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[EVE Online Incarna goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-online-incarna-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-online-incarna-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-online-incarna-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online players, rejoice! The day you've been waiting for is finally here. Today marks the release of EVE Online's much-anticipated Incarna expansion. The most notable addition with this update is undoubtedly the new ability for players to finally exit their spaceships and explore the universe's many space stations on their own two feet. All players will be required to (re)create their avatars upon logging in after the patch in order to allow them to experience the new ambulatory features.

In other news, there can now be only one jump bridge in a system at a given time, and character creation and the new player experience have both been revamped in order to make the game's notoriously steep learning curve a bit more welcoming for new capsuleers. The full patch notes include far more than can possibly be squished into this post, so if you're anxious to know what exactly this new update entails, head on over to the official site.

MassivelyEVE Online Incarna goes live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineeve-online-incarnaexpansionincarnapatchpatch-notessci-fiwalking-in-stationsTue, 21 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's Incarna 1.0 coming Tuesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/eve-onlines-incarna-1-0-coming-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/eve-onlines-incarna-1-0-coming-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/eve-onlines-incarna-1-0-coming-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's almost Incarna time for residents of CCP's New Eden, and EVE Online's website has been updated with a brief blurb warning users to prepare for some extended downtime on patch day.

The update process is scheduled to last for 14 hours on Tuesday, June 21st, so make sure you've got some long-haul skills in your training queue this Monday. Incarna version 1.0 is bringing the much-ballyhooed captain's quarters patch to EVE, and it represents the first step towards fully functional space station interiors. The update will also feature a new tutorial experience (though the familiar voice of Aura isn't going anywhere) as well as new agent finder and corporation recruitment tools.

CCP says that full patch notes are in the works, and in the meantime, you can join the forum discussion at the official EVE website.

MassivelyEVE Online's Incarna 1.0 coming Tuesday originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-finderambulationcaptains-quartersccpccp-gamescorporation-recruitmenteveeve-onlineexpansionsincarnaincarna-1.0internet-spaceshipspatch-daypatchessandboxsci-fiupdatewalking-in-stationsFri, 17 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's Incarna countdown kicks off]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/eves-incarna-countdown-kicks-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/eves-incarna-countdown-kicks-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/eves-incarna-countdown-kicks-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This has got to be a tough week for stick-in-the-mud EVE Online vets who are convinced that an expanding New Eden is a bad thing. First it was yesterday's official Dust 514 E3 reveal (consoles, platform exclusivity, and shooters, oh my!), and today we've got an official countdown clock to the EVE version of dress-up... er, Incarna.

Yes, the long-awaited walking-in-stations/ambulation/EVE-with-legs update is less than two weeks away, and CCP has prepared a new section of its official EVE website devoted to all things Incarna.

The new portal has a good bit of info on the expansion, including a new video dev blog featuring Team BFF and its commitment to improving and expanding EVE's minutia. If you're newly interested in EVE, Incarna, or really anything to do with New Eden, head to the new site and have a look at the video after the cut.

Continue reading EVE's Incarna countdown kicks off

MassivelyEVE's Incarna countdown kicks off originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gamescountdowncry-moar-vetsdev-blogdev-diarydust-514eveeve-onlineexpansionincarnainternet-spaceshipsnew-edenpatchsandboxsci-fivideoTue, 07 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE captain's quarters coming June 21st, CCP shows off new video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/eve-captains-quarters-coming-june-21st-ccp-shows-off-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/eve-captains-quarters-coming-june-21st-ccp-shows-off-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/eve-captains-quarters-coming-june-21st-ccp-shows-off-new-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The times they are a-changin' in EVE Online, and CCP has officially set a date for the first salvo in a planned update campaign that will remake the face of the long-running sci-fi sandbox title. Incarna, CCP's integration of 3-D avatars into the game's ship-based environment, has been hinted at for so long that it's somewhat shocking to see an actual date bandied about.

That date is June 21st, and it will bring about the official deployment of Incarna's first phase to EVE's live server. CCP Zulu has all the details in a new EVE dev blog, and there's also a new video clip featuring an extensive tour inside a prototype captain's quarters zone as well as voiceover commentary.

"This is only the first step of many that continues EVE Online's progress towards the ultimate, immersive science fiction world. It unlocks a whole new experience for those already contributing to EVE's social and political fabric and provides a fresh beginning for those curious about becoming part of the deep universe that holds it," Zulu explains. View the video after the cut and head to the official EVE website for more details.

Continue reading EVE captain's quarters coming June 21st, CCP shows off new video

MassivelyEVE captain's quarters coming June 21st, CCP shows off new video originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationcaptains-quartersccpccp-gamesccp-zulueveeve-onlineincarnapatchessandboxsci-fitrailerupdatesvideowalking-in-stationsWed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP releases EVE captain's quarters screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ccp-releases-eve-captains-quarters-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ccp-releases-eve-captains-quarters-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ccp-releases-eve-captains-quarters-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Incarna! Captain's quarters! Screenshots!

And there was much rejoicing, at least from those EVE Online players who recognize the game's need to move beyond spaceship avatars to further its quest for total sandbox domination. In service of that end, CCP has released a gaggle of images from its forthcoming Incarna update, which will bring quite a bit of newfangled gee-whiz to the worlds of New Eden.

Interested captains should plot a course for EVE's Facebook portal, as it features several interior shots showing both full-body avatars and the various high-tech interfaces that CCP will be making available to pod pilots later this summer.

MassivelyCCP releases EVE captain's quarters screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationcaptains-quartersccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineincarnapatchessandboxsci-fiupdateswalking-in-stationswoooWed, 18 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minmatar captain's quarters coming to EVE Online test server this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/minmatar-captains-quarters-coming-to-eve-online-test-server-thi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/minmatar-captains-quarters-coming-to-eve-online-test-server-thi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/minmatar-captains-quarters-coming-to-eve-online-test-server-thi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Get ready, capsuleers. Captain's quarters are coming, and sooner than you might expect. CCP Tanis breaks the news that a rough version of the Minmatar captain's quarters will be making an appearance on the Duality test server this Thursday, April 21st.

That's right: Two days hence, all you Brutors, Sebiestors, and Vherokiors will finally be able to walk around on your own two legs inside of the EVE Online client. CCP's newest dev blog cautions that the test environment is a true work-in-progress, and Tanis states that "we're still at the chisel-in-hand-in-front-of-a-marble-form stage."

Why make the environment available to the public at this point? CCP is mainly looking to gather feedback and general impressions on usability, since the captain's quarters interface is eventually slated to replace the current in-game hangar view. The test run will also feature new in-station and crash course tutorials as well as interfaces for planetary interaction, corporation management, avatar re-customization, and ship fitting.

In other EVE Online news, the new Council of Stellar Management held its first fireside chat a few days ago, and an audio recording of the broadcast is now available for download on the official EVE forums.

MassivelyMinmatar captain's quarters coming to EVE Online test server this week originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationaudiocaptains-quartersccpccp-gamesccp-taniscouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdev-blogdev-diarydualityeveeve-onlinefeedbackfireside-chatincarnainterfaceminmatarsandboxsci-fitest-environmenttest-serverwalking-in-stationswooooooTue, 19 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/gdc10-torfi-frans-olafsson-gives-details-on-tyrannis-incarna-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

For the last few weeks, EVE Online players have been getting excited about the up-coming Tyrannis expansion with its Planetary Interaction feature. We received our first taste of what Tyrannis will hold last month when the expansion was announced and since then we've speculated on how its planetary interaction feature might work. Although CCP haven't answered our interview questions on Tyrannis yet, we caught up with EVE Senior Producer Torfi Frans Olafsson at GDC 2010 to get the inside scoop. Torfi was keen to point out that a lot of what CCP are doing in Tyrannis is laying the foundation for future updates and expansions. He calls Tyrannis "a stepping stone toward something even bigger."

In addition to providing some inside info on the upcoming Tyrannis and Incarna expansions, Torfi revealed that there are more people working on EVE today than ever before. In contrast to MMOs that cut down their development team sizes once the game is out, CCP's ranks have been increasing at a huge rate in recent years. The ever-increasing revenue generated by EVE subscribers allows them to fund a large development team dedicated to making the game better for EVE players. "We've never had as many subscribers as we have today", says Torfi, "330,000 subscribers, like actual paying subscribers, not counting trials." It's thanks to all those subscribers that CCP are beginning to realise dreams they were never able to achieve when the game was less popular.

Skip past the cut to see what Torfi Frans Olafsson had to say about Tyrannis, Incarna and more.

Continue reading GDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more

MassivelyGDC10: Torfi Frans Olafsson gives details on Tyrannis, Incarna and more originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeveloperdeveloperseveeve-ccpeve-gateeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionExpansionsexplorationfeaturedgdc-2010incarnaindustrymanufacturingminingmmo-industrynew-edenplanetplanetssocialsocial-networksocial-networkingtorfi-frans-olafssontyranniswalking-in-stationswormholesSun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The development of Incarna]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/eve-evolved-the-development-of-incarna/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/eve-evolved-the-development-of-incarna/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/eve-evolved-the-development-of-incarna/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the biggest differences between EVE Online and most other MMOs is the lack of a humanoid avatar. Even when you're docked up in a station, you can't leave your ship and walk around. The detailed avatars we create on starting the game are not so much avatars as passport photos; seen only as little square mug shots in chat channels and the official forums. In their never-ending quest to make EVE the definitive Sci-Fi simulation, this is something the game's developers CCP have always endeavoured to change. The introduction of a full body avatar feature, code-named "Walking in Stations", "Ambulation" and now known as "Incarna", has been undeniably the most anticipated feature since EVE went live. It's been in development since 2006 but has proven a much larger task than CCP originally anticipated. With the expansion tentatively slated for winter this year, new information on it is still harder to find than a sober Icelandic game developer.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I take a look at Incarna's development so far and why it hasn't been released yet.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The development of Incarna

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The development of Incarna originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010ambulationavatarsccpccp-eveccp-gamesdevblogdeveloperseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedincarnainterviewoveurwalking-in-stationsSun, 07 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameX 2009: Video interview with Nathan Richardsson and "Alli" Óttarsson]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/gamex-2009-video-interview-with-nathan-richardsson-and-alli-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/gamex-2009-video-interview-with-nathan-richardsson-and-alli-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/gamex-2009-video-interview-with-nathan-richardsson-and-alli-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After their panel at GameX 2009 (and some free lunch) we got to sit down with "Alli" Ottarsson and Nathan Richardsson from EVE Online and talk shop about the future of the game. Where are we going directly after the Dominion expansion releases this year? What other product tie-ins can we expect from the White Wolf end of the company? And what's Neocom all about anyway?

Nathan and Alli were happy to take our questions and give some direct responses on what they hope to tackle in Neocom, how EVE's model is multiple game models, and what we might see take place in the highly-anticipated Incarna in regards to gambling and missions.

To check our exclusive video interview, jump after the break with the "continue reading" button below!

Continue reading GameX 2009: Video interview with Nathan Richardsson and "Alli" Óttarsson

MassivelyGameX 2009: Video interview with Nathan Richardsson and "Alli" Óttarsson originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alli-ottarssonambulationccpeveeve-onlinegamexgamex-2009incarnainterviewmobile-appnathan-richardssonneocomvideovideo-interviewwalking-in-stationswhite-wolfTue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online announces Dominion expansion, 'Walking in Stations' renamed Incarna]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/eve-online-announces-dominion-expansion-walking-in-stations-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/eve-online-announces-dominion-expansion-walking-in-stations-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/eve-online-announces-dominion-expansion-walking-in-stations-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


CCP Games has announced their 11th free expansion for EVE Online, called "Dominion." As the name suggests, the winter expansion focuses on territories and player control over them. We're told that the Dominion expansion focuses on conquering and holding space, and will feature a reworking of the sovereignty system of territorial control for player alliances. We don't have any further details on the sovereignty revamp yet, but according to CCP the changes have been made with subscriber feedback in mind, particularly through the player-elected Council of Stellar Management.

Given that CCP Games is tying more of EVE Online's gameplay into the planets of the New Eden galaxy, the next step they're taking with the Trinity graphics engine is to add more detail to these planets (and presumably moons).

Continue reading EVE Online announces Dominion expansion, 'Walking in Stations' renamed Incarna

MassivelyEVE Online announces Dominion expansion, 'Walking in Stations' renamed Incarna originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesambulationbreakingccp-gamescosmoscouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdominiondust-514epic-mission-arcseve-fanfest-2009eve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsguildsnew-edennovelpiracypiratesplanetssci-fisovereigntythe-burning-lifetrinitywalking-in-stationsMon, 31 Aug 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan-run EVE contest will let winner interview CCP dev on podcast]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/fan-run-eve-contest-will-let-winner-interview-ccp-dev-on-podcast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/fan-run-eve-contest-will-let-winner-interview-ccp-dev-on-podcast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/fan-run-eve-contest-will-let-winner-interview-ccp-dev-on-podcast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


EVE Online is a space-based MMO through and through. In the six years since the game went live, EVE's galactic setting of New Eden has expanded to encompass thousands of solar systems, both charted space and far-flung unexplored systems, as the game's subscriber numbers have slowly but steadily grown. The IP is expanding in new directions as well. Novels now add more depth to the game's lore. CCP Games plans to let players step out of their ships and interact as avatars with Walking in Stations, and the devs have stated that they'd like to bring atmospheric flight to the game at some (undetermined) point in the future. And of course they also have a ground pounder FPS set in the EVE universe in the works.

It was some of these things on the horizon that got our friend CrazyKinux thinking about the possibilities that may open up for this sci-fi MMO if planetary colonization or terrestrial gameplay are introduced. In fact, he decided to make this the basis of his next EVE Online contest. It's one we think might interest some of Massively's readers, particularly as the contest winner will get to grill interview an EVE developer on the MicroWarpCast podcast.

Continue reading Fan-run EVE contest will let winner interview CCP dev on podcast

MassivelyFan-run EVE contest will let winner interview CCP dev on podcast originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationatmospheric-flightccp-gamescontestscrazykinuxcrazykinuxs-musingdustdust-514eveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsground-combatnew-edensci-fiwalking-in-stationsSat, 15 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Is EVE Online's death penalty really that harsh?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/eve-evolved-is-eve-onlines-death-penalty-really-that-harsh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/eve-evolved-is-eve-onlines-death-penalty-really-that-harsh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/eve-evolved-is-eve-onlines-death-penalty-really-that-harsh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Everyone knows that the death penalty in EVE Online is harsh but is it really as bad as we make it out to be? Is losing a ship really a devastating blow or does the emotional factor of losing something we've put care and attention into make us exaggerate the loss? Since EVE's gameplay is focused entirely on piloting ships rather than walking around with your character, we can get very attached to our ships and feel a great sense of loss at their destruction. It can be hard to keep in mind that our ships in EVE are just tools, which can make their loss feel a lot harsher than it should be. Is this the fault of the player for getting attached to their ship or of the game design for not encouraging us to form attachments with our characters instead?

In this brief article, I discuss some of the golden rules of EVE used to minimise the death penalty and ask whether our perceptions of EVE Online's death penalty are really that accurate.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Is EVE Online's death penalty really that harsh?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Is EVE Online's death penalty really that harsh? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gamesclonedeathdeath penaltyDeathPenaltyeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedjoystiqfeaturespodtipswalking-in-stationsSun, 07 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games and Atari partner on EVE retail box sales]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/ccp-games-and-atari-partner-on-retail-box-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/ccp-games-and-atari-partner-on-retail-box-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/ccp-games-and-atari-partner-on-retail-box-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When EVE Online launched in 2003, it came in a box through the game's publisher, Simon and Schuster Interactive. But for much of EVE's lifespan, it's been a digital product. Nothing to buy at a store, no physical media to save. It seems CCP Games has gone retro, from what was announced by CCP's CEO Hilmar Pétursson today, live from EVE Fanfest 2008 in Reykjavik. He announced that CCP Games will be partnering with Atari to establish a retail presence once again... which is fitting really, as Atari will also be publishing Ghostbusters. Hilmar introduced a short presentation by David Gardner, Atari's CEO, who discussed the partnership with CCP Games.

EVE typically has a winter expansion and a summer expansion. The winter expansion, Quantum Rise, is just days away. The summer expansion is expected (but not confirmed) to include Walking in Stations, only there's a little twist with the timing... They're not waiting for summer. It's coming in March. In a box. In your local game store. That's the information we have at this time, but we'll keep you informed as more details surface.

Update: Note that we haven't locked down a release date with Walking in Stations yet. Massively will report on Walking in Station's official release date once that's available -- at this time we only know it's tentatively slated for 2009.

MassivelyCCP Games and Atari partner on EVE retail box sales originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationataribox-salesbreakingccpccp-gamesccp-hellmardavid-gardnerdigitaleveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2008eve-onlineexpansionshilmar-peturssonquantum-risewalking-in-stationsSat, 08 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanfest details emerge on EVE's Walking in Stations expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/fanfest-details-emerge-on-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/fanfest-details-emerge-on-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/fanfest-details-emerge-on-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In further news coming from EVE Fanfest 2008, CCP Games has given a press-only presentation detailing the upcoming Walking in Stations expansion for EVE Online. While this is an aspect of the game that's so far been a divisive issue among EVE players, the expansion will allow players to step out of their ships and interact as highly detailed avatars in ship station interiors and captain's quarters aboard their own ships (presumably while docked in a station hangar).

Walking in Stations is a project that's drawn on the talents of "special effects artists from the world of television and movies into the video game medium, a number of whom have been brought on to the team at CCP," writes Jon Wood of MMORPG.com, reporting from Reykjavik.

Continue reading Fanfest details emerge on EVE's Walking in Stations expansion

MassivelyFanfest details emerge on EVE's Walking in Stations expansion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationavataravatarsbarsccpccp-gamescustomizationeveeve-onlineexpansionsiskjon-woodmini-gamesmmorpg.comsocializationwalking-in-stationsFri, 07 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest presentation discusses graphics enhancements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/eve-fanfest-presentation-discusses-graphics-enhancements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/eve-fanfest-presentation-discusses-graphics-enhancements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/eve-fanfest-presentation-discusses-graphics-enhancements/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


EVE Online's Fanfest 2008 is now underway, and reports are already coming through on what's happening in Reykjavik. CCP Games held a press conference that discussed EVE's technical side, namely its server technology, but also touched upon EVE's impending graphic enhancements in 2009. EVE Online's Premium 'Trinity' graphics engine was a significant leap forward in the game. While some players felt that the graphics as they were prior to Trinity were still ahead of the curve in terms of what's expected of an MMO, the look of the game changed dramatically with Trinity. However, the Trinity deployment wasn't a complete revamp of EVE's look. Ships and stations benefited from Premium graphics, but other celestial objects did not, jump gates notwithstanding.

"EVE is in a state where, if you run the Premium graphics edition, half of it is done, you could say," said Chief Technologist Halldor Fannar of CCP Games, at Reykjavik's Fanfest 2008, as reported by Oli Welsh of Eurogamer. Future graphics updates will bring celestial objects in line with what's currently seen in Trinity, and may well arrive with the forthcoming Walking in Stations expansion which is slated to launch after the Quantum Rise expansion, just around the corner.

Continue reading EVE Fanfest presentation discusses graphics enhancements

MassivelyEVE Fanfest presentation discusses graphics enhancements originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gameseurogamereveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2008eve-onlineexpansionsfanfestgraphicsgraphics-enginehalldor-fannaricelandoli-welshpremium-graphicsreykjaviksci-fitrinitytrinity-graphicswalking-in-stationsThu, 06 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE 'Blog Banter' discusses Walking in Stations expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/02/eve-blog-banter-discusses-walking-in-stations-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/02/eve-blog-banter-discusses-walking-in-stations-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/02/eve-blog-banter-discusses-walking-in-stations-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


While the official EVE Online forums have always been very active, there are other options out there. For those who like how busy the official forums are, but not the rules that govern it, there's Scrapheap Challenge. SH-C is a forum which is chiefly dedicated to discussing EVE Online, but not moderated by CCP Games themselves. Recent months, however, have seen a large number of EVE players striking out on their own, with their own blogs that focus on a particular aspect of the game linked to that blogger's playstyle. Industry, finance, piracy, 0.0 alliance warfare, and now even boosters (drugs) are being written about on a daily basis.

While over 100 of these blogs are out there, the more prolific among them have joined under the banner of CrazyKinux's Blog Pack. By all accounts, it's been a successful community effort by EVE players, and now CrazyKinux is adding another dimension to the Blog Pack: conversation topics that are collectively tackled by the various bloggers, called "Blog Banter." The first Blog Banter got underway this past week, and the first issue up for discussion has been a timely one: EVE's Walking in Stations expansion, formerly known as Ambulation, which Fanfest attendees will get to try out firsthand in just a few more days. The question itself was proposed by PsycheDiver, who asked, "Ambulation: What are your hopes for your avatar and new functionality of stations?"

Continue reading EVE 'Blog Banter' discusses Walking in Stations expansion

MassivelyEVE 'Blog Banter' discusses Walking in Stations expansion originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesambulationblog-banterboostersccpccp-gamescommunitycrazykinuxdiscussiondiscussion-topicseveeve-blog-packeve-onlineexpansionsfinanceforumsindustrypiracypsychediversci-fiscrapheap-challengewalking-in-stationsSun, 02 Nov 2008 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Live dev blog with EVE Online Senior Producer, October 23]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/live-dev-blog-with-eve-online-senior-producer-october-23/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/live-dev-blog-with-eve-online-senior-producer-october-23/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/live-dev-blog-with-eve-online-senior-producer-october-23/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Given all the EVE Online news of the past two weeks, not limited to new features being added to the game and old 'features' being taken away, CCP Games has announced a Live Dev Blog for tomorrow, October 23, at 20:00 GMT. The event is expected to last for about one hour. This time, the Senior Producer of EVE Online, CCP t0rfifrans, will be fielding questions from the players. As with the last few live dev blogs, the way this works is you need to post in the announcement thread with the questions you'd like answered.

You can listen to the dev blog tomorrow by joining the in-game channel 'Live Dev Blog' and enabling EVE Voice via your right-click options once you're in. No doubt there will be a wave of Ghost Training nerf questions but it seems unlikely that this issue will be addressed any more beyond the two dev blogs on the matter. Then again, why should that stop you from trying if you've got legitimate concerns? But this would also be an excellent time for people to get Walking in Stations (Ambulation) questions answered as CCP is prepping a playable demo of it for Fanfest attendees, not to mention asking about new ship models like the Orca capital industrial ship.

MassivelyLive dev blog with EVE Online Senior Producer, October 23 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gamesccp-t0rfifransdevdev-blogeveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2008eve-onlineeve-voiceexpansionsfanfestforumsgame-mechanicsghost-traininglive-dev-blognerforcaquantum-risesenior-producerwalking-in-stationsWed, 22 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games updates on Walking in Stations expansion for EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/ccp-games-updates-on-walking-in-stations-expansion-for-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/ccp-games-updates-on-walking-in-stations-expansion-for-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/ccp-games-updates-on-walking-in-stations-expansion-for-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


The latest EVE Online dev blog comes to us from CCP Eris Discordia. Her post, "Boozing in Stations", deals with the Walking in Stations expansion (formerly known by the much cooler name 'Ambulation'). She states that CCP Games is making good progress on Walking in Stations, but some more feedback from the players is needed: "We are continuously testing, designing, integrating, iterating and polishing on our internal server, but something is missing... the MM part from MMO -- the massively multiplayer part. Our fix? Open up the internal release for the Fanfest attendees so that for a few days our internal release will be public!" As reported earlier, EVE Fanfest 2008 attendees will get to preview Walking in Stations firsthand, well in advance of the expansion's release.

She writes that this preview is not a public beta or even an alpha, just that CCP wants to share what they've done with the players. "There is only so much that we can explain through pictures and visual aids. In the end, you need to experience it in order to get a good idea of what we are truly doing." Eris also writes that EVE Fanfest 2008 will have a number of presentations by CCP devs on the Walking in Stations expansion, as well as roundtable discussions. Check out her "Boozing in Stations" dev blog for more info about where the Ambulation... no, Walking in Stations expansion is in terms of its development and what EVE Fanfest 2008 attendees can look forward to.

MassivelyCCP Games updates on Walking in Stations expansion for EVE originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-eris-discordiaccp-gamesdevdev-blogeriseveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2008eve-onlineexpansionsfanfestpreviewsroleplayingsci-fiwalking-in-stationsFri, 03 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New details surface about EVE's 'Walking in Stations' expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/new-details-surface-about-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/new-details-surface-about-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/new-details-surface-about-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Ambulation, or 'Walking in Stations' as it now seems to be known, is a hotly anticipated feature coming to EVE Online. It represents the first effort by CCP Games to add a more interactive dimension to the game, where players will finally be able to step out of their ships to socialize, play games, and ... modify one another's bodies? Apparently so.

While some information about Walking in Stations is already known, EVE Stratics recently turned up more details. Trish "Seridove" Bennon and Michael "Solace" Lutes recently got some face time at PAX 2008 with CCP Games devs Jeremy Albert (Associate Producer) and Noah Ward (Lead Game Designer, aka CCP Hammerhead) who talked about aspects of the expansion.

Continue reading New details surface about EVE's 'Walking in Stations' expansion

MassivelyNew details surface about EVE's 'Walking in Stations' expansion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationbarsbody-modificationccp-gamesccp-hammerheadcharacter-creationconversation-treeseconomyeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2008eve-onlineeve-straticsexpansionsfanfestgame-mechanicsicelandinterviewsmini-gamesnoah-wardpax-2008plastic-surgerypromenaderaceswalking-in-stationsMon, 08 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Strategy Informer interviews CCP Games about the future of EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/strategy-informer-interviews-ccp-games-about-the-future-of-eve-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/strategy-informer-interviews-ccp-games-about-the-future-of-eve-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/strategy-informer-interviews-ccp-games-about-the-future-of-eve-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Gaming site Strategy Informer recently spoke with CCP Games about what the future may hold for EVE Online. The interview focused on two facets of the game: EVE's economy, and the fact that with other sci-fi MMO titles like Jumpgate Evolution on the way, EVE may face increased competition in the coming months and years.

CCP's Lead Economist, Dr. Eyjólfur Guðmundsson talked with Strategy Informer about the game's economic depth, which dwarfs other titles, despite having a subscriber base that's a fraction of what Blizzard enjoys. The interview touched on the possibilities of new trade hubs being established by players over time, the scarcity of certain technologies and their increasing prices, and how the market moves in general. However, the main aspects of the game he discussed were the player-run financial services that have sprung up in EVE, what the community has come up with on its own.

Continue reading Strategy Informer interviews CCP Games about the future of EVE Online

MassivelyStrategy Informer interviews CCP Games about the future of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationarend-stuhrmannccpccp-gamescraftingcultureeconomicseconomyeveeve-onlineeyjolfur-gudmundssongame-mechanicsinterviewsjumpgate-evolutionmarketnetdevilplayer-runsci-fistrategy-informerwalking-in-stationsWed, 03 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/eve-online-interview-discusses-players-determining-storyline/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Split Infinity Radio, a gamer-run internet radio station (with a noticeable sci-fi MMO bent) recently interviewed Scott Holden, Lead Content Creator of EVE Online at Gen Con 2008. Holden has been integral in building up all the mission content that's about to drop in the upcoming Empyrean Age expansions over the next few months. Split Infinity asks Holden a question that's been on the minds of a number of EVE players: Can player actions really influence the storyline?

Holden's answer is 'yes'... to a point. He discusses the initiative at CCP to create a system where events are announced in contested parts of space, prompting players to get involved. Their actions would be reported on through the in-game news, and in this way affects (or creates aspects of) the storyline. Participants in factional warfare, or anyone who reads the Interstellar Correspondents news pieces, know that this already exists to some extent in EVE, but Holden states that CCP would like to take the idea further as time goes on.

Continue reading EVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline

MassivelyEVE Online interview discusses players determining storyline originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationbackstoryccpccp-gamesembedded-reporterembedded-reportingempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinefactionfactional-warfarefactionsfictionguildsimmersioninterstellar-correspondentsinterviewsisdlead-content-creatorloremilitiamilitia-missionsmissionmissionspveracesroleplayingsci-fiscott-holdensplit-infinitysplit-infinity-radiostorylinevolunteerwalking-in-stationsSun, 31 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official EVE Flickr images show Ambulation concept art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/official-eve-flickr-images-show-ambulation-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/official-eve-flickr-images-show-ambulation-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/official-eve-flickr-images-show-ambulation-concept-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Ambulation, or 'Walking in Stations,' is a hot topic among EVE Online players, but for opposing reasons. Some are excited about the prospect of being able to get out of their capsules and ships and finally interact on an avatar level with one another. Other players feel that Ambulation offers little that will benefit the game as it's played by EVE's pilots.

Regardless of what detractors from Ambulation are saying, CCP Games has been moving ahead with the project. Players will decide for themselves whether or not this is a positive addition to EVE Online when they get to try it out at Fanfest 2008 in November. Until then, CCP has provided a few images on their Flickr account that give EVE players a glimpse at how their avatars are going to look later this year, and what the station environments will be like.

[Via CrazyKinux]

Gallery: Early Ambulation Concept Art

Gallente JinmeiCaldari DeteisStation AirlockStation Bar

MassivelyOfficial EVE Flickr images show Ambulation concept art originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlockambulationbarcaldariccpccp-gamesconceptconcept-artcostume-sheetsdeteiseveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2008eve-onlinefanfestflickrgallenteharpa-einarsdottirjinmeiwalking-in-stationsMon, 18 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively takes on EVE Online's learning curve]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/massively-takes-on-eve-onlines-learning-curve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/massively-takes-on-eve-onlines-learning-curve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/massively-takes-on-eve-onlines-learning-curve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


EVE Online is a complex game. There's no doubt about that. That complexity is a large part of the draw, but that doesn't mean learning about the game has to be a daunting experience. With that in mind, Massively has EVE Online in its sights. We've brought solid writers on staff who are quite knowledgeable about the game and are here to give some in-depth info on how EVE is played.

CrazyKinux and Crovan of The Drone Bay podcast joined us in April, and since then have provided Massively's readers with some helpful columns. CrazyKinux, aka David Perry, writes the Have Clone, Will Travel column. David's most recent piece, 3 Essential Tools for Capsuleers, provides a great overview of some of the third-party programs and resources available to help you plan your skill progression and your ship fittings. But we're also running two more EVE-centric columns at Massively. Read on after the jump to see what else we're bringing to the EVE community, and how we're easing that learning curve.

Continue reading Massively takes on EVE Online's learning curve

MassivelyMassively takes on EVE Online's learning curve originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationcapsuleerccpccp-gamescomplexcomplexitycrazykinuxcrovandrone-baye-oneconomyempyrean-ageeveeve-onlineexpansionsfactionfactional-warfarefittingfleetgame-mechanicsgangminingnyphurpodcastpvepvpsci-fiterritorial-controlwalking-on-stationsMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WarCry interviews EVE Lead Designer Noah Ward about the CSM]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/warcry-interviews-eve-lead-designer-noah-ward-about-the-csm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/warcry-interviews-eve-lead-designer-noah-ward-about-the-csm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/warcry-interviews-eve-lead-designer-noah-ward-about-the-csm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


EVE Online's Council of Stellar Management (CSM) is the title's first attempt at having elected representatives work with CCP Games on improving the game as well as the company's relations with its player base. The initial idea behind the CSM was that it would act as an oversight committee on behalf of the players, in the wake of the 'T20 incident' when a CCP developer unfairly provided a player corporation with certain resources. But this first CSM is largely tasked with improving the transparency of CCP's inner workings, while shaping the game to better fit the play styles of their constituency. The CSM has met online in recent weeks, and with mixed results, but they've now met in-person in Reykjavik, where they also had face-to-face time with the creators of EVE Online.

Jordan Deam from WarCry interviewed EVE Online dev Noah Ward (aka CCP Hammerhead) about what this experiment in 'democratic community management' has yielded thus far, and what it may yet become. The interview focuses heavily on the dynamic between players wanting features added to the game and the undertaking necessary on CCP's part to make these changes a reality. Factional warfare has only just been realized in the game and was four years in the making. Ambulation, or 'Walking in Stations', is slated for a launch in the coming months, after three years of being in the pipeline, Ward said. Have a look at the WarCry interview, and decide for yourself if the CSM is living up to its potential, and if CCP is recapturing the transparency of a small, independent game company as it grows into a much larger entity.

MassivelyWarCry interviews EVE Lead Designer Noah Ward about the CSM originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gamescommunitycouncilcsmdevdeveloperselectionempyrean-ageeveeve-onlinefactional-warfaregame-designgame-mechanicshammerheadnoah-wardpoliticsproblemsreykjaviksci-fiwalking-in-stationswarcryWed, 25 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Inside the War Room: video interviews with key EVE Online developers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/inside-the-war-room-video-interviews-with-key-eve-online-develo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/inside-the-war-room-video-interviews-with-key-eve-online-develo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/inside-the-war-room-video-interviews-with-key-eve-online-develo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The devs at EVE Online have been busy of late. They rolled out a new expansion, released a CG video for Empyrean Age, organized EVE Fanfest 2008 and now they've put up video interviews with four of their key developers. CCP Games gives these highlights of the clips:

  • Tony Gonzales, EVE Online's Lead Writer, explains that tensions built within the Empyrean Age novel were developed to entice both veteran and EVE players and the 'uninitiated' science fiction fan. Gonzales also toys with the idea of writing a sequel to the book.
  • Noah Ward, EVE's Lead Designer, discusses the new features in Trinity 1.1: Boost Patch. Learn all about the new improvements, deadlier ships and interface renovations now available.
  • Matthew Woodward, Game Designer for Empyrean Age, tells us,"These new missions give players the strength of narrative." New missions within Factional Warfare alter the focus from isolated PvE, taking these objectives and tying them into the sweeping story found in the Empyrean Age novel.
  • Nathan Richardsson, Executive Producer, discusses the origins of EVE Online while providing an overview of Empyrean Age's features. All out war was the most brutal and obvious choice for this new expansion. Was this war inevitable? Yes. Richardsson also offers his view on what makes PvP exciting and worthwhile.
The video footage of the devs at EVE Online's dedicated Empyrean Age site is found in the interviews section. Check out all four to gain a little more perspective on what's led up to the factional warfare expansion, and what is yet to come.

MassivelyInside the War Room: video interviews with key EVE Online developers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationbackstoryccpccp-gamesempyrean-ageeveeve-fanfesteve-onlinefactionfactional-warfareinterviewmatthew-woodwardnathan-richardssonnoah-wardnoveloveurpvepvpsci-fistorylinetony-gonzalesvideoSat, 21 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest 2008 to have first public preview of Ambulation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/eve-fanfest-2008-to-have-first-public-preview-of-ambulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/eve-fanfest-2008-to-have-first-public-preview-of-ambulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/eve-fanfest-2008-to-have-first-public-preview-of-ambulation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Massively previously announced some of the details of the upcoming EVE Online Fanfest 2008, but CCP Games has just updated their site dedicated to the annual capsuleer pilgrimage. The three-day event (November 6-8) will be filled with a PvP Tournament; presentations by CCP devs to showcase upcoming game features; roundtable discussions between players and devs; and a silent auction of EVE collectibles with proceeds to benefit sick children.

If any of that sounds enticing to you, it actually gets better. EVE Fanfest 2008 will feature a hands-on demo of Ambulation. CCP states: "You'll be able to sit down and interact with character avatars live at FanFest. This will be the first public demonstration of EVE with Walking in Stations and we expect this experience to be a huge draw." To help pack in the crowds, CCP Games is offering travel packages for reduced rates on airfare and hotel stays, and they've expanded the travel package offerings to more countries since their initial Fanfest announcement. Check out CCP's Fanfest '08 site for the full details on what's the most anticipated annual event for EVE Online fanatics (and a few Massively writers as well).

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2008 to have first public preview of Ambulation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationauctionbreakingccpccp-gamesdeveveeve-fanfesteve-onlinefanfesticelandpvppvp-tournamentreykjavikFri, 20 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest 2008 dates and travel packages announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/eve-fanfest-2008-dates-and-travel-packages-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/eve-fanfest-2008-dates-and-travel-packages-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/eve-fanfest-2008-dates-and-travel-packages-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


EVE Online fans, rejoice! CCP Games has announced details about Fanfest, as well as the travel packages they've arranged. For those who've never heard of the EVE Fanfest, for the past four years CCP has put out this call to all pilots:

Join us at the top of the world for the ultimate party: the EVE Fanfest, held in our hometown of Reykjavik, Iceland. This is the best experience of EVE Online: your chance to meet the people behind the avatars in person, including friends and foes alike from the battlefield, plus the CCP Devs. Catch an inside glimpse of what's in store for EVE; participate in live PVP and CCG tournaments versus other pilots; and, if you dare, venture out into the world-renowned Reykjavik nightlife afterwards!

If there's one thing CCP knows how to do right, beyond that whole 'internet spaceships thing', it's throwing a party. EVE Fanfest 2008 will be on November 6-8 at Laugardalur in the heart of Reykjavik, and will be the fifth annual event hosted by CCP. Fanfest is clearly a big deal to the Icelandic game developers, as they've made arrangements for airfare and hotel travel packages for fans wishing to make the journey north. At present, they've announced three 'early bird' travel packages through Icelandair for Germany, Holland, and the U.S.; more packages for other countries are in the works and will be announced at the official EVE Online site as details become available. Note that the offer for Germany ends on June 15. Read on for the full details about the U.S.-Iceland travel package.

Continue reading EVE Fanfest 2008 dates and travel packages announced

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2008 dates and travel packages announced originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gameseveeve-fanfesteve-onlinefanfanfesticelandplayer-gatheringtournamenttravelSun, 08 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Have Clone, Will Travel: An EVE Online Wish List]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/have-clone-will-travel-an-eve-online-wish-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/have-clone-will-travel-an-eve-online-wish-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/have-clone-will-travel-an-eve-online-wish-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


With Empyrean Age and and Ambulation just around the corner, CCP is about to make a lot of its EVE Online subscribers very happy, including yours truly. The idea of walking around in a space station has been a wish of mine for quite some time, ever since I got word that CCP was looking at doing something like it.

Of course my EVE Online wish list is much longer and probably won't get fulfilled for some time. Indeed it would keep the Icelandic developer busy for a number of years! Instead, let's narrow the list to the 5 top items and see what we've got.

Continue reading Have Clone, Will Travel: An EVE Online Wish List

MassivelyHave Clone, Will Travel: An EVE Online Wish List originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpempyrean-ageeve-mobileeve-mobile-skill-plannereve-onlinefeaturedgame-additionsgraphic novelgraphicnovelmodulesmusicship setupsShipSetupsslotswishlistThu, 22 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How will Ambulation change EVE Online?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/the-daily-grind-how-will-ambulation-change-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/the-daily-grind-how-will-ambulation-change-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/the-daily-grind-how-will-ambulation-change-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Going purely by the recent NY Comic Con video, EVE Online's upcoming expansion Ambulation will be an incredible addition to the game universe. Aside from the sheer fun to be had in designing your avatar, the socialization component has the potential to cause players to reevaluate their interactions with others, both friends and enemies.

There will likely be some über-hardcore, there-from-the-launch, "back in MY day" kinds of users who will feel that this ability to step outside of the ship is a dilution of what makes EVE great. There is also something to be said for the argument that this could possibly attract more people to try out EVE, by adding something familiar (a controllable human avatar), thus inflating the population to the point where things no longer feel the same -- sort of the "bridge and tunnel crowd" attitude. What are your thoughts? Are you for or against this new expansion? What do you think its effect on the game will be?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How will Ambulation change EVE Online? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 May 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationbridge-and-tunneldilutioneve-onlinesocializationtdgthe-daily-grindSun, 18 May 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of CCP artist's Ambulation presentation available]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/video-of-ccp-artists-ambulation-presentation-available/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/video-of-ccp-artists-ambulation-presentation-available/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/video-of-ccp-artists-ambulation-presentation-available/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

CCP character artist Ben Mathis gave a 30 minute presentation at the New York Comic Con last month. He talked mostly about the forthcoming Ambulation expansion, which will allow EVE Online players to leave their cockpits and walk around the interiors of space stations with customizable, 3D avatars. Ten Ton Hammer has a Flash video of the entire session.

We saw some of the presented content at GDC earlier this year, but there's some new stuff in this video, too. As we've noted before, CCP isn't holding back; Ambulation is very technically impressive. It's ironic that EVE -- a game focused almost entirely on spaceships instead of face-to-face interactions -- might soon carry the most advanced avatar creation tools on the market.

Players will be able to customize every thing from body fat to the materials from which their clothes are made. Female avatars will have makeup customization options so powerful that the differentiation between lip gloss and lip stick will be noticeable. New animation blending technology will enable realistic transitions between disparate facial expressions. Infinite morph points will be available when faces are molded, thanks to creative use of shaders. CCP's ambition is astonishing -- let's hope the reality lives up to the promise in the end.

MassivelyVideo of CCP artist's Ambulation presentation available originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationanimationavatarben-mathisccpcharacter-artistcharacter-creationcharacterseveeve-onlineexpansiongraphicsnew-york-comic-connyccpresentationshadersstationten-ton-hammervideoThu, 15 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Have Clone, Will Travel: Ambulation in the EVE tutorial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/have-clone-will-travel-ambulation-in-the-eve-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/have-clone-will-travel-ambulation-in-the-eve-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/have-clone-will-travel-ambulation-in-the-eve-tutorial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online is like no other MMORPG. In this sci-fi virtual world you are your ship, and the ship is you.

Indeed, despite the fact that a great amount of time is spent creating a specific look for their avatars, many new players are surprised to see all their efforts being wasted, once they realize that their avatar ends up being nothing but a small head shot. This is one of the major differences between EVE Online and the rest of the MMORPGs. You are not your avatar. But that is about to change.

Most MMORPG players enjoy associating themselves with their characters, but for the last 5 years, EVE capsuleers have never seen theirs, nor have they had a chance to control its movements. This deficiency has been recognized by CCP, the developers behind EVE. After looking into the matter, they came to the conclusion that it was hard for their players to emotionally identify themselves with a spaceship, especially the female minority (about 20%).

Ambulation is CCP's answer.

Continue reading Have Clone, Will Travel: Ambulation in the EVE tutorial

MassivelyHave Clone, Will Travel: Ambulation in the EVE tutorial originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 May 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationavatarccpeveeve-onlinefeaturedgame-additionsimmersioninteractionnew-edennew-playerspatchesroleplayingrumortutorialtutorialsWed, 07 May 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online: Five years and counting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/eve-online-five-years-and-counting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/eve-online-five-years-and-counting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/eve-online-five-years-and-counting/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In case you were lost in space, mining some rare mineral, today marks five years since a world of adventure, darkness, war, and spectacular beauty dove headfirst into the hands of gamers around the world. CCP created a game where rails were an unfamiliar term and players were encouraged to find new ways of conquering the galaxy or the market that supported it all. Wars were waged, empires rose and fell, and evolution continued to shape the world on all fronts. EVE Online has reached five years and what an amazing journey the game has taken.

EVE has grown to include over 250,000 players from around the world, all happily mining, pirating, or planning world domination. The game has come a long way since that first glorious day. We have seen numerous expansions, a graphics overhaul, wars, scams, and scandals. Countless pods have been destroyed and even more asteroid belts have been strip mined to dust. The future looks just as exciting with ambulation and the Empyrean Age, which will finally place the four empires in an all out war, looming through the next stargate. On this 5th anniversary of the creation of this world, we bring you back to take a look at the moments that made EVE a unique and exciting world in which to live.

Gallery: EVE Online Five Year Anniversary

Birth of a StarAutopilot JumpingAssembling the FleetDreams DestroyedNew Worlds to Conquer

MassivelyEVE Online: Five years and counting originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationanniversaryccpempyreanempyrean-ageeveeve-anniversaryeve-onlinefeaturedjoystiqfeaturesTue, 06 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ambulation project closer to reality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ambulation-project-closer-to-reality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ambulation-project-closer-to-reality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ambulation-project-closer-to-reality/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"So... it's an MMO where you fly a ship through space, but you can never really get out?"

"Well... yeah. Pretty much."

This is how it plays out, almost inevitably, when I show my friends EVE Online. For some, not being able to see yourself as a 3-D avatar creates a barrier to immersion. For others, the game is too much of a departure from how player characters are depicted in most other MMOs. That's due to change soon, with the forthcoming release of CCP's Ambulation project. Ambulation will allow players in NPC space stations to walk outside of their ship hangars and interact with each other in a number of new ways. CCP clarified some information about the Ambulation project at the recent New York Comic Con.

Continue reading Ambulation project closer to reality

MassivelyAmbulation project closer to reality originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achuraambulationavatarccpcomicseveeve-onlineimmersiontrinityThu, 24 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fan Fest 2007 videos - Make your weekend an EVE-flix one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/eve-online-fan-fest-2007-videos-make-your-weekend-an-eve-flix/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/eve-online-fan-fest-2007-videos-make-your-weekend-an-eve-flix/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/eve-online-fan-fest-2007-videos-make-your-weekend-an-eve-flix/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


How would you best describe the EVE Online 2007 Fan Fest? I'd say it was filled with players that talked about ships, consumed copious amounts of alcohol alongside the developers, drooled over the Trinity II expansion, drank more alcohol, some pew-pew and a few bruised hairy man boobs egos afterwards, and it all went down in Iceland. I'll sum it up as a frozen mixture of freakishly-EVE debauchery. I'm still bummed, no "mozom" Fan Fest action for me this year; not that I would want my corporation to obtain proof I mingled with some hostiles, and later use said evidence to black mail me as a spy unless I paid a lofty 25 billion space-bux fine.

Thankfully, for those of us not in attendance or those wanting to relive the panel discussions, CCP came through on their earlier promise to feature full-length videos from this year's EVE Online Fan Fest. Currently, 12 videos are up for viewing, and length times vary, some go for 20 minutes and others that last a little longer than 60 minutes. It doesn't cost a dime to watch them either. If you are too lazy to click over and to see the EVE-TV guide, I have you covered with the line-up below. If you would rather read coverage from the Fan Fest, I recently updated the ultimate EVE Online Fan Fest link wrap-up with a few more links.

  • Day 1: EVE History; Oveur on Trinity Expansion; Hilmar on World Domination; CCP Panel, Dev Q&A Session
  • Day 2: Council of Stellar Management; Alliance Panel Discussion; Dr EyjoG on EVE's economics; Ambulation Info
  • Day 3: Tuxford on the development and history behind the in-game ability Heat; How to PvP like an expert with Eris Discordia; Pann gives tips on running an EVE fansite; Tony G discusses his work on the EVE Novel

Continue reading EVE Fan Fest 2007 videos - Make your weekend an EVE-flix one

MassivelyEVE Fan Fest 2007 videos - Make your weekend an EVE-flix one originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gamescouncil-for-stellar-managementeconomyeris-discordiaeveeve-economyeve-expansioneve-fanfest-2007eve-fanfest-coverageeve-fanfest-videoseve-mechanicseve-noveleve-onlineeve-trinityeve-videohilmaroveurpvptuxfordFri, 16 Nov 2007 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[WarCry's "War on the Impossible" part 4 details EVE's Trinity expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/warcrys-war-on-the-impossible-part-4-details-eves-trinity-ex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/warcrys-war-on-the-impossible-part-4-details-eves-trinity-ex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/warcrys-war-on-the-impossible-part-4-details-eves-trinity-ex/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The folks at CCP are nothing if not ambitious. They're more willing to take risks and try new things with EVE Online than a lot of other developers are with their respective games. So far it's paid off; EVE has a very large and passionate fan base. So large and passionate, in fact, that they annually hold a huge Fanfest in Reykjavik.

We provided a list of all the best coverage of the event, but one item on the list stands out enough to warrant a plug of its own. WarCry has been rolling out a series of articles on EVE Online as coverage for this year's conference. All together it's called "The War on the Impossible" after CCP's new slogan. Part IV of this series was just launched. This time the focus is on the Trinity expansion, which includes a graphical overhaul, a revised voice chat system, and many new or tweaked gameplay elements.

In case you missed the earlier articles; Part I was an introduction to CCP's big moves and plans for the game. Part II was about the panel debate between Richard Bartle and Jessica Mulligan on CCP's plans to democratize the world of EVE, and Part III described "Ambulation" in detail. The articles aren't purely informative; WarCry weighs the consequences of each change. If you play EVE, you'll find that this series is one of the best summaries of the changes on the horizon. If you don't play EVE, it's exciting reading anyway because of the audacity of some of CCP's plans.

MassivelyWarCry's "War on the Impossible" part 4 details EVE's Trinity expansion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpdemocracyeveeve-onlineeve-trinityexpansionfanfestgraphicstrinityupdatevoicewar-on-the-impossiblewarcryTue, 13 Nov 2007 10:15:00 EST