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CCP reveals DUST 514 dropsuits

Jef Reahard — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Classes, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, MMOFPS, DUST 514, Sandbox

CCP returns with its weekly DUST 514 announcement via the PlayStation blog. This time around, the company gives us a sneak peek at some of the dropsuits available in its upcoming EVE Online MMOFPS sidequel.

What's a dropsuit?

Well, aside from the latest in sexy sci-fi outerwear, it's also standard equipment for New Eden infantry types and it comes "in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with a unique slot configuration, powergrid, and CPU that inform [customization decisions]." Slot types include light, heavy, sidearm, high, low, equipment, and grenade, and CCP mentions that dropsuits will define your role on DUST's battlefields (as will your choices for the aforementioned slots). Head to the official PlayStation blog for a bit more info as well as a selection of Caldari and Amarr dropsuit images.

CCP reveals DUST 514 dropsuits originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: Touring a galaxy reborn

Brendan Drain — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, EVE Online, Culture, Expansions, Game mechanics, Wallpapers, Hands-on, EVE Evolved, Sandbox

EVE Online recently celebrated the release of its incredible Crucible expansion, noted as one of the most feature-heavy expansions in the game's history despite the majority of its features being produced in a period of just a few weeks. Two years' worth of graphical upgrades, features, balance upgrades and quality-of-life fixes hit Tranquility all at once, and the response from players has been incredibly positive.

Last week I rounded up all the information there is to know about the Crucible expansion, but reading articles and news posts is no substitute for hands-on experience. This week I took a tour around parts of New Eden to explore the incredible new graphics Crucible delivered. As I have a background in graphics programming, the graphical upgrades are obviously the most exciting change for me. The astounding background nebulae are even more impressive when you know just how difficult it would be to build a nebula system that looks this incredible from any location.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I explore a reborn galaxy and catalogue my adventures in a massive HD gallery.

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EVE Evolved: Touring a galaxy reborn originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DUST 514 dev blog shows off guns, lots of guns

Jef Reahard — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, MMOFPS, DUST 514, Sandbox

First-person shooters are nothing without guns -- lots of 'em -- and CCP's upcoming DUST 514 is no exception. Today the company has released a new PlayStation blog update that zeroes in on a handful of infantry weapons in the far-future sci-fi opus.

Said weapons are broken down into light, heavy, and sidearm classes, with one example of each detailed. Light weapons are the most common, and they fulfill multiple roles for short- and medium-range applications. They also come in four variants, each of which allows gamers to select a playstyle that features a number of trade-offs (lower fire rates for increased accuracy, etc.).

Heavy weapons are more specialized, and are only available to players skilled enough to use heavy dropsuits. Sidearms are generally used as backup weapons, but they're still deadly in the right hands. Finally, today's entry continues the DUST tradition of showing off factional equipment variants, so head to the PlayStation blog to get a glimpse of some Amarr, Gallente, and Caldari weaponry.

DUST 514 dev blog shows off guns, lots of guns originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE dev video shows work on engine trails, custom ship skins and more

Brendan Drain — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, EVE Online, Expansions, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Dev Diaries

If you're a fan of EVE Online, I apologise in advance for the funny looks you get when you jump out of your seat yelling "HELL YES!" while watching the latest In Development video. In this second part of CCP Games' new video devblog series, CCP Guard takes a live hand grenade into EVE Online's art department to show us just what's going on behind the scenes. We've already seen the impressive nebula effects and new Raven model due for release in the winter expansion, and today CCP showed off some massive shadow improvements, but those upcoming additions pale in comparison to what's planned for after the winter period.

The latest In Development video shows that CCP is currently working on engine trails, custom ship skins, a new cyno effect, a new warp tunnel, and graphical upgrades for every single ship in the game. It's a tall order, one that's unlikely to be fulfilled in the winter expansion despite developers' recent laser focus on delivering new features. The video gives a sneak peek at the models for the Amarr and Caldari tier 3 battlecruisers, which were selected from fan-submitted entries to last year's design contest in a similar manner to the already revealed Minmatar Tornado and Gallente Talos.

Read on to find out why custom ship skins are more work to implement than most of us realise and to watch the new video in HD.

Continue reading EVE dev video shows work on engine trails, custom ship skins and more

EVE dev video shows work on engine trails, custom ship skins and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE adds more racial captain's quarters to test server

Jef Reahard — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Trailers, Video, EVE Online, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Sandbox

Those of you chafing under the constraints of the Minmatar captain's quarters released earlier this summer as part of EVE Online's Incarna expansion have reason to celebrate. The other three racially themed quarters have just been deployed to Singularity (that's the test server, for you EVE newbs).

When we say racially themed, we don't mean like an Al Sharpton monologue but rather like the Gallente, Caldari, and Amarr races who, along with the Minmatar, make up EVE's four playable factions. A new dev blog hits the highlights of each CQ, and each one boasts a visual aesthetic that mirrors its race.

Gallente quarters, for example, are "are slick and streamlined -- comfort through elegant design. The mirror is also prominent, since the Gallenteans are known to spend a lot of time in front of it." The Minmatar pad has also been tweaked, and you can read all the details at the official EVE website. Before you go, check out the preview video after the cut.

[Update: CCP has also uploaded a video explaining the new time dilation feature.]

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EVE adds more racial captain's quarters to test server originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: EVE's Alliance Tournament IX

Brendan Drain — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, EVE Online, Culture, Events, in-game, Guilds, PvP, Endgame, EVE Evolved

With all the recent controversy in EVE Online, the annual Alliance Tournament was all too quickly forgotten. CCP did its usual fantastic job with the tournament coverage this year, with live video streams of the two qualifying weekends and a live EVE TV studio show for the finals. For those of us who missed the action, all of the match videos have now been uploaded to the CCP Games YouTube channel in HD. As we take a step back from recent events to digest CCP and the CSM's statements, now is the perfect chance to catch up on some of the year's awesome PvP tournament action.

This year's tournament winners walked away with a first place prize of 120 billion ISK and 50 blueprint runs for a unique Amarr heavy assault cruiser called the Vangel. The second place prize of 50 billion ISK was also accompanied by 50 blueprint runs for a unique Amarr assault ship called the Malice. Both ships are significantly better than their standard counterparts, but with only 50 ever to be introduced in the game, they're sure to become priceless collector's items. The third and fourth place winners received 20 billion ISK each as a consolation prize for coming so far in EVE's number one PvP tournament.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the meta-game surrounding the tournament and collect together links to videos and commentary on all the main matches in Alliance Tournament IX.

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EVE Evolved: EVE's Alliance Tournament IX originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Amarrian repentance

Krystalle Voecks — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

While the role-playing in EVE Online may not seem readily apparent, there is more of it going on than many may know about. With a rich history, many pilots look to the story of the empires to craft their own bios, or figure out how precisely they're going to interact with players from other empires in EVE Online. Today we have one such example that was sent to us a while back by occasional One Shots contributor, Dab. Since today's entry is longer, we'll simply say that if you'd like to submit your own screenshot to us, send it to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com, along with your name, the name of the game, and a description. And now, on with Dab's note -- be sure to read the bio after the break!

"I have started a second account, and decided to go with an Amarr character -- and Amarr-only ships -- as any good religious zealot should. Seeing as the Amarr see themselves as the righteous superiors of the other races in New Eden, I came up with an interesting twist on a familiar bible quote for his bio. I submit it to you, along with this pretty cool pic of his Harbinger battlecruiser, the 'Repentance'."

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

Continue reading One Shots: Amarrian repentance

One Shots: Amarrian repentance originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New EVE Online novel "The Burning Life" released

Brendan Drain — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Culture, Lore, News items

Storyline is an important part of any MMO and EVE Online is no exception. New Eden is steeped in story-telling, from the regularly released fictional chronicles to the countless blogs, battle reports and dramatic events recorded by players. EVE is a game that lends itself very well to creating immersive stories, videos and other creative efforts. Back in June of 2008, CCP commissioned author Tony Gonzales to write a novel set in the EVE universe. The novel, titled "Empyrean Age," came at the same time as the expansion of the same name and gave some background story for faction warfare. June 2009 brought the announcement that CCP's own fiction-writer Hjalti Daníelsson had begun work on a second EVE novel entitled "EVE: The Burning Life." Hjalti is better known as CCP Abraxis, the pen behind most of the EVE chronicles and the current driving force behind the game's storyline.

Continue reading New EVE Online novel "The Burning Life" released

New EVE Online novel "The Burning Life" released originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 1: The healers of EVE

Brendan Drain — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, Guides, Tips and tricks, Grouping, PvE, Hands-on, EVE Evolved

The holy trinity of tank, healer and damage-dealer is present in every MMO, including EVE Online. While most MMOs dedicate these roles to specific classes, ships in EVE can do all three at the same time. When running missions solo, for example, a ship will need to tank incoming damage, repair it and deal damage themselves. Setting up a ship for solo PvE becomes a balancing act between the three roles. Too little tank and you'll find yourself in trouble, but too little damage and you'll take forever to kill NPCs.

As part of a gang, however, remote armour repair and shield transfer modules allow pilots to specialise into a traditional healer role. Rather than having each player repair their own damage, it can be much more effective to have a dedicated medic ship to repair anyone that gets shot at. There are even specialised ships for would-be healers in EVE, from entry-level cruisers to advanced Tech 2 Logistics ships and massive capital ships. Medic ships can be an effective part of any gang, whether you're tackling a tough level 4 or 5 mission or engaging in large-scale gang PvP.

In this first part of a two-part look into dedicated healers in EVE Online, I look at the more affordable ships and modules available and the best strategy for healing in PvE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 1: The healers of EVE

EVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 1: The healers of EVE originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Amarrian history

Krystalle Voecks — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

We've seen battles, stations, ships, and even some funny signs, but this is one of the first times someone has captured statuary in New Eden and sent it in to us. Now as to what a statue is doing floating around, we'll turn to today's EVE Online contributor, Xaan Debunk, who writes in: "In this picture I captured a huge statue just floating in space while I [was] doing a mission. You don't get to see too many vistas like this one in EVE, so I thought I'd take a screenshot. Apparently it's an ancient Amarrian ruin called the Amarrian Holy Dome. It is completely broken off from the other parts of what I assume were once a space station."

Have you found something interesting we haven't seen here in your favorite MMO? If so, why not grab a screenshot of it and send it in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com. Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post them out here on Massively and give you the credit for sending it in.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

One Shots: Amarrian history originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: Trade hubs of New Eden - Amarr and Gallente

Brendan Drain — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Sci-fi, EVE Online, Culture, Economy, Guides, Lore, EVE Evolved

Last week, I took a look at a few of the biggest Caldari and Minmatar trade hubs in EVE Online and how to best put them to use. I examined the phenomenon that is Jita and how Motsu persists as a trade hub due to the presence of mission-runners. I went on to look at Hek and Rens, trade hubs which service the two most populated Minmatar regions and provide a handy trade route for pilots to make a profit on. This week, I complete the picture with a look at four of the biggest Gallente and Amarr trade hubs.

Knowing all of the major trading stations can be of benefit to any pilot, whether you're just looking for a good deal on a new ship or trying to forge profitable trade routes. For traders, listing products in an alternate hub needn't take much extra time or effort. With good trade skills, you can adjust market orders remotely from several jumps away. You can make a short autopilot route that goes close enough to each station you're trading in and adjust your prices frequently.

In this final part of a two-part series on EVE's biggest trade hubs, I look at the biggest Amarr and Gallente trade hubs, what can be found there and how to use them to your advantage as a trader.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Trade hubs of New Eden - Amarr and Gallente

EVE Evolved: Trade hubs of New Eden - Amarr and Gallente originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE's animated hangar backgrounds available as high-def downloads

James Egan — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, EVE Online

EVE Online players who were fortunate enough to attend Fanfest in 2009 kept raving about a collection of animated video backgrounds that were running on screens during panels and presentations. Players were so taken with these that they'd been pressing CCP Games to make them available for download. CCP delivered on their promise this week, making these sweeping tours of the Gallente, Caldari, Amarr, and Minmatar space station interiors available for download in HD.

Once you see them, you'll probably understand why the EVE Fanfest attendees have been wanting them ever since. Those are some fairly hefty file sizes though, so for a quick look you can also see all four of the hangars and a nice selection of each race's ships in HD on YouTube. Stick with us past the jump for a look within an Amarr hangar which shows off the theocratic race's golden fleet.

Continue reading EVE's animated hangar backgrounds available as high-def downloads

EVE's animated hangar backgrounds available as high-def downloads originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 3

Brendan Drain — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

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EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 2

Brendan Drain — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

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EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle

Brendan Drain — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Expansions, Exploits, Forums, Game mechanics, Professions, PvP, Making money, Opinion, Hands-on, EVE Evolved

When faction warfare went live with EVE Online's Empyrean Age expansion back in the summer of 2008, It was a magnificent success. It was intended as a way for newer players to get into PvP and as a stepping stone from the safe haven of empire to full-on sovereignty warfare. It wasn't long before large fleets were duking it out in low security space and for a time, it was great. Eventually, problems began to come to light that demanded developer attention. Capturing exploits and a lack of rewards were causing players to leave the war and after a year with no development, faction warfare was looking abandoned.

Rewards were eventually implemented in an attempt to revitalise the ageing faction warfare system and promote PvP. With the Dominion expansion came the most anticipated of those rewards - new tier 1 navy battleships available only from the faction warfare loyalty point store. Since the announcement that they were coming, mission-runners have been farming faction warfare missions like crazy for loyalty points. The promise of unique rewards from the missions was intended to revitalise the game and give pilots something to fight over. But did the rewards really improve faction warfare and promote PvP or was it a huge mistake?

In this three page exposé, I run down the history of faction warfare missions, from the development mistakes to the EVE corp that made almost enough ISK to build a titan. Did the mission buff revitalise faction warfare or did it put the final nail in its coffin? And just how did mission-runners make billions of ISK?

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle

EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP Games drops more details on EVE's new mission arcs for pirate factions

James Egan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, Quests, PvE

We recently wrote a bit about the new PvE content coming to EVE Online in the Dominion expansion -- Epic Mission Arcs for the Angel Cartel and Guristas pirate factions where your speed will help you survive. Now CCP Games has dropped more info on these branching pirate missions; the Guristas arc is called "Smash and Grab" while the Angel Cartel arc is "Angel Sound". A dev blog written by CCP Jasonitas walks readers through the standings requirements -- if your Angel Cartel standings are horrible but you have decent standings with either the Minmatar or Amarr, you can still run the Angel arc. Likewise with the Guristas, your Caldari or Gallente faction standings will let you embark on the Guristas pirate arc.

In some respects, these arcs will open up pirate faction mission running for many players, given that completion of an arc will impart a 30% standings gain towards that faction. Players have long wanted a way to repair their negative standings towards New Eden's pirate factions and this seems to be the first step towards that. Still, that standings gain won't benefit players who are particularly loathed by a given pirate faction unless the arcs can be repeated some months down the line as with standard Epic Mission Arcs.

Continue reading CCP Games drops more details on EVE's new mission arcs for pirate factions

CCP Games drops more details on EVE's new mission arcs for pirate factions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Major EVE Online alliance CVA disbanded: espionage or hack?

James Egan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Events, in-game, Guilds, News items

Major EVE Online roleplaying alliance Curatores Veritatis Alliance (CVA) disbanded today, possibly the result of a traitor within their ranks, leaving a power vacuum in the Providence region they once held. It's possible for high-level directors of an alliance to disband the organization, and this is exactly what happened today to Curatores Veritatis Alliance. CVA was an alliance loyal to the game's NPC faction the Amarr Empire and had a long history of enforcing rule in lawless space and resisting rival player organizations of Minmatar freedom fighters -- notably Ushra'Khan -- who they branded as terrorists. In short, CVA has played a significant role in the player-driven setting of EVE Online.

At this point, speculation as to how CVA was disbanded is rampant. The concept of a mole using high-level access to destroy an alliance from within is not unprecedented in the game, although some players are asserting an account hack took place. EVE pilot "BULLETPROOF 50CENT" of the corporation Traceless Representatives of Anonymous Players (TRAP) has claimed credit for the disintegration of CVA. He stated: "I am known as bullet, just a small, relatively unknown member of a covert organization, created by and dedicated to the taking down of what we saw as the single largest evil in EVE -- CVA."

Continue reading Major EVE Online alliance CVA disbanded: espionage or hack?

Major EVE Online alliance CVA disbanded: espionage or hack? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: Mission-running ship design

Brendan Drain — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, Guides, Professions, Making money, PvE, EVE Evolved

In last week's first instalment of this guide, I explained the basics of mission-running in EVE Online and how to find your best agent. In this second part of the guide, I get into the nitty gritty details of essential ship designs for mission-runners. Choosing an appropriate ship and fitting it adequately are arguably the two most important factors in mission-running. While having a weak mission strategy and poor support skills can cause a lot of bother, a poorly designed ship is almost guaranteed death on some of the tougher missions. With the advice in this guide, a little research and a good deal of practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming a mission guru.

Read after the cut for a race-by-race break-down of EVE's most popular and effective mission-running ships, complete with links to some further reading and popular mission fittings.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Mission-running ship design

EVE Evolved: Mission-running ship design originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Just passing through

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

On a good day, things are still dangerous on New Eden. You never know what's docked at the next station and if anyone hanging out there there is just waiting to nail you the second you undock. That's the way things are in EVE Online, where the risks - and the rewards - can be wide-reaching and (game) universe changing. Today's One Shots shows off one such place where danger may lurk - or not. Estevan sent in this image of an Amarr station with the following note: It may not be the most original image, but it includes new elements from their recent Apocrypha update with use of shadows, hdr, bloom. We're glad anytime our EVE Online readers check in with their screens!

Find something worth sharing on your recent adventures? Just in the mood to show off what you've been doing? All you have to do is email your screenshots to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the game it's from, and a quick note about what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you credit for sending it in!

Gallery: One Shots

One Shots: Just passing through originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Another EVE ship under construction

Krystalle Voecks — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

As time draws nearer for the newest EVE Online expansion Apocrypha to be released, players are getting more and more excited about all the great things coming with this new patch. The ability to build cool new ships is just the tip of the iceberg as to what's coming in this ambitious new expansion. Today's One Shots shows off another angle on one of the ship variations we've already seen from Feffrey - a topside image of the Amarr T3 Legion. While it's missing its textures, it does give you an idea of how it will look once this variation is completed.

We're hearing a lot from the sci-fi gamers lately, but all screenshots from all genres are welcome! Just email your screenshots to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the game it's from, and a quick note about what we're seeing. We'll post it here and give you the credit for sending it in.

Gallery: One Shots

One Shots: Another EVE ship under construction originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Minmatar stargate

Krystalle Voecks — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

Known as the tribal race in EVE Online, the Minmatar have spent years being ground under the heels of the Amarr empire. According to lore, they have been enslaved by them, and those who have escaped or evaded capture banded together in a tribal affiliation. Their architecture, while just as useful as that of other races, tends to be towards the ragged-looking, angular and sharp side, as if it was put together on the run, or out of found parts. Today's EVE Online One Shots was sent in to us by Sered Woolahra, who captured a shot of this decrepit-looking Minmatar stargate while flying around deadspace in New Eden.

Have you found an interesting set of ruins, or near-ruins, in your favorite MMO? If so, we'd love to see them. Just email them to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and the game it's from. A description is always welcome, but not required. We'll post them out here and give you the credit for sending the screenshot in.

Gallery: One Shots

One Shots: Minmatar stargate originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slave emancipation a major change in EVE Online's lore

James Egan — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Lore, Roleplaying

A significant twist in EVE Online's lore was announced on Christmas day: emancipation for much of the subjugated Minmatar race. EVE's far-future galactic setting of New Eden is characterized by struggles between the four (playable) races. Of those races, the dynamic between the theocratic but cruel Amarr and the tribal Minmatar is often one of master and servant. The Amarr enslaved the Minmatar race centuries ago; this is a prevalent aspect of the backstory (lore), the game's missions (quests) and factional warfare, as well as a focal point of the roleplaying that some players opt to engage in. Even some player alliances have taken a stance for or against slavery in the game. (Those who don't play EVE might be surprised to learn that slaves can be bought and sold on the open market as a low-cost commodity. Note, however, that the players themselves cannot be forced into slavery. It's just an aspect of the setting... one which is intended to evoke response from the players.)

CCP Games has decided this change in the Amarr-Minmatar dynamic was warranted in terms of New Eden's backstory, with the freed slaves numbering in the hundreds of millions, although the existence of slavery in EVE is still far from being abolished.

Continue reading Slave emancipation a major change in EVE Online's lore

Slave emancipation a major change in EVE Online's lore originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE's Quantum Rise trailer depicts escalating conflict

James Egan — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, EVE Online, Events, in-game, Expansions, Races, Roleplaying

With all of the announcements and events that have taken place this week at EVE Fanfest 2008, it's a safe bet that the forthcoming video footage related to the title should be interesting. CCP Games is kicking off the November 11th release of the Quantum Rise expansion with a video, depicting how the game's storyline is moving forward. As they did previously with the Empyrean Age release, rather than simply making a video that shows off a new game mechanic or ship, CCP's Quantum Rise trailer is presented as 'in-world' breaking news footage from "The Scope" -- New Eden's galactic news network.

Where the Empyrean Age trailer showed viewers a suicide attack on a peace summit that triggered war between the Caldari and Gallente races, the newest Quantum Rise video depicts an escalation of hostilities in New Eden. The Gallente Federation now finds itself mired in a two-front war, fending off the nationalistic Caldari while having to face the golden Amarr fleets as well, as seen in the footage. The Quantum Rise trailer is just the newest one shown on the CCP Games YouTube page. For those looking for higher res downloads, the Quantum Rise trailer should be up on the official site's video section soon. But for now, you can see video footage from 'The Scope' as the conflict unfolds below the cut.

Continue reading EVE's Quantum Rise trailer depicts escalating conflict

EVE's Quantum Rise trailer depicts escalating conflict originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New EVE Online video advances backstory

James Egan — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, EVE Online, Lore, Races

Fans of EVE Online's backstory will want to see CCP's latest video tied into the game's lore. The two previous videos CCP Games released were linked to the events that unfolded in The Empyrean Age novel, as broadcast by The Scope news agency: 'Alexander Noir's' suicide attack obliterating hopes for peace between the Gallente and Caldari races, and the unified showing of Minmatar strength that served as a threat to those who would hinder their race's pursuit of freedom.

The latest video, from Amarr Certified News, shows the full might of the Amarr Imperial Domain Fleet, with a multitude of Avatar titans and Revelation dreadnaughts arrayed in elaborate formation, heralding the arrival of their newly coronated Empress, Jamyl Sarum. Having successfully navigated her way to the top while usurping her formidable adversaries, Empress Jamyl Sarum's rise to prominence establishes her as, quite possibly, the most powerful individual in New Eden. All of New Eden witnesses her broadcast, and hears her proclaim, "I am the harbinger of hope. I am the sword of the righteous. And to all who hear my words, I say this: What you give to this Empire, I shall give back unto you." While the theocratic Amarr will operate under some new guiding principles through her rule, it's clear that the Reclamation will proceed, and world after world will come under her control as she 'saves all those wayward children, from themselves.' You can view the video footage of Empress Jamyl Sarum's coronation speech after the cut, as she ushers in a new age for the Amarr race, and for New Eden itself.

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New EVE Online video advances backstory originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Visual Guide: The Birth of New Eden

James Egan — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Lore, PvP, PvE, Races

The backstory of EVE Online is one of the game's major strengths. Not all players immerse themselves in the setting, which is a shame as the backstory -- built up over years -- is rich. No epic science fiction tale is without a grand struggle, and the story of EVE is one of the corrupting interplay of high technology and the power it brings, generation upon generation.

EVE's backstory is a departure from the established notions of 'good vs. evil'; even its villains can become heroes in the gritty setting of New Eden. As the empires created by EVE's pilots rise and fall with relentless alliance warfare in 0.0 space, as they lend their strength to causes in the factional warfare of the Empyrean Age, they take the concepts established in the backstory and run with them -- in some respects, making the game into what they want it to be. The Birth of New Eden is a visual tour of the backstory of EVE, from humanity's first steps beyond the EVE Gate into the unknown, to the sweeping conflict of The Empyrean Age.

Witness the Birth of New Eden >>

Gallery: The Birth of New Eden

EVE Visual Guide: The Birth of New Eden originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine

James Egan — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Interviews, Lore, Opinion, Politics, Roleplaying

Jade Constantine is a veteran player of EVE Online, long known for having a forceful personality and a flair for writing. As the CEO of Jericho Fraction and the head of The Star Fraction alliance, Jade has become a pioneer in EVE roleplay, upholding ideologies of freedom that run counter to some of the very systems that define the game.

Along the way, Jade has made some enemies, but clearly some allies as well, having garnered the most votes in the Council of Stellar Management (CSM) election. As Chairman of the CSM, Jade Constantine is a magnet for controversy, but as an elected delegate, is also in a unique position to deal directly with CCP Games and potentially change EVE. Massively recently spoke with Jade on the state of roleplaying in EVE Online, the challenges that the CSM faces, and what it's like to be under the magnifying glass.

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EVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP Games releases faction overview for EVE Online

James Egan — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Events, in-game, Expansions, Guilds, Lore, PvP, Races, Roleplaying

For participants in EVE Online's factional warfare in the Empyrean Age expansion, it's common knowledge that there are four races embroiled in conflict. However, CCP Games has decided to add some more variety to the roles that EVE players can assume. To that end, EVE dev Matthew Woodward (aka CCP Greyscale) created a political overview for those who wish to immerse themselves a bit more in the backstory, or for those who wish to assume roles in the factional struggle beyond what is currently known about the key races in EVE's setting of New Eden.

The cruel yet devoutly religious Amarr bring worlds and systems under their heel to 'save them from themselves.' They're opposed by the fractious Minmatar, a group of tribes resisting Amarr tyranny -- many of whom are chemically enslaved by a tailored virus and regular fixes of its narcotic treatment, ensuring their continued servitude to the Amarr.

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CCP Games releases faction overview for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Passes on sale for The Party at the Top of the World

Krystalle Voecks — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Events, real-world, News items

CCP has finally opened their war declaration on boring game conventions, opening up the sales for the much-anticipated passes to the EVE Online Fan Fest. Also known as "The Party at the Top of the World", this year's Fan Fest looks to be a continuation of the excitement and fun of years past!

Events scheduled for this year include all the regular events that EVE Online fans have come to love, such as PvP tournaments, lots of different presentations and panels, the Jita meetup and a silent auction. Additionally, this year players will get a chance to check out a special hands-on demo of the incoming Ambulation technology, which will allow players to finally break free of their pods! (You know, without the use of someone else's weaponry.)

Passes are on sale for $75 USD, which nets you a confirmation code to bring to the event for badge pickup. Spouse passes aren't available yet, but will only be available if you've already purchased a regular EVEnt pass. Also, if you need travel and hotel there are still some spots open in Icelandair's group packages, so be sure to book soon before they all run out!

Passes on sale for The Party at the Top of the World originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Divinity and malevolence personified in latest EVE Chronicle

James Egan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Lore

CCP Games has been giving us a glimpse into the lives and motivations of the four leaders of the warring races in EVE Online, through a series of weekly Chronicles. Thus far we've seen the weight of years of struggle carried by the Minmatar leader, Sanmatar Maleatu Shakor, and the Gallente President Souro Foiritan forced to make horrific compromises to ensure the future of his people. We've also seen the questionable background of Tibus Heth, the head of the Caldari State. But it seems that CCP saved the best for last: Jamyl Sarum, Empress of the Amarr Empire, is by far the most forceful personality among the four -- a feared and loved ruler of billions.

And rightly so, we've witnessed how grandiose her actions tend to be in the Empyrean Age trailer; she commanded the battleship which obliterated a vastly superior Minmatar fleet which included a Ragnarok-class titan. This time, in "All These Wayward Children," it's her words that speak louder than her actions. The viewing platform of an Amarrian starship, bearing the newly-coronated Empress, is the setting for the final of the weekly Chronicles. "All These Wayward Children" shows her extreme beliefs about the divine imperative to conquer other civilizations and how she doesn't simply punish perceived wrongs; she exacts sadistic retribution upon her enemies, political and otherwise... her "Benediction."

Continue reading Divinity and malevolence personified in latest EVE Chronicle

Divinity and malevolence personified in latest EVE Chronicle originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lessons learned in Empyrean Age's factional warfare

James Egan — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, PvP, Tips and tricks, Races

Podcasting hero Van Hemlock has been blogging about EVE Online quite a bit of late. His recent post 'The Lessons of War' chronicles his experience of learning the factional warfare rules of engagement in the Empyrean Age expansion. He writes about being a solo pilot for the Minmatar Tribal Liberation Force, when the entire militias of the Amarr and Caldari races have kill rights on him anytime and anywhere. It's even harder to do well when you're running with an alt fresh out of the academy but, win or lose, he seems to be having a good time.

Van Hemlock's approach is to spend very little on any individual ship (it's likely to be blown apart anyway) and learn what he can from the experience of trying to survive. As he explains a bit about the mechanics of factional warfare, and its objectives, Van Hemlock imparts three key bits of wisdom in "The Lessons of War...": there are ways of preventing a (single) rival from engaging you, flying fast and nimble can trump much greater firepower, and as fast as you may be -- there can always be someone faster who will try and take you out. Although he openly states that he doesn't know a great deal about PvP in EVE yet, it's clear that he's learning very quickly from his mistakes, and doing so with minimal emo rage. See Van Hemlock's "The Lessons of War" to learn a few things from his successes and failures in EVE Online, it's certainly a good read.

Lessons learned in Empyrean Age's factional warfare originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Chronicle puts players at the center of factional warfare

James Egan — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Lore, PvP, Roleplaying

The latest EVE Chronicle is called "The Dark End of Space." This installment connects the events seen in the full Empyrean Age trailer (namely, Jamyl Sarum's utter obliteration of a greater Minmatar fleet) with the lowsec militia conflicts and missions that have embroiled EVE Online's players in factional warfare. Indeed, "The Dark End of Space" focuses on how each of the four races -- despite having conflicting goals and ideologies -- view the capsuleers... the actual players in EVE Online: "A group of people so powerful they're practically a faction unto themselves. Immortal, fearless and wealthy beyond imagining. Born of all four empires but beholden, in truth, to no one but themselves. And utterly untapped, in this little skirmish of ours."

"The Dark End of Space" shows how each of the races face similar difficulties, and how the players of EVE are thought by each faction to be the solution to their problems. EVE dev CCP Abraxas says of the newest Chronicle: "... this one breaks rank and instead focuses on the capsuleers. It explains how we went from the end of the novel to the onset of factional warfare, and how you guys got pulled into it." This could get very interesting if factional propaganda enters into the game, with each race's militia trying to further sway the capsuleers to their cause and tip the balance of power in the Empyrean Age. But for the time being, the Empyrean Age novel, the trailer, and the Chronicles are intertwined, and it seems that EVE's players are firmly at the center of what is to come.

EVE Chronicle puts players at the center of factional warfare originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BattleClinic's exclusive Factional Warfare guide by CCP Games

James Egan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Expansions, Game mechanics, Guides, News items

BattleClinic, a popular EVE Online web resource run by players, now has another thing going in its favor. Matthew Woodward, a Game Designer from CCP Games, has put together an in-character factional warfare guide, which is exclusive to the site. Woodward writes under the guise of one 'Sergeant-Major Illivia', and tries to whip the reader into shape as if they were a new recruit in Boot Camp.

Sergeant-Major Illivia's ranting introduction to factional warfare in the Empyrean Age walks you through militia enlistment, battlefield intelligence, your objectives in the war, and most importantly -- how to stay alive in EVE. It's a clever way of conveying what's involved in factional conflict to a prospective recruit, although Woodward/Illivia does make you feel like a whelp at times. Check out the "Faction Warfare Enlistment Debrief" at BattleClinic for fiction with practical applications.

BattleClinic's exclusive Factional Warfare guide by CCP Games originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Van Hemlock: The distrust of recruits and the path of acceptance

James Egan — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Expansions, Game mechanics, PvP, Tips and tricks, Races

Podcaster and PlanetSide-fragger extraordinaire Van Hemlock recently had a look at EVE Online's Empyrean Age expansion, and gave his take on what's needed to get the most from factional warfare. He tackled The Empyrean Age in two parts: The Distrust of Recruits... and The Path of Acceptance.

In The Distrust of Recruits, Van Hemlock was surprised that factional warfare isn't quite as accessible as he envisioned. He wasn't daunted though, and prepared to move his main character into the battlefield. Except, there were one or two issues. Perhaps the main one, which is a core mantra in EVE, is that you "don't fly what you can't afford to lose." By joining up with any of the militia, you become a war target for two other factions, who will attempt to kill you on sight -- no matter where they see you. No matter what you've done. That's the price you pay for access to this level of PvP, a first in the game, but for some that price tag is too steep.

Continue reading Van Hemlock: The distrust of recruits and the path of acceptance

Van Hemlock: The distrust of recruits and the path of acceptance originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Empyrean Age opinions

Krystalle Voecks — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Expansions, Game mechanics, PvP, Opinion, The Daily Grind

Tranquility came up earlier than originally projected, and many EVE Online players got to jump out and enjoy some good old fashioned (new fashioned?) factional warfare. For some others, it was business as usual, forming up fleets for mining ops, ratting, or running things all over the place. But for those of you who got a chance to get out there and get your hands dirty in EVE's new factional warfare, we thought we'd ask this morning -- how are you enjoying the Empyrean Age? Is this the next best thing to sliced bread, or what? Or do you really not care so much, and are perhaps waiting instead for something totally new like the upcoming addition of ambulation? Tell us your front-line stories and observations!

The Daily Grind: Empyrean Age opinions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Empyrean Age details revealed in EVE developer chat

James Egan — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Events, real-world, Expansions, Game mechanics

MMORPG.com invited a few of the EVE Online staff from CCP Games to participate in a live developer chat this past Sunday. MMORPG.com was kind enough to provide a complete log of the chat, which was hosted by their own Community Manager, Laura 'Taera' Genender. Among the EVE Online devs present were CCP Greyscale (game designer/factional warfare), CCP Ginger (ISD manager/storyline), t0nyG (lead writer), and CCP Wrangler (community manager).

The developer chat was primarily focused on the changes that The Empyrean Age and its factional warfare will bring, but the CCP staff addressed a number of other issues and concerns as well:

Continue reading Empyrean Age details revealed in EVE developer chat

Empyrean Age details revealed in EVE developer chat originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: The Emperor Family Academy

Krystalle Voecks — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

As shown in a recent One Shots, there was a gathering of Amarr in memoriam of a thousand days passing since the death of Emperor Doriam II in EVE Online. This is another image from that in-game gathering, sent to us by Rodj Blake, that we wanted to show off today. The large structure in the center of the planet is the Emperor Family Academy, where the memorial was held, and if you look at the full-size image, you can make out some of the approximately 70 ships in attendance as a semi-circle of dots on the right-hand side of the station. (And to think -- most of the "dots" are larger-sized ships!)

Do you have a screenshot of an in-game event that you attended? Perhaps just some fun RP event that you and your guild sponsored? If so, send those screenshots in to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com. Yours could be featured next!

Gallery: One Shots

One Shots: The Emperor Family Academy originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Warp drive active

Krystalle Voecks — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

One of the things that can prove most imposing about playing EVE Online (at least to this blogger who is a relative newcomer) is watching a pile of ships drop out of warp right next to you. One moment you're relatively alone, the next, you're surrounded by ships. (And there's always that moment of "am I about to get podded?" that goes through your head....) This image, sent in to us by Rodj Blake, shows a pile of ships -- from tiny to enormous -- warping to a planet together as part of a recent RP event in the Amarr system. So very cool to see!

Do you have a great screenshot of you and your friends playing together, RP world (universe) events, or perhaps a great PvP battle? If so, drop them in a mail to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com. Yours could be one of the ones featured here!

Gallery: One Shots

One Shots: Warp drive active originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: The Amarr 1,000 days memorial

Krystalle Voecks — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

Today we actually have a really great explanation of just what was going on in the EVE Online screenshot above. Since Rodj Blake, CEO of PIE (Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris) was kind enough to send a full description, we're turning it over to him!

Last Sunday, players of EVE Online gathered in the Amarr solar system to commemorate a thousand days since the death of Emperor Doriam II. Various members members of the Amarr RP community gave speeches whilst outside the main station in the system (the Emperor Family Academy) a fleet of around seventy Amarrian ships gathered. This image showshow part of the fleet (led by two Navy Issue Apocalypse-class battleships and a Paladin-class Marauder) in close up, orbiting the station line astern.

Do you have screenshots of either player-run or GM-run events? If so, we'd love to see them. Just send them to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com. Your screenshots could be the next ones featured here!

Gallery: One Shots

One Shots: The Amarr 1,000 days memorial originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Fan Fest is here

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Events, real-world, War

Amarr and Minmatar come together at the top of the world for what CCP touts as a "party like no other." For those of you not familiar with EVE Online, this means that the 2007 Fan Fest has started in CCP's hometown of Reykjavik, Iceland. And from the sounds of it, this one is going to be a lot of fun!

While I didn't have the clams to travel to the Fan Fest this year (and you know, busy with this really massive new site that y'all should check out) I have to admit, it looks like something I would totally get into. The Fan Fest boasts lots of great events for Gallente and Caldari alike to get together over a glass of Quafe and get either their battle or their business on. The event hosts a huge PvP tournament, round-table discussions, panels, and what looks to be a seriously kickin' dancefloor in a new venue.

For those of curious, you can find all the details here. And to all of you going, be sure to have some Quafe for me, eh?

EVE Fan Fest is here originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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