency
10Tacle Studios AG, parent company of Reakktor Media GmbH, developers of Neocron 2, declared insolvency on August 6th. They are awaiting an insolvency administrator to determine what will happen with the game servers. In a later update to the original forum post, Kirk Lenke, CEO of Reakktor Media announced that the insolvency will not affect business operation of Neocron 2, and that they are still in development for upcoming title Black Prophecy.

Continue reading News from the Wider MMO World: August 26, 2008

News from the Wider MMO World: August 26, 2008 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bleakstone-sectordreamlords-the-reawakeningeve-onlinefeaturedfiestagravity-interactiveguinnessjagexjoystiq-featuresjumpgate-evolutionleipzig-games-conventionmabinogineocron-2newsnews-from-the-wider-mmo-worldoutsparkrequiem-bloodymarerunescapesecrets-of-the-solsticetoasterweddingweek-of-the-warriorxenoaTue, 26 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiesta: to have and to hold, 'til death do you part]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/fiesta-to-have-and-to-hold-til-death-do-you-part/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/fiesta-to-have-and-to-hold-til-death-do-you-part/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/fiesta-to-have-and-to-hold-til-death-do-you-part/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, News items, Casual, Humor, Fiesta

Ten Ton Hamster recently spoke with GM Dakkon from Outspark, about the new marriage system coming to their super-cute MMO Fiesta. They say the perfect spouse is someone who can be your best friend as well as your lover. Well as of June 30th, friends in Fiesta will be able to tie the knot in-game, by purchasing rings (that "allow the couple to warp to each other from anywhere within the game") and a marriage license. That special day is celebrated with a wedding dress and a tux, fireworks, and cute mini-pets.

While Outspark is saying "I do" to virtual weddings, thus far there isn't a system for digital divorce in Fiesta. Is it unreasonable to assume that roughly half of these marriages will end up there? One envisions this playing out with much drama... and so many possible scenarios. Custody battles over the mini-pets, and of course who gets to keep the house? Green card hunters looking to marry their way onto another server. And who knows... maybe even a black widow, marrying her way to greater and greater wealth. All jokes aside, Outspark is onto something interesting here. It seems to be a bit of a social experiment, but definitely one to watch, at least until the devs implement prenups. But one real question remains: will Outspark ban same-sex marriages in Fiesta? Perhaps controversy will ensue after all.

Fiesta: to have and to hold, 'til death do you part originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualdivorcefiestafireworksgame-mechanicshumormarriagemini-petsoutsparkpetsringtuxedoweddingTue, 24 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MapleStory product coordinator talks cake monsters, weddings and doom flounders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/maplestory-product-coordinator-talks-cake-monsters-weddings-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/maplestory-product-coordinator-talks-cake-monsters-weddings-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/maplestory-product-coordinator-talks-cake-monsters-weddings-and/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, MapleStory, Interviews, Free-to-play

Over at WarCry, Sheloman Byrd - the product coordinator for free 2d MMORPG MapleStory - has been giving the lowdown on the game and its lighthearted approach. Popular among gamers around the 17-18 year old range and extraordinarily successful economically, MapleStory offers side-scrolling anime-inspired action with a heavy emphasis on quirky fun.

Weddings have been a surprisingly popular element of the game (a phenomenon we also saw with Angels Online) with the choice of either a Vegas style wedding or a Cathedral one. The latter even involves quests, with the groom having to hunt for items and the bride seeking the blessing of her parents. Married couples in the game also have exclusive content, including a Party Quest of their own.

There's clearly demand out there for wedding content in MMOs - at least the bright and bouncy teen-market kind. CoX released a Wedding Pack containing exclusive costumes and emotes not so long ago, although weddings there are still purely roleplaying affairs, as they are in WoW. We can't help but wonder what the result would be if more games supported in-game marriage. Is that what the teen demographic really wants?

MapleStory product coordinator talks cake monsters, weddings and doom flounders originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freefree-to-playinterviewsmaplestorynexonsheloman-byrdweddingFri, 20 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively: Inventing Swear Words 4]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/cinemassively-inventing-swear-words-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/cinemassively-inventing-swear-words-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/cinemassively-inventing-swear-words-4/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Video, Cinemassively, Machinima, Humor

In the fourth Inventing Swear Words, we find Mort, the undead ubar-l33t, preparing to marry his prize heifer, Lacy. Will he be able to resist temptation when it comes along? Will Hat be able to sing a tune without insulting Mort's bride? You'll just have to tune in to find out!

I am pleased to report that my future husband, Hat the singing turtle, has quite a bit of face time in Oxhorn's latest machinima. He manages to sing three songs in Inventing Swear Words 4! I'd have to say that my favorite would be, "You are so beautiful ... to Mort." If you're as obsessed with Hat as I am, and he really should get a restraining order against me, then join his WeGame Official Hat Fan Club! Oxhorn was kind enough to render out all the Hat moments from his movies, so it's all Hat, all the time.

Cinemassively: Inventing Swear Words 4 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbrandon-denniscinemassivelyhathat-the-singing-turtleinventing-swear-wordslacymachinimamortofficial-hat-fan-cluboxhornweddingwegameworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 21 Feb 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New CoX comic book: relive the wedding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/new-cox-comic-book-relive-the-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/new-cox-comic-book-relive-the-wedding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/new-cox-comic-book-relive-the-wedding/#commentsFiled under: City of Heroes, City of Villains, Comics

On Valentine's Day, players who were able to access the Test Server had the opportunity to see Sister Psyche and Manticore wed. Today, however, the rose petals are swept up, giant mutant zombie pigeons have consumed the rice, and the confetti's been acquired by the Clockwork for use in their bizarre building schemes. Manticore's back on duty, as is Sister Psyche, but does that mean that the wedding has been retconned? Never. NCsoft, in conjunction with ChaseArcanum, has provided a downloadable comic book to commemorate the event, and is also allowing players to see the vows exchanged during the ceremony.

New CoX comic book: relive the wedding originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChaseArcanumCity-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHComic-BookCoVCoXManticoreNCsoftSister-PsycheVowsWeddingSat, 16 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Samuraiko's wedding video: now with more chaos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/samuraikos-wedding-video-now-with-more-chaos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/samuraikos-wedding-video-now-with-more-chaos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/samuraikos-wedding-video-now-with-more-chaos/#commentsFiled under: Video, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Machinima

For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to see the wedding of Sister Psyche and Manticore on Valentine's Day, Samuraiko Productions captured the joy and delight of the event. Ah, the outfits, the pre-wedding jitters, the explosive fury of Citadel's rage, it was all captured for posterity. Just think, when there are little Manticores and Sister Psyches running (or flying, or teleporting) about, Justin and Shalice can look back on their wedding day ... and only wish things were this quiet at home. For a high-quality version, please check out Samuraiko Productions' web site, but if you just can't wait, here's the YouTube version.

Samuraiko's wedding video: now with more chaos originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHCoVCoXMachinimaManticoreNCsoftSamuraiko-ProductionsSister-PsycheValentines-DayWeddingSat, 16 Feb 2008 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iconic Bliss: CoX Valentine's Day event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/iconic-bliss-cox-valentines-day-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/iconic-bliss-cox-valentines-day-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/iconic-bliss-cox-valentines-day-event/#commentsFiled under: City of Heroes, City of Villains, Events, in-game

Today's event provided closure -- and a new beginning -- for a love story that's spanned both years and comic books. Today Sister Psyche married Manticore, and we all wish them only the happiest of futures together. Thanks to NCsoft, and the writers and artists of Top Cow, we've had the opportunity to watch their relationship develop, deepen, and bring them closer together. And today, Positron said the magic words: "With the power vested in me by the state of Rhode Island, and Ken's 24 Hour Internet Ministry, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife... You may now kiss the bride!"

Gallery: CoX Valentine's Day 2008

Continue reading Iconic Bliss: CoX Valentine's Day event

Iconic Bliss: CoX Valentine's Day event originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHCoVCoXFeaturedManticoreNCsoftSister-PsycheWeddingThu, 14 Feb 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valentine's Day events in the City]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/valentines-day-events-in-the-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/valentines-day-events-in-the-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/valentines-day-events-in-the-city/#commentsFiled under: City of Heroes, City of Villains, Events, in-game

Let the bells ring out for Manticore and Sister Psyche: they're finally formalizing the relationship they started in the comics. Today -- Valentine's Day 2008 -- City of Heroes icons Manticore and Sister Psyche will be wed in a live wedding ceremony in the main Training Room on the Test Server. Manticore will be controlled by Sean "Manticore" Dornan-Fish, and his off-server wife Jennifer Dornan-Fish will allow Sister Psyche to mindride her for the event. With Matt "Positron" Miller officiating, and other iconic heroes attending, it's sure to be a ceremony to remember. The ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will repeat hourly for the next three hours. Please note, though, that the service is first-come, first-served, and each presentation will only be open to 100 participants. It's the luck of the draw, heroes, so you and your villainous counterparts will need to find the ushers in Mercy Island and Atlas Park in order to attend.

Continue reading Valentine's Day events in the City

Valentine's Day events in the City originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHCoVCoXManticoreNCsoftSean-Dornan-FishSister-PsycheTraining-RoomValentines-DayWeddingThu, 14 Feb 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Love me, marry me?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/love-me-marry-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/love-me-marry-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/love-me-marry-me/#commentsFiled under: At a glance, Real life, Contests, Culture, Events, real-world, Grouping, News items, Opinion

I'm a big fan of The Crazy, and I like to think the world is a finer place when we're given the opportunity to really experience how it moves through our lives. Case in point: Beijing's Perfect World Network, owners of the Chinese MMO 'Legend of Martial Arts', have announced an event to run for the rest of this year entitled 'Love Me, Marry Me'.

Now, as far as I understand this, Perfect World is talking about an event that's meant to reward cash prizes and publicity to players who have real-life relationships, culminating in a group wedding event at a prestigious hotel. Entrants will be judged on, among other things, 'how well the lovers know each other' and 'a Medieval style mysterious Chateau Party'. Best of all, the press release states '"Love Me, Marry Me" is the largest love-themed event ever held by [Perfect World]', meaning there have been others.

I'm loving this idea, and wish all competing couples the best. I'd like to end this post with something cutting and acerbic, but I just can't; I'm all about the love, baby.

[Via http://usstock.jrj.com.cn]

Love me, marry me? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beijingchateaucrazylegend-of-martial-artslove-me-marry-memassivelyperfect-world-networkweddingSat, 24 Nov 2007 10:00:00 EST