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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Battle music!
It's time once again to take a week off from looking at specific MMO soundtracks and open ourselves up to a theme instead. The topic? Battle music. Yeah, it can be some of the most obnoxious music in the game, especially after hearing it for the 3,000th time, but every once in a while I hear a piece that has some merit to it. These are the ones we want to examine today.

What makes for a good battle music track? I think it has to get you excited without being annoying or grating and not so loud or incredibly noticeable that you can't help but get tired of it sooner rather than later. It was actually pretty tricky to pull together six such tracks for this column, but I managed to do with with the help of Colonel Bugle up there. He's got the best MP3 collection around.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Battle music! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarecamelotclassic-mmocomposercomposersconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologynexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpvprvrsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixtactical-mmoturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Cutest creatures
I vividly remember a conversation I had with my then-girlfriend's parents back in 1996 about the potential of this growing "internet" phenomenon. With my limited understanding, I made it sound downright noble, a Library of Congress available at the fingertips of the average Joe or Jane. What I really should have said that it would be a tool for the distribution of pornography, nerd rage, and cute animal pictures.

I have no idea how big the cute animal picture industry is, but there have got to be millions of aspiring photographers daily who prod little baby critters with encouragement sticks in the hopes of eliciting a few "awws" out of strangers. Even when the serious business of MMOs came a-calling, cuteness infested fantasy lands near and far.

Whenever I see something absurdly cute in an MMO, I always smile because I know that somewhere, some uber-elite, way-too-serious player is developing facial tics from being in the same game world as it. So twitch away, as here are 10 of the cutest critters as seen in-game!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetback-to-betabetabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcasualclassic-mmoconquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artsf2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfuncomglitchguild-wars-2gw2hipsterhumorkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fisquaresquare-enixstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentunlauncheningwarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Views from a beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Views from a beta
It's hard not to turn into a total tourist when you're checking out a new beta. Out comes the fanny pack, the giddy delight of a new world, and most importantly, the camera.

Reader Michelle kicks off this week's One Shots column with a screenshot of the first Neverwinter beta weekend. It's a shot of her character Nora overlooking the edge of aptly named Neverdeath Graveyard. We're guessing that the caretaker down there has his hands full.

Would you go into such a place if you saw it in real life? I guess that's why we have our avatars to be bold where we would flee! Let's take a look at a few other places where angels fear to tread.

Continue reading One Shots: Views from a beta

MassivelyOne Shots: Views from a beta originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanarchy-onlineaobring-back-one-shotsclassic-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfirefallfpsfree-to-playfuncomgalleriesgallerymmo-shooterneverwinterone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpvppwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionsred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsshooterthird-person-shooteruser-submissionswarwishSun, 17 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Dancing with my homies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/one-shots-dancing-with-my-homies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/one-shots-dancing-with-my-homies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/one-shots-dancing-with-my-homies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Dancing with my homies
First of all, thank you guys so much for responding to our One Shots rallying cry and absolutely flooding us with screenshots! My cup overfloweth, and that's a delightful change of pace for this column. Even though we're quite literally set for months now, please keep sending in your favorite old or new screencaps!

To kick us off this week is Jerry, who's showing off how Anarchy Online can party down with the best of them: "This is Yardsale, a level 220 Trader, dancing with his trader pets in Borealis."

At first glance, I almost thought we were in the Matrix. But even with polygons so sharp that you can cut yourself on them, this title definitely has a style all its own. Hit the jump to see this and other wonders of the screenshotted world.

Continue reading One Shots: Dancing with my homies

MassivelyOne Shots: Dancing with my homies originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaobring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfreedomfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefuncomgalleriesgallerygameforgegameforge-berlinhorrormythologyncsoftone-shotsparagonparagon-studiospics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsci-fantasysci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroestaboreathe-secret-worldtswuser-submissionsSun, 10 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/funcoms-joel-bylos-on-the-centralized-tsw-aoc-and-ao-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/funcoms-joel-bylos-on-the-centralized-tsw-aoc-and-ao-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/funcoms-joel-bylos-on-the-centralized-tsw-aoc-and-ao-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Bylos expounds on the centralized team for AO, AoC, and TSW
By now, most MMO gamers are pretty familiar with the fact that Funcom underwent restructuring. But what does that mean; what exactly did it entail? The term "restructuring" in itself signifies changes but does nothing to actually enlighten folks on what the changes are. Other than the fact that Joel Bylos was named creative director for all three of Funcom's titles -- Age of Conan, Anarchy Online, and The Secret World -- and that the team will be in one centralized in location, we know little of the details.

How many developers survived the restructuring and relocated to remain on the team? Is this move foreshadowing one or more games slipping into maintenance mode? How will the coveted dev attention be divvied up? What does the future hold? Devoid of facts, players are left left wondering about how these changes will impact their favorite games.

While chatting with Joel Bylos in an exclusive interview, I was able to ask some of these very questions.

Continue reading Funcom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team

MassivelyFuncom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playcentralized-temaclassic-mmoconanf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyboriainterviewinterviewsJoel-Bylosmassively-exclusiveMassively-exclusive-interviewmassively-exclusive-interviewsmythologyrestructuringsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswunchainedThu, 07 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is 'maintenance mode' really a negative?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-really-a-negative/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-really-a-negative/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-really-a-negative/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Secret World - Gunners
This week's news of Funcom naming Joel Bylos the creative director on all three of its MMORPGs was met with some predictable "maintenance mode!" and "yay, Funcom's failing" rhetoric in our comment section. While neither of these suppositions are based in reality, the former got me to thinking, and what I thought was that "maintenance mode" isn't an automatic negative to me like it appears to be to some folk.

For one thing, I play a ton of MMOs, and for another, I'm not exactly a content locust since it usually takes me several months to max out an avatar (and several more after that to gear him up). I can see why the hurry-up-and-beat-the-endgame crowd would be cross with a title that doesn't add new content every other week, but for me that's not only OK, it's preferable since it means that I might actually see all of the content, finish all of the story arcs, and get some use out of my gear.

Time between content updates also means time that I get to explore, socialize, roleplay, and do all the stuff that MMOs facilitate beyond the basic treadmill. What about you, Massively readers? Is "maintenance mode" a turnoff or does it give you time to catch your breath?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is 'maintenance mode' really a negative? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playclassic-mmoconancontent-locustsdaily-grindf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyboriamythologyopinionsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlesstdgthe-daily-grindthe-secret-worldtswunchainedThu, 28 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's Bylos named creative director on AoC, AO, and TSW]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/bylos-named-funcom-creative-director-overseeing-tsw-aoc-and-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/bylos-named-funcom-creative-director-overseeing-tsw-aoc-and-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/bylos-named-funcom-creative-director-overseeing-tsw-aoc-and-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Bylos named Funcom creative director, overseeing TSW, AoC, and AO
Funcom has announced that The Secret World creative director Joel Bylos is now the creator director for all three of the firm's MMORPGs. This includes TSW, Age of Conan, and Anarchy Online. Bylos has penned letters from the game director for TSW and AoC, while AO's Dave "Ilaliya" Williams passes the torch via a forum post.

Bylos' TSW letter talks additional content plans up to and including Issue #12 (the live game currently sits on Issue #5, with #6 scheduled for early March). Bylos has a special place in his heart for AoC stemming from his time as the lead designer on the Rise of the Godslayer expansion, and his initial game director letter reflects on both coming home and the opportunities for expanding Hyboria. He also talks a bit about the pros and cons of having a single production team working on three live titles.

Finally, outgoing AoC producer Craig "Silirrion" Morrison recaps his four years at the helm and hints at a "new opportunity within the MMO world."

[Thanks to David for the tip.]

MassivelyFuncom's Bylos named creative director on AoC, AO, and TSW originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playbylos-new-creative-directorclassic-mmoconancraig-morrisonf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyboriajoel-bylosmythologysci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldsilirrionskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswunchainedTue, 26 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online set to finally merge servers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/anarchy-online-set-to-finally-merge-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/anarchy-online-set-to-finally-merge-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/anarchy-online-set-to-finally-merge-servers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.
How do you get together after 12 years of separation? That's a question the Anarchy Online community is going to have to answer tomorrow as the game undergoes a server merge, bringing together two communities that have been apart for more than a decade. PvP will be chaotic, the state of community relations will be chaotic, cats and dogs will be living next to one another... you get the idea, general mass hysteria.

Both servers will be brought offline at 5:00 a.m. EST on February 26th. The maintenance required to merge the two servers is expected to run for 24 hours, with the usual caveat that it may run longer depending on any issues encountered during the process. Afterwards, players will be able to log in to the new combined server and start welcoming their new neighbors... or start shooting them in their faces for property rights. As we said, general mass hysteria.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy Online set to finally merge servers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmocommunity-mergedowntimef2pfree-to-playfuncomnewssci-fiserver-downtimeserver-mergeserversMon, 25 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom game directors talk relocation, effects on TSW, AoC, and AO development [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/funcom-game-directors-talk-relocation-effects-on-tsw-aoc-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/funcom-game-directors-talk-relocation-effects-on-tsw-aoc-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/funcom-game-directors-talk-relocation-effects-on-tsw-aoc-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Funcom logo
Funcom has published game director letters for all three of its MMOs this morning, and one of the topics on everyone's mind is of course the studio's reorganization. As it turns out, the dev teams for The Secret World, Age of Conan, and Anarchy Online will all be operating out of the company's Raleigh, North Carolina facility which was previously the sole domain of the Funcom customer service team.

TSW's Joel Bylos notes that the move will cause some "development turbulence," and that the game's DLC and update schedule will slow down temporarily as a result. He has more details on both the game's Issue #6 update and veteran rewards in his letter. AoC's Craig Morrison says that the fantasy title isn't going anywhere, although he also acknowledges some staff turnover due to the relocation. He also notes that having the game's dev team and community team in the same building will be a huge benefit. Finally, Anarchy Online's update echoes the first two, but game director Dave "Ilaliya" Williams writes that the engine upgrade, server migration, and new player experience are all still on the table.

[Update]: Funcom has also published an update on the restructuring process on its main website.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyFuncom game directors talk relocation, effects on TSW, AoC, and AO development [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playclassic-mmoconancraig-morrisondave-williamsf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyboriailaliyajoel-bylosmythologysci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldsilirrionskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswunchainedFri, 25 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free
Collecting MMO soundtracks is a scattered, scavenger-like experience. Releasing video game soundtracks isn't exactly high up on studio and publisher to-do lists (although we're seeing more love from digital stores), so whether or not a title will get a music release is really a crapshoot. What does get released is never in the same place twice: Some game soundtracks are released as special editions only, some only as CDs, some as full MP3 album releases, some directly from the composer, some are buried on websites, and so on.

So I'm constantly looking everywhere trying to beef up my MMO soundtrack library, and as a result I've uncovered several scores that the studios are giving away for free. I'm all over free (legal) music, especially when it's in my area of interest!

If you've been looking to start an MMO soundtrack collection or are looking to add to what you have, I've put together a list of 11 MMO scores that you can get today free of charge. Sound good? It does to me!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarebrowserbrowser-basedccpccp-gamesclassic-mmocomposercomposersddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-musicfree-to-playfuncomgagame-musicgiveawayglitchglobal agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinternet-spaceshipsjagexjagex-games-studiojukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilinuxlucasartsmacmmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmmofpsmusicnexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpcplaneshiftrsrunescaperyzomsandboxsci-fantasysci-fishootersoundtracksoundtracksspreadsheets-onlinespy-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortactical-mmothe-old-republicthird-person-shootertortpsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-odysseyultima-xultima-x-odysseywinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedwinch-gate-property-lldwinchgateTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom restructures Montreal branch, keeps games operational]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/funcom-restructures-montreal-branch-keeps-games-operational/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/funcom-restructures-montreal-branch-keeps-games-operational/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/funcom-restructures-montreal-branch-keeps-games-operational/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rumor Funcom closes Montreal branch
Funcom is taking hedge trimmers to its Montreal offices today. Senior Game Designer Tanya Short posted the following this afternoon on her Twitter account: "When your branch shuts down, I guess it's less like being fired and more like honorable discharge. Thanks for going down with the ship! Bye!"

Massively contacted Funcom for an official statement. Director of Communications Erling Ellingsen confirmed layoffs but assured us that Funcom's games will continue on: "We are currently in a restructuring process and the Montreal office is part of that process along with our other branches. This process unfortunately involves a reduction in staff, but the studio is not closing down. It will continue on, but in a different form and function than today. Anarchy Online, as well as The Secret World and Age of Conan, will definitely continue to operate and be an important part of the company's focus going forward." He said that the studio would provide more details when it had finished with the process.

Funcom previously stated that it was restructuring the company to make it more profitable. The Montreal office was established in 2009 and employed 110 people.

MassivelyFuncom restructures Montreal branch, keeps games operational originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playclassic-mmoconanerling-ellingsenf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyborialayoffsmythologyrestructuringsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlesstanya-shortthe-secret-worldtswunchainedThu, 17 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Overcoming obstacles in returning to older games
Let's face it: It's just not that easy to either try out or return to an older MMO. It defies logic because you would think that these games would explicitly crave people to come play them, but it's almost like there's a chest-high wall topped with itchy fiberglass shreds warning people away. It's not impossible to surmount, of course, just inconvenient and a little daunting. And so we log back into World of Warcraft or (thrashes around for a random title) Champions Online instead.

However, this column doesn't care about them fancy games with their exclamation marks and free-to-plays, no sirree. We're all about the love for classic MMOs, and it would behoove us to consider supporting that which we love.

It's that time of year when I feel the call to return to one of my first MMO loves, Anarchy Online. After tangling with the account page, looking for a subscription variant that apparently no longer exists, and mentally adjusting to the extremely dated graphics, I started to wonder if it was even worth it. But a little perseverance paid off, and I wanted to share a few lessons learned about overcoming obstacles when it comes to diving back into the past.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetasherons-callchampions-onlineclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscustomer-supportf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistgraphicsguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftnostalgiaopinionsandboxsci-fisoesubscriptionthe-game-archaeologistturbineturbine-entertainmentuiuser-interfaceworld-of-warcraftSat, 12 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist seals up 2012
As another gaming year spins to a close, we here at the Institute for Digital Interactive Entertainment have been holding our archaeological department hostage with a trained buffy-tufted marmoset until it delivered a final report. After hours of begging and infected monkey bites, the head of that department, Prof. Justin Olivetti, Ph.D., handed us a scrap of urine-soaked paper with the following article inscribed.

While the Institute strongly suggests that you ignore this report and instead work on your button-mashing exercises, the board of directors stated that all such papers must be posted for the public to see.

This report is presented in the Yetbari typeface and contains a sequential series of items that number between 11 and 13.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoasherons-callasherons-call-2blizzardblizzard-entertainmentcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscohcovcoxeaelectronic-artseqeq-maceq1eqmaceqoaeverquesteverquest-online-adventuresexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifree-to-playfreedomfuncomgame-archaelogistlord-britishmeridian-59mythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnostalgiaopinionparagonparagon-studiossandboxsci-fiSeekers-of-Adoulinshadowbanesoasoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroestelonthe-game-archaeologistturbineultimaultima onlineuovanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Anarchy Online's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/jukebox-heroes-anarchy-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/jukebox-heroes-anarchy-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/jukebox-heroes-anarchy-onlines-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Anarchy Online's soundtrack
In all of the MMOs I've played, Anarchy Online's music has stuck out at me like nothing else I've ever heard. I'm not saying that it's the best MMO score in the world or anything, but there's a really unique quality to its synth ambiance that hard-triggers my memories of the game.

The score was handled by a trio of composers: Morten Sørlie, Tor Linløkken, and Bjørn Arve Lagim. The team attempted to create an infinite score that used overlapping music samples which reacted to what was going on around you. The process is kind of fascinating, and you can read more about it on Gamasutra. However, the end result of traditional tracks are what we're going to be listening to today.

A large chunk of the Anarchy Online soundtrack is actually free to download. The first volume used to be available but has since been pulled. The second volume and the Shadowlands soundtrack are still up on Funcom's FTP server for those interested in listening to it. That said, let's dive into my favorite songs from all three!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Anarchy Online's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Anarchy Online's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmocomposercomposersf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicopinionsci-fisoundtracksoundtracksTue, 18 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online moves forward with graphics overhaul and server migration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/anarchy-online-moves-forward-with-graphics-overhaul-and-server-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/anarchy-online-moves-forward-with-graphics-overhaul-and-server-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/anarchy-online-moves-forward-with-graphics-overhaul-and-server-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online moving forward with graphics overhaul and server migration
Executive Producer David Williams is completely pumped about the new graphics engine coming to to Anarchy Online, and in his most recent developer update, he gushes about it while explaining why it's not quite ready for prime time. There are a set of new pictures to help with the wait, however.

One of the more interesting features of the new game engine is that it gives the developers the ability to both import old art assets and create brand-new ones for the game. "Since AO is huge, for most assets we don't have time to remake them," Williams explains. "The new player experience, for example, has all new assets. Most things won't."

He also mentions that the team is finalizing some issues regarding the upcoming server merge and that this winter's holiday content will go live in the game next week.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy Online moves forward with graphics overhaul and server migration originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaochristmas-2012classic-mmodave-williamsdavid-williamsenginef2pfree-to-playfuncomgraphics-enginegraphics-engine-updateholiday-contentillyriamonthly-development-updateproducers-lettersci-fiscreenshotsserver-mergeMon, 03 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do MMO crossovers break your immersions?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-daily-grind-do-mmo-crossovers-break-your-immersions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-daily-grind-do-mmo-crossovers-break-your-immersions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-daily-grind-do-mmo-crossovers-break-your-immersions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Do MMO crossovers break your immersions?
When I was a kid, I read a post-Vietnam fantasy novel called Doomfarers of Coramonde that should have ruined crossover fiction for me forever. I just couldn't take seriously an Army hero whisked away by magic and plunked into a world of dragons and castles and sorceresses.

MMO crossovers can likewise break my immersions. I'm not talking about sequels, and I'm not even talking about the unholy marriage of EVE Online and DUST 514. I'm talking about Funcom putting leet pets from Anarchy Online into The Secret World's cash shop, which is a thing that did in fact happen yesterday. It joins the Ultima Online ankh necklace my character wore in Warhammer Online on the list of bizarre cross-MMO promotions that really don't make a whole lot of sense in-character. Why in the world would my character in TSW have an adorable leet pet from the the planet of Rubi-Ka? What's next -- cupid wings on Ewoks? Oh. Right.

So what do you think, morning crew and minipet-hoarders? Does this sort of promotion satisfy some deep craving, or does it just break your immersions?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do MMO crossovers break your immersions? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-Onlineankhaobreaking-my-immersionsbrian-daleybrianna-royce-tdgcross-promotioncrossoverdaily-grinddoomfarers-of-coramondefuncomimmersionimmersionsleetminipetmmo-crossoveropiniontdgthe-daily-grindthe-secret-worldtswFri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online dev update talks new engine, server migrations, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/anarchy-online-dev-update-talks-new-engine-server-migrations-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/anarchy-online-dev-update-talks-new-engine-server-migrations-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/anarchy-online-dev-update-talks-new-engine-server-migrations-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online dev update talks new engine, server migrations, and more
There's a new monthly development update for Anarchy Online on the game's official forums. It's a fairly lengthy read, but then again there's a lot going on with Funcom's long-running sci-fi MMO.

First of all, the devs are extending Halloween festivities through November 12th due to Hurricane Sandy. The team is also finalizing its scripts for the upcoming server migration, and work continues on the much-anticipated Dreamworld engine upgrade. New character models, animations, textures, and mesh armors are all on the table, and Funcom says it's "in the home stretch" on the project as a whole.

Finally, this month's letter touches on AO's Steam presence as well as Funcom's plans for upgrading the new player experience. Read all about it on the game's official forums.

MassivelyAnarchy Online dev update talks new engine, server migrations, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanarchy-online-updateaoclassic-mmodreamworlddreamworld-enginef2pfree-to-playfuncommergessci-fiserver-mergesTue, 06 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PointMMO goes into open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/pointmmo-goes-into-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/pointmmo-goes-into-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/pointmmo-goes-into-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PointMMO goes into open beta
Despite what the name may have you believe, PointMMO is not a game but a digital distribution service specializing in online RPGs. Today the site announced that it has transitioned into open beta for those looking to test out its system and features.

Currently, PointMMO's library is rather anemic, with its most well-known titles being World of Tanks, Age of Conan, Anarchy Online, and Allods Online. Some of the game pages include mentions of special promotions for signing up through the service, such as an Anarchy Online leets giveaway.

PointMMO claims to offer the fastest way to get into MMOs with its downloader and comes with several social options that are integrated with Twitter and Facebook. The service is currently available only in North America, although the company plans to expand into Europe in 2013.

MassivelyPointMMO goes into open beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedallodsallods-onlineanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedastrum-nivalclassic-mmoconandigital-distributiondigital-distribution-servicef2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomgala-netgpotatohistoricalhyboriamail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesnot-steampointmmopvpsci-fisteamtanktanksunchainedwarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotFri, 19 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Worst expansion names of all time
When SOE announced that EverQuest's 19th expansion would be titled Rain of Fear, I instantly found myself tripping over the name. I shouldn't have -- it's a few simple words that are first round picks for spelling contests -- but it defied the traditional naming conventions for MMO expansions. Many people I talked to kept wanting to write "reign" instead because "rain" seemed like a deliberate misspelling by some intern in Smedley's empire.

Homophones aside, Rain of Fear is hardly the worst expansion title I've ever seen. The industry has had its share of bad names, from the confusing to the downright unpronounceable. Sure, we get used to these titles, and perhaps it's nit-picky to lug them out at such a late point in many of their lifespans, but petty is my middle name. My first name is Tom. And these are 10 poorly named expansions. Deal with it.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohconquestcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiforgotten-realmsfree-to-playfreedomFreyafuncomgalaxiesgeorge-lucasgoing-roguehumorinternet-spaceshipsjohn-smedleylineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-britishmenace-of-the-underdarkmythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvprage-of-the-wookieesrain-of-fearred-moon-risingriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrSamurai-Empiresandboxsarah-palinsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstom-legionsuperherosuperheroesswgswgoThe-Legacy-of-Ykeshathe-notum-warsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenThe-Splitpaw-Sagathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listTreasures-of-Aht-Urhgantriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunderdarkuoThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online prepares for Steam debut]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/anarchy-online-prepares-for-steam-debut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/anarchy-online-prepares-for-steam-debut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/anarchy-online-prepares-for-steam-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Anarchy Online prepares for Steam debut
You can't teach an old dog new tricks? Don't tell that to Anarchy Online because the classic MMO is preparing to carve a place for itself on Valve's digital distribution platform. AO Producer Dave Williams writes that the title should make its way to Steam very soon. In addition, he posted a chart of all of the new subscription options and bonuses that are now available.

Williams touches on a number of important developments in the most recent producer's letter, in particular some staff reshuffling and word about the server migration.

Of course, what everyone wants to hear about is the graphics engine upgrade. Williams confirms that it and the new player experience are still on course for an early 2013 public beta, and he was able to show one of the new features that the engine will allow: armor meshes. These meshes will allow the Funcom team to create additional 3-D objects to stick onto armor, giving players a more unique (and updated) look.

MassivelyAnarchy Online prepares for Steam debut originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmodave-williamsdream-enginef2pfree-to-playfuncomgraphics-enginegraphics-updatenew-player-experienceproducers-lettersci-fisteamsubscription-optionsvalveMon, 01 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online offers subscription bonuses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/anarchy-online-offers-subscription-bonuses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/anarchy-online-offers-subscription-bonuses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/anarchy-online-offers-subscription-bonuses/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Anarchy Online offers subscription bonuses
Anarchy Online wants your business,- and it's prepared to undertake a fair bit of bribery to make that happen. Funcom is offering a pair of promotions for new and existing players who choose to subscribe any time between now and November 12th.

For new players, AO will dish out more bonus items the longer you stay subscribed. These bonuses include Funcom points, a luxury apartment, fancy armor, and even all of the Anarchy Online expansions.

Existing players who sign on for a 12-month subscription will get over $100 of bonuses including Funcom points, all expansions, armor, and consumables.

MassivelyAnarchy Online offers subscription bonuses originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoapartmentclassic-mmoexpansionsf2pfree-to-playfuncomfuncom-pointsluxury-apartmentpromopromotionssalesci-fisubscriptionsubscription-promotionMon, 24 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's director leaves the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/anarchy-onlines-director-leaves-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/anarchy-onlines-director-leaves-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/anarchy-onlines-director-leaves-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is never good news.
Parting is such sweet sorrow, and fans of Anarchy Online are receiving a full dose of that sorrow. Fia Tjernberg, the game's current director, has announced in a forum post that she is leaving her post as director due to the deteriorating health of a family member and the numerous Funcom layoffs. As she puts it, her departure ensures that the existing staff will have less pressure to reduce its numbers, which she feels is better for the health of the game in the long run.

Tjernberg stresses that the team behind Anarchy Online has completed or nearly completed a number of wonderful projects that improve the overall game experience, including the graphical revamp, which is slated to be released in the near future. At this time there has been no announcement of who will be the game's next director. This comes in the wake of Tjernberg's previous statements regarding the layoffs and Anarchy Online and last week's announcement that senior content designer Brad McAtee is departing the game.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy Online's director leaves the game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaobrad-mcateeclassic-mmodesigndevelopmentdevelopment-teamf2pfia-tjernbergfree-to-playfuncomfuncom-layoffsgame-directorlayoffsmmo-industryproductionsci-fistaff-reductionTue, 18 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would a graphical upgrade bring you back to your first MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-daily-grind-would-a-graphical-upgrade-bring-you-back-to-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-daily-grind-would-a-graphical-upgrade-bring-you-back-to-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-daily-grind-would-a-graphical-upgrade-bring-you-back-to-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online - sky surfing
Funcom's recent round of restructuring reminded me of the fact that the company is still working on the long-awaited graphical upgrade to Anarchy Online. The game is positively ancient by MMO standards, having originally released in 2001, and it looks the part.

After a decade of additions, though, and because the base game was quite feature-rich already, AO is still an interesting title to play despite the dated aesthetic. Or maybe I'm just nostalgic for my first MMO. Nah, probably not.

Anyhow, this brings me around to the requisite early-morning question. Assuming it's still in operation, would a visual overhaul bring you back to your first MMO?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would a graphical upgrade bring you back to your first MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanarchy-online-graphical-upgradeaoclassic-mmodaily-grindf2pfree-to-playfuncomgraphical-upgradeopinionsci-fitdgthe-daily-grindThu, 13 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online feels the impact of Funcom layoffs, recommits to engine upgrade]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/anarchy-online-feels-the-impact-of-funcom-layoffs-recommits-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/anarchy-online-feels-the-impact-of-funcom-layoffs-recommits-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/anarchy-online-feels-the-impact-of-funcom-layoffs-recommits-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Anarchy Online feels the impact of Funcom layoffs, recommits to engine upgrade
Game Director Fia Tjernberg begins her monthly development update for Anarchy Online on a somber note, saying that the layoffs at Funcom have put a hold on the team's growth and a number of planned projects, such as the improved character creation system.

Tjernberg did transition into a more upbeat tone as she emphasized that the team is still progressing with the graphical update: "Our Dreamworld engine upgrade is still one of our top priorities! We believe this is an important step in evolving AO and building for the future, and as this work is done in parallel to the rest of our commitments, we do not have to delay any other content because of this!"

Other topics of the letter include a report from AO-Con, improvements to seasonal content, testing the new player experience, strengthening the community, and discussions revolving around the game's PvP.

MassivelyAnarchy Online feels the impact of Funcom layoffs, recommits to engine upgrade originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoao-conclassic-mmodev-diarydreamworlddreamworld-enginef2pFia-Tjernbergfree-to-playfuncomgraphical-updategraphical-upgradelayoffsproducer-lettersci-fiThu, 06 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Beware the Bard edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/choose-my-adventure-beware-the-bard-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/choose-my-adventure-beware-the-bard-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/choose-my-adventure-beware-the-bard-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Beware the Bard edition
All the world's a game, and all the men and women are merely players.

Shakespeare was really onto something there, even if he flubbed a word a bit. Folks who try to deny their participation in games are just fooling themselves! What are games, after all, but progression in a given world? Some people are just so boring that they stick to only one world. We know better, though, don't we? We choose ours from a myriad of options! Or, as in this case, you Choose My Adventure.

I will admit, I have been in the wings, eagerly awaiting my next casting call. Twice now you've sent me on amazing adventures, and I've had a blast! And finally, it's my turn to take the stage again. So what will I star in this time? Will it be a military epic, a space adventure, or a flight of fantasy? My big comeback is in your hands!

Peruse the list below and follow your muse to choose which world I will spotlight for the next six weeks. Just be sure to have your vote in by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday the 9th. And don't forget to stay tuned to the MV Guide over the coming weeks to watch the adventures unfold on Massively TV!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Beware the Bard edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Beware the Bard edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedallodsallods-onlineanarchy-onlineanetaoaocaoc-unchainedarenanetastrum-nivalbiowarechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthrieclassic-mmocmaconanconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaeden-eternalelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefuncomgagala-netgameforgegameforge-berlinglobal agendagpotatoguild-wars-2gw2hands-onhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhorrorhyborialord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmmofpsmythologyncsoftopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollpollsps3pvppwereaders-choiceromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldShakespeareshooterskill-basedsoesonysony-online-entertainmentspy-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstosubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtortaboreatanktanksThe-Bardthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthird-person-shootertortpstswturbineturbine-entertainmentunchainedvotevotingwarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotWed, 05 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom layoffs confirmed as temporary [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/funcom-layoffs-confirmed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/funcom-layoffs-confirmed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/funcom-layoffs-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Funcom layoffs confirmed
Apparently having suffered a mediocre launch with The Secret World and a severe dip in its stock value, Funcom has announced temporary layoffs to its staff. The layoffs are part of a company-wide cost-cutting strategy in response to TSW's failure to hit expected sales scenarios, which Funcom predicted in a press release earlier this month. The layoffs appear to confirm parts of the anonymous tip we referenced in our Secret World column last Thursday.

Funcom Director of Communications Erling Ellingsen confirmed the layoffs to Gamer.no, stating that operations on Funcom's three MMOs will continue and that The Secret World's revenue model will continue as planned.

Unconfirmed reports put the layoffs at 50% to 60% of the studio's workforce. "We're in the middle of the process and we can not go into more detail now," Ellingsen said. On its Twitter feed, Funcom posted the following: "Thank you for your warm thoughts and support. More information to come soon."

[Update: Funcom has made a new statement to Massively in light of the layoffs, stressing that the layoffs are temporary. "As we announced in the stock notice that went out on August 10th, Funcom is in the process of reducing operational costs and this process includes temporary layoffs as well as other initiatives. As we are currently in the middle of this process we can not provide any further comment at the present time. Rest assured however that we have long-term plans for the company and that we remain fully committed to all of our games. We aim to provide more information soon."]

MassivelyFuncom layoffs confirmed as temporary [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbreakingclassic-mmoconanErling-Ellingsenf2pfactionfantasyfiringfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyborialayofflayoffsmythologypink-slipsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedthe-secret-worldtswunchainedTue, 21 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Anarchy Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/why-i-play-anarchy-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/why-i-play-anarchy-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/why-i-play-anarchy-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Why I Play Anarchy Online
If I only had more time. If only I had all the time in the world to game to my heart's content without giving up the other aspects of my life that are precious to me. If only I could go back in time and tell myself to play Game Y instead of Game X.

Ah, wishes and horses. Both are full of poop! But if wishes could be horses, I'd love to have some time to go back and play Anarchy Online hardcore.

I don't know what it is about this game that keeps calling me back with its retro appeal. But every year I go through a phase when I download the client and re-enter the world of Rubi-Ka for another attempt at mastering this 11-year-old title. It doesn't stick, but the fondness and desire remains. Why do I play it? I'm going to be coy and make you work for the answer.

Continue reading Why I Play: Anarchy Online

MassivelyWhy I Play: Anarchy Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaobaldurs-gate-iichrono-triggerclassic-mmoeditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomguild-wars-2massively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionsci-fishadowlandswhy-i-playWed, 25 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online gearing up for more major updates in July]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/anarchy-online-gearing-up-for-more-major-updates-in-july/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/anarchy-online-gearing-up-for-more-major-updates-in-july/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/anarchy-online-gearing-up-for-more-major-updates-in-july/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

That ship either contains a new visual engine... or a load of plant waste. Could go either way.
Anarchy Online is still going strong several years after release, due in no small part to several rolling upgrades from the development team. The latest monthly developer update makes it clear that the team is nearly done with another major update -- after spending April through June getting the existing game to work with a new game engine, the task of getting art assets lined up and working is underway for July.

But it's more than just a new engine on the way. The developers are actively looking at making the new player experience more engaging and accessible, as well as looking to roll out further improvements to the game's market system. The procedure for server migration of organization-run cities is also covered, with some vague statements about the land previously reserved for non-instanced cities. If you're a stalwart player of Anarchy Online, there's plenty of interest within the latest update, even if it's not quite on deck just yet.

MassivelyAnarchy Online gearing up for more major updates in July originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaocitiesclassic-mmocodedisplay-engineenginef2pfree-to-playfuncomgame-enginegraphical-engineinstanceinstancingnew-enginesnewspatchespreviewsci-fisource-codeupdateTue, 10 Jul 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you hold an MMO grudge?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-hold-an-mmo-grudge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-hold-an-mmo-grudge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-hold-an-mmo-grudge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Secret World - Hallucenogenic roller coaster
The Secret World is launching in a few days, and frankly I'm pretty excited about it. Between the modern setting, the fantasy-horror mashup, and the divergent questing system, it'll probably be my go-to MMO for a while.

Because it's Funcom, though, some gamers are rolling their eyes and writing it off. This has to do with the company's (well-earned) reputation for buggy MMO launches, including both Age of Conan and Anarchy Online. While a bit of wariness is understandable, the serious-business rhetoric and the depth of feeling behind the company-specific grudges held by some gamers is both mind-boggling and comical.

What about you, morning crew? Do you hold a grudge against Funcom in particular or MMO companies in general?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you hold an MMO grudge? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1st-world-problemsage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedclassic-mmoconandaily-grinddo-you-hold-a-grudgedo-you-hold-an-mmo-grudgef2pfactionfantasyfirst-world-problemsfree-to-playfuncomgrudgegrudgeshorrorhyboriamythologyopinionsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldserious-businessskill-basedtdgthe-daily-grindthe-secret-worldtswunchainedThu, 28 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online celebrates its 11th birthday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/anarchy-online-celebrates-its-11th-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/anarchy-online-celebrates-its-11th-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/anarchy-online-celebrates-its-11th-birthday/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online celebrates 11th birthday
Has it really been 11 years since Anarchy Online burst onto the scene with one of the smoothest launches of all time? It must be -- Funcom is throwing a birthday bash for its faithful players.

There will be two birthday celebrations, one on the Atlantean server on Friday, June 22nd, at 1:00 p.m. EDT and one on Rimor on Monday, June 25th, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Both in-game celebrations will be marked by spawning events, special mobs, and in-game items. If you're down with the party scene, the community will be throwing a monster rave to end all raves.

Funcom hinted at a few of the surprises, including new costumes, action figures, vehicles, and the love of a duck and a cake. The studio will be handing out a free jet pack for all players who log in during the celebration.

MassivelyAnarchy Online celebrates its 11th birthday originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11-years11th-anniversaryanarchy-onlineanniversaryanniversary-celebrationaobirthday-bashbirthday-celebrationcakecelebrationclassic-mmoduckeleventh-anniversaryf2pfree-to-playfuncomin-game-eventmr-squeakyone-onesci-fiThu, 21 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO Jukebox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/the-perfect-ten-mmo-jukebox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/the-perfect-ten-mmo-jukebox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/the-perfect-ten-mmo-jukebox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten MMO Jukebox
Earlier this year, I got to expose my musically nerdy side to you all in a one-two shot of MMO theme song countdowns. The truth is that I'm just a huge sucker for video game music, and as such, I've collected a wide range of MMO scores to bolster my MP3 player.

I know that we players tend to be pretty vocal about turning off MMO music at some point, usually due to extreme repetition. Unfortunately, that seems to leave a bad association with this music in our minds, and I don't feel that reputation is deserved. MMO scores can be just as good -- if not better -- than their counterparts in film or other video games.

So I've decided that every so often I'm going to devote a full Perfect Ten to sharing my favorite MMO music. I'm always open to suggestions, of course, so if you know of a track that you feel really should be in the next list, send me an email or leave it in the comments!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO Jukebox

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO Jukebox originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcarbinecarbine-studiosccpccp-gamesclassic-mmocomposerdungeon-runnerseaelectronic-artseveeve-onlineeye-of-the-northf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefuncomguild-warsgwhistoricalhumorinternet-spaceshipsjames-hornerjeremy-soulejukeboxlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmines-of-moriamusicncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenpiratespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsromrounduprunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsandparksci-fantasysci-fiscoreshadowlandssoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtrackspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtortaboreathe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortracktuneturbineturbine-entertainmentwarcraftwildstarworld-of-warcraftwowwsThu, 21 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online brings global market interface online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/anarchy-online-brings-global-market-interface-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/anarchy-online-brings-global-market-interface-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/anarchy-online-brings-global-market-interface-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online brings global market interface online
Anarchy Online's upgraded its nanos to version 18.5, and with it comes a brand-new global market interface. The new interface is designed to allow players more flexible control over buying, selling, and placing orders in the global economy. The interface can be accessed by both market terminals and portable market terminals. It's important to note that while all players can browse the market, only subscribers can partake in transactions.

Version 18.5 has a lot more than just this new interface. The launcher for the game's been improved and now takes you to a visual character select screen. Other improvements include more staying power for pets, tweaks to specific buffs, and clarification for PvP encounters.

There's plenty of line items to pour over in the patch notes, so check them out if you've got a summer vacation planned to Rubi-Ka.

MassivelyAnarchy Online brings global market interface online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>18.518.5.0anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmof2pfree-to-playfuncomglobal-marketglobal-market-interfacepatchpatch-18.5patch-18.5.0sci-fiupdateversion-18.5Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: The Anarchy Online bloggers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/the-game-archaeologist-the-anarchy-online-bloggers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/the-game-archaeologist-the-anarchy-online-bloggers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/the-game-archaeologist-the-anarchy-online-bloggers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist The Anarchy Online bloggers
It's a simple fact of life: Newer MMOs get all the blog love. World of Warcraft and EVE Online, in particular, are lavished with so many dedicated blogs that it's almost embarrassing, while most of the games that we look at in this column are practically ignored. It could just be that blogging didn't really come into vogue when these games came out, but whatever the reason, it's kind of a shame that few if any folks are out there blogging about their in-game experiences in Ultima Online or Asheron's Call.

That's why I was utterly surprised to see two brand-new bloggers hit the scene writing about Anarchy Online: Sephora's Closet and Donovan Drones. Both of these blogs came out of a community-wide effort to encourage new game writers in May, and I was so fascinated with their game du jour that I contacted each of them for an interview.

What would drive someone to blog about Anarchy Online in 2012? What is there in the game worth writing? How many more words do I need to write until this paragraph doesn't look pathetically skimpy? Come with me and we'll find out!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: The Anarchy Online bloggers

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: The Anarchy Online bloggers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoasherons-callblogbloggersblogsclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscosmetic-clothingcosmetic-outfiteve-onlinefeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistinterviewinterviewsnostalgiaopinionsci-fithe-game-archaeologistultima-onlineworld-of-warcraftTue, 05 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Worst MMO launches of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/the-perfect-ten-worst-mmo-launches-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/the-perfect-ten-worst-mmo-launches-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/the-perfect-ten-worst-mmo-launches-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
First things first: Whatever MMO release is currently ticking you off is the worst launch of all time. It would be folly of me to try to convince you otherwise. You've been roundly slapped in the face and you don't want me to convince you that the pain was in vain. I understand.

Getting past that, however, would it be possible to examine the subsequent 10 worst launches in the MMO industry? If your trauma isn't too great, that is. It would be? Terrific!

What constitutes a horrible game launch is varied, although each and every one of the following games made an unfortunate blunder that caused the title to stumble instead of sprint out of the gate. It's not the end of the story, of course, but it does make for a good tale to tell to youngsters camping in the open woods or a particularly seedy LAN center.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Worst MMO launches of all time

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Worst MMO launches of all time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaionall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedallodsallods-onlineanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedapbapb-reloadedapbrascensionastrum-nivalbattleground-onlineblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassic-mmoconanconsoleconsolescrimef2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomg1gala-netgalaxiesgamersfirstgpotatohumorhyboriancsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenpvproundupsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgotelonthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtruly-freeunchainedvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftworld-of-warcraftworld-war-ii-onlinewowThu, 31 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ultima Online
"I'd play this game again if the graphics were updated."

"If they re-released this game with modern graphics, it would be way more popular."

"The Game Archaeologist is my hero, and I will name my progeny in his honor."

How many times have we heard the above statements? From my perspective as someone who tries to keep tabs on classic MMOs, I see these claims quite a lot. Such sentiments pop up in nearly every other post Massively does about older games: "This title is rock-solid except for its aging visuals. Update those, and it would recapture its former glory and then some."

This has gotten me thinking whether such logic would pan out or not. With Anarchy Online's much-hyped graphics overhaul on the way, this discussion seems to crop up more often. Is the power of a graphics conversion or overhaul strong enough to pull back in previous players and fresh blood? Or is it merely slathering on new paint over a rusting hulk?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsclienteaelectronic-artsenhanced-clientfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistkingdom-rebornlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaopinionsci-fithe-game-archaeologistultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Choose My Adventure
Let's go for another spin!

Just like Mikey of Life cereal fame, I ventured into the realm of Choose My Adventure once before, and I liked it! Grand adventures, camaraderie with readers, exploring the unknown... what more could I ask for? More time, obviously!

It ended all too soon. I was totally revved up and ready to jump right back in, but unfortunately neither pleading nor bribery worked to continue my stint as your plucky puppet (and locking the other staff members in a dark closet didn't pan out either -- they escaped), so I had to park it and wait my turn. It took much too long, but finally my time has come again. *happy dance*

Now the boss may have handed me the keys, but you will be the ones driving. The top is down, and I've got snacks and shades; all that is left to begin our adventure for the next six weeks is to pick which direction to head and floor it. Although a lot of good places have already been visited, there are plenty more to choose from. In the mood for fantasy? Capes? Nebulas? Heavy artillery? Cast your votes by Sunday, April 22nd, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EDT for your chance to steer me to the world of your choice. Our possible destinations (in no particular order) are...

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acaeriaaeria-gamesage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedasherons-callchampionschampions-onlinechampschoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocmacocohconanconsoleconsolescovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeden-eternalf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomhands-onhistoricalhyboriancsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollpollsps3pvppwereaders-choicesandboxsci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuperherosuperheroestanktanksturbineturbine-entertainmentunchainedvotevotingwarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotWed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseqeq-nexteq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistmmofpsnostalgiaopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-2playstation-3psps1sandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accesstelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
Massively Speaking Episode 195 wonders if you were actually fooled by any of the pranks that MMO studios put out there, or barring that, if some of the pranks sounded so cool that you wish they were real. For Massively's part, we brought back One Shots as a joke, and then we brought it back for real just because that was the best laugh of them all.

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

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanetaoapril-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-dayarenanetbrantbrianna-royceclassic-mmodark-millenniumdark-millennium-onlinedmoeqoaeverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgods-and-heroesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2heatwaveheatwave-interactivehumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmythologyncsoftopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastssci-fantasysci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvigilvigil-gameswar40kwar40k-dmowarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-dark-millennium-onlineTue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 195Massively.com Staff55:56podcasts<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's future is so bright, it's gotta wear shades]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/anarchy-onlines-future-is-so-bright-its-gotta-wear-shades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/anarchy-onlines-future-is-so-bright-its-gotta-wear-shades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/anarchy-onlines-future-is-so-bright-its-gotta-wear-shades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Game Director Fia "Lindelu" Tjernberg is absolutely pumped about Anarchy Online's future, and she's not shy about promoting it. In a massive March development update post, Tjernberg discusses many projects the team has in the works for the loyal citizens of Rubi-Ka.

Probably the biggest change on the immediate horizon is a brand-new global market interface that will allow players to buy and sell goods to each other. The market will be accessed at special terminals in the main cities as well as portable terminals, and can trade across all dimensions. Free players can browse the market, but only subscribers can buy or sell in it. Work-in-progress screenshots of the market were also posted to the main site.

She reports that while the team was happy to show off the upgraded graphics engine this past week, there's still a ways to go before it hits live. Other projects that occupy the devs' time are improving the new player experience, balancing professions, and a streamlined game launcher with a graphical character selection screen.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy Online's future is so bright, it's gotta wear shades originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmodev-blogdev-diarydev-updatedevelopment-updateFia-Tjernbergfuncomglobal-marketgraphics-engine-updategraphics-updateLindelurubi-kasci-fiSat, 31 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Horsesteak edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-mmo-report-horsesteak-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-mmo-report-horsesteak-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/the-mmo-report-horsesteak-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The MMO Report
In tonight's ultra-short MMO Report, Casey complains that Phantasy Star Online 2 will launch for mobile platforms ahead of PC, drools all over the integration of DUST 514 and EVE Online, maintains a weirdly neutral face while discussing Anarchy Online's graphical overhaul, and regales us with an explanation of The Secret World's class-less game mechanics. He ends on a high note with a peek into Uncle Casey's mailbag and some mockery of World of Warcraft players' forum campaign to undo the latest round of Warlock nerfs. No one's ever done that before.

All this and some tips on Icelandic cuisine in the video beyond the cut!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Horsesteak edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Horsesteak edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcasey-schreinerccpccp-gamesdustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefanfest-2012funcomhorrorhumoricelandmmo-reportnewsopinionPhantasy-Star-Online-2pso2roundupsecret-worldthe-mmo-reportthe-secret-worldtswvideovideosworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 29 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST