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[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When the weekend comes, there's nothing better than kicking back, gathering up some friends (online or in meatspace) and getting your game on. Well, if you're the World of Warcraft player who already has just about everything there is to have, there's a new item on the market. Blizzard and 3 Point Entertainment are offering a brand new Wrath of the Lich King themed stein for your frosty weekend beverage enjoyment - or for just sitting on a shelf. Your choice.

The previous two steins for the Alliance and the Horde, with artwork designed by Glenn Rane and Samwise Didier, sold like wildfire at BlizzCon last year. Considering that, it's likely the base $90 model will do well among the devoted Blizz fans who absolutely love to collect game memorabilia. Of course, If that's not cool (read: expensive) enough for you, there's also a $175 limited-edition model which is signed by Alex Horley, the artist who designed this new bit of functional collector's kipple. If you're into decorative steins and can afford it, be sure to get your order in soon; they ship them in late April/early May. This mere mortal will stick with her beloved (read: cheap) coffee cup.

MassivelyNew Lich King stein for getting your drink on originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-horleyarthasbeer-steinceramicglenn-ranereally-expensivesamwise-didiersteinworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingSun, 01 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Van Zandt pop some culture in newest WoW commercials]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/ozzy-osbourne-and-steve-van-sandt-pop-some-culture-in-newest-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/ozzy-osbourne-and-steve-van-sandt-pop-some-culture-in-newest-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/ozzy-osbourne-and-steve-van-sandt-pop-some-culture-in-newest-wow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Blizzard is apparently a marketing genius, because the most recent World of Warcraft commercials are new high watermarks. Of course the're all about Wrath of the Lich King, and of course they feature famous people pretending they play WoW. But they're also something else: completely awesome. We've got Ozzy Osbourne arguing with Arthas over who's the real Prince of Darkness and then we've got The Sopranos actor Steve Van Zandt opining about being pulled back into the game.

Love 'em or hate 'em, these commercials are pure brilliance for their humor and ability to convey the social acceptance -- or "coolness", if you will -- of tapping away at your mouse and keyboard all night long. Of course, if Blizzard really wants to impress us, they'd get Neil Patrick Harris. Nobody pimps a product like NPH. Find both videos after the break.

Continue reading Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Van Zandt pop some culture in newest WoW commercials

MassivelyOzzy Osbourne and Steve Van Zandt pop some culture in newest WoW commercials originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acitivision-blizzardarthasblizzardbreakingneil-patrick-harrisnphozzy-osbourneprince-of-darknesssteve-van-sandtworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at World of Warcraft's unique characteristics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/a-look-at-world-of-warcrafts-unique-characteristics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/a-look-at-world-of-warcrafts-unique-characteristics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/a-look-at-world-of-warcrafts-unique-characteristics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With Wrath of the Lich King imminent, we thought it would be a good idea to take a short look at just what has made and continues to make World of Warcraft so different than many other MMOs and whether or not it still retains that oh-so-different sheen. After four years of being pretty much the biggest dog in the yard, does World of Warcraft still bring new ideas to the table? Click below to find out what we think.

Continue reading A look at World of Warcraft's unique characteristics

MassivelyA look at World of Warcraft's unique characteristics originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardanimationarthasblizzarddeath-knightfeaturedgraphicsjaggiesjoystiqfeaturesquestingqueststexturewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 14 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/anti-aliased-mourning-frostmourne-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This leads us to the most noble road of all -- simply not putting the sword into the game. If the players kill Arthas, the sword needs to go somewhere that isn't the hands of the player community. Another NPC perhaps, back into the ice, or to simply never leave the corpse of the Lich King.

This seems like it's a poor solution at first glance, but truly this is the best solution of all. Frostmourne is not the Twin Blades of Azzinoth that Illidan carries -- it is something more. Leaving exactly what Frostmourne does in the dark actually gives it more credibility and more power than defining it inside of the game would. What you don't know is spookier and more interesting than what you do know. It's the usual "the grass is greener" concept, except now it's being applied to a blade that has the power to consume your soul.

When you neglect to define exactly how powerful the blade is, you also never truly disappoint the player. Sure, there are those who probably would wish the blade was included in the game. But if you, the player, don't know exactly what the sword does, then the magic that it provides will never die. You can keep thinking and keep speculating to your heart's content.

If the sword is included and everything about it is revealed, then there is a strong possibility that players would not be happy with it. Something about the sword would not please them, something about the stats would be off, or something about the penalty would cause players to cry foul and tug on the skirt of Mother Blizzard until it was changed to be in their favor.

"Adding Frostmourne to the game would shatter the icy sword."
Adding Frostmourne to the game would shatter the icy sword. In truth, it would no longer be Frostmourne. It would be Item ID #103821, or whatever variable is assigned to it. The magic would die, and it would no longer be an infamous symbol of hate and malice -- it would just be another bunch of pixels on the screen, carried around by yet another jerk who wouldn't be worthy of its name.

We all keep telling ourselves we play this game to level, to earn achievements, to make new friends. Certainly, all of that is true and then some. But we would be lying to ourselves if we said there wasn't some magic, some great mysteriousness to the main figures of the story. Something that kept us coming back in the state of suspense, of wanting to know more. So, my question to you is, "Why shatter the magic now?"

If you live in the greater Pittsburgh area and feel like meeting Colin, he'll be attending tomorrow night's Wrath of the Lich King Midnight Launch at the GameStop in the Oakland district on Forbes Avenue at 10 PM, just outside of the University of Pittsburgh campus. If you need directions, here it is on Google Maps!
Colin Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who treasures lore as much as he treasures loot. When he's not writing here for Massively, he's over running Epic Loot For All! with his insane roommates. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The word on everyone's lips this month is "Arthas" as we're approaching the release of the Wrath of the Lich King, the second expansion pack for World of Warcraft. Ok, so now that the boring introductory sentence is out of the way, let's talk about what is on everyone's minds -- Frostmourne.

When you think of Northrend, when you think of Arthas, and when you think of the possible "phat purple lewtz" that could drop off of Arthas's cold, icy corpse, you pretty much automagically think of Frostmourne. But is letting Frostmourne in as a droppable item a good idea? Should its dark legacy continue at the side of a player, or should it be flown away somewhere, never to be mentioned again until it strikes another NPC of the World of Warcraft?

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Mourning Frostmourne originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedarthasarthas-menethilblizzardfeaturedfrostmournejoystiqfeatureslich-kingworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: More apocalypse please pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Seriously, don't get me startedThis was the point where things got interesting for me. One lasting memory of the event I have is a one-line message I saw in the Trade channel while in Ironforge. It read simply, "Stay out of Stormwind, it's infected." I did the only thing a sane person would do in that situation and hopped on the first Gryphon to Stormwind. It was like a dream come true. Zombies were thronging the streets, attacking anyone they could get their hands on, vomiting on those they couldn't, and blowing themselves up when all else failed. Nowhere was safe. I could barely see the floor of the Auction House for all the skeletons there; the Bank was similarly decorated and my FPS dropped sharply from the shimmery green glow the infection gave off.

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: More apocalypse please pt. 2

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: More apocalypse please pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasauction-housebanksbehind-the-curtainexanimusinfectedinfectionlich-kingmax-brooksscourgescourge-invasionworld-of-warcraftworld-war-zwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombie-infestationzombie-invasionzombie-survival-guidezombiesSun, 09 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: More apocalypse please]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/09/behind-the-curtain-more-apocalypse-please-pt-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Don't get me started on this guy...So let's be clear here - I loves me some zombies. A childhood brush with Ray Harryhausen means that I still get chills when I think abut armoured skeletons eviscerating hapless Argonauts. Later encounters, first with ridiculously over-wrought Victorian Gothic Horror literature, and later with the genius of one Mr. Romero sealed my fate.

Regardless of the source, my love affair with the Undead has been long-standing. And no, I don't mean that kind of love affair. Freak. After I finished reading The Zombie Survival Guide for the first time, I carried it in my bag for a month afterwards. Not because I thought Zombie might be real, but because the book was awesome. And don't get me started on World War Z - Massively is not the place for a 3000-word Max Brooks love-fest.

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: More apocalypse please

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: More apocalypse please originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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But, while some players used the event as a way to grief others, other players began to take a stand against it. Heroes pulled out their swords, turned on their sense undead, and began vigils in the cities to keep them functioning the way they should. By doing something as simple as "playing along" with the event, the cities could be kept in their standard working order, letting business be conducted as usual.

When players didn't work together -- when they were more concerned with complaining about how bad the event was and how they couldn't do anything -- the result was catastrophic. I dropped by Stormwind one night to find all of the NPCs dead, bodies literally covering the streets, and only about 4 Alliance players attempting to make a stand against 30+ zombified players. The bankers were turned, the auctioneers were turned, the guards were even turned. Stormwind had literally fallen to the plague. The Argent Healers had retreated, and now no one was left in the town square but me and my horseman's sword.

So my guild was sick of it, and they didn't want to see it happen anymore. We all got together in Elwynn Forest, made a 35 man raid group (which ended up becoming 55 once more people heard what we were going to do.) Our guild mistress made a bold speech, everyone cheered, and then we mounted up and rode straight into Stormwind. With arrows flying and exorcises filling the air, we took back the city, posted priests and paladins to keep watch for the infected ones, and turned the Cathedral of Light into a refuge shelter for lowbies who needed aid and assistance.

Many in the Alliance kept up what we had started by particpating in a new channel called the ArgentDefense, and Stormwind began to function again. Complaints about how "no one could do anything" began to dwindle, because people had stood up and done something. Griefers got tired of griefing because they would either get killed much too quickly or find themselves being cleansed of the plague before they could turn by groups of priests. Even roleplaying, which was amazingly sparse on my RPPvP server, was more popular as people openly roleplayed the defense of the city streets. Amazingly enough, there was a way out of this "bad game design" by, gasp, embracing it.

"Most importantly though, people have an amazing experience to share with others, even those who may not play the game."
If this event was something you could "opt-out" of, or avoid, I don't think it would have anywhere near the same impact. Stories, like this one above, wouldn't have occured at all. Instead, people would have just looted their loot, sold what they wanted, and gone on with the constant improvement of themselves. This event would have gone mostly unnoticed, perhaps applauded by a few people, but it would have found itself forgotten in the history books of WoW lore freaks.

Now people have a reason to really hate Arthas and the scourge. People have a reason to journey to Northrend and deliver the fight to the doorstep of Icecrown Glacier. Most importantly though, people have an amazing experience to share with others, even those who may not play the game. All because a few people stood up for themselves and did something to fight back when everyone else said "it was impossible to do anything."
Colin Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who likes to fight against impossible odds. When he's not writing here for Massively, he's over running Epic Loot For All! with his insane roommates. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedarthasarthas-menethilauction-houseauctioneersblizzardeventlich-kingscourgescourge-invasionwoltkworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombie-infestationzombiesWed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-to-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-to-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/anti-aliased-killing-the-auctioneers-is-a-perfect-reason-to-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Going to Northrend has always been something that bugged me. It's a land that's literally a boat trip away, and no one's set foot on it or even mentioned it since Arthas went bonkers and started living up there. Even the groups that should have been concerned about it, like the Argent Dawn or the Knights of the Silver Hand, didn't really go out of their way to even give thought to the icy land to the north. No, no, we were more concerned with running through a giant portal just so we could bonk Kil'jaeden on the head and make Illidan whine more about how life doesn't work out for him.

So my thoughts were as follows: "What could Arthas possibly do to make everyone simultaneously angry and want to journey to Northrend?"

I don't know why I never thought of the answer before. What could be possibly more annoying than giving the power to grief the NPCs to the lowlifes of World of Warcraft? Arthas, you cunning, cunning man.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Killing the auctioneers is a perfect reason to go to Northrend originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedarthasarthas-menethilauction-houseauctioneersblizzardeventfeaturedjoystiqfeatureslich-kingscourgescourge-invasionwoltkworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombie-infestationzombiesWed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Wrath of the Lich King trailer chills and thrills]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/new-wrath-of-the-lich-king-trailer-chills-and-thrills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/new-wrath-of-the-lich-king-trailer-chills-and-thrills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/new-wrath-of-the-lich-king-trailer-chills-and-thrills/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


If the anticipation of Wrath of the Lich King has been steadily growing for World of Warcraft fans, this latest cinematic trailer will absolutely push them over the edge. The trailer is set within the icy continent of Northrend and introduces us to its master, The Lich King Arthas, while providing a look at the harsh setting of Blizzard's latest expansion. Click through below to see The Lich King's minions assembled in all their bluish necromantic glory.

Continue reading New Wrath of the Lich King trailer chills and thrills

MassivelyNew Wrath of the Lich King trailer chills and thrills originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasblizzardlich-kingnorthrendwowwow-trailerwrath-trailerThu, 21 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW's Wrath of the Lich King box art leaked]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/wow-s-wrath-of-the-lich-king-box-art-leaked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/wow-s-wrath-of-the-lich-king-box-art-leaked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/wow-s-wrath-of-the-lich-king-box-art-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


What is with all these World of Warcraft leaks? If you knew where to look everything you wanted to know about WotlK was already exposed before Blizzard Entertainment's World Wide Invitational extravaganza. For shame, not even the WotlK box art is safe from prying eyes and camera phones. WoW Insider already exposed the box art for the Collector's Edition, and the same source has also obtained snaps of the basic box art.

Is it the real deal or a mocked-up forge? The WotlK box layout has many exact elements used on The Burning Crusade box. The placement for the Blizzard logo and ESRB rating line up exactly, and the font used to spell 'expansion set' is identical to its cardboard predecessor. In another photo that lends to its authenticity is a printer's mark. The box also notes that you need The Burning Crusade to play Wrath of the Lich King which means no free TBC bundles.

Hopefully, it won't be long until those boxes are stuffed with the goods and shipped to retail where we can pick them up because what comes on the inside of the box is what matters. Unless you're one of those weirdoes that save game boxes and treasures them for eternity. If you are feeling lucky skip the box altogether and try your hand at the WotlK beta-lottery.

MassivelyWoW's Wrath of the Lich King box art leaked originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GamerDNA, the GuildCafe offshoot, has opened up a new contest to World of Warcraft players. Send in a screenshot of your character -- armored, naked, alive, dead, it doesn't matter -- and you stand a chance to win a replica of Frostmourne, Arthas' evil runeblade from Epic Weapons.

The sword itself is a $379 value, but of nearly equal worth to many players is the $20 game card that five players could win by entering a picture they've created themselves, either traditionally or digitally. These hand-done portraits are also eligible for the Frostmourne prize. To enter, simply register for GamerDNA through GuildCafe and send in your favorite character's picture. The deadline is June 30th, so get snapping!

[Thanks, Sam!]

MassivelyGamerDNA offers Frostmourne replica contest originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthascontestepic-weaponsfrostmournegame-cardgamerdnaguildcafereplicaworld-of-warcraftTue, 03 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes with the men who brought you Sunwell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/behind-the-scenes-with-the-men-who-brought-you-sunwell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/behind-the-scenes-with-the-men-who-brought-you-sunwell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/behind-the-scenes-with-the-men-who-brought-you-sunwell/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Blizzard team has learned a lot from their experience with The Burning Crusade, and in a recent interview posted on their official page, producer J. Allen Brack and art director Chris Robinson lay out exactly which of these lessons they're following through on for the new Sunwell Plateau instances and Wrath of the Lich King further down the road. They talk about how Sunwell is really the pinnacle of the Blood Elf design style and how players will see many design parallels with their starting zone.

As for WotLK, one of the cooler design changes they mentioned is more closely integrating the main story-arc into the leveling experience. Brack mentions how with WotLK, Arthas will play a more visible role in the lives of players, even well before they ever reach the level 80 cap. Similarly, he also discusses how the element of snow in the expansion is being used as much as a story-telling device as an aesthetic one, trying to get players to feel the isolation and despair inherent in the Northrend zone. It's pretty fascinating, as both Brack and Robinson are more forthcoming than usual, perhaps because it's an in-house interview.

MassivelyBehind the scenes with the men who brought you Sunwell originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you're itching to hear any kind of information on Wraith of the Lich King, then here's a great fix for you. CVG asks Jeff Kaplan what we can expect of the forthcoming expansion from Blizzard, including everyone's favorite fallen hero Arthas. Addressing the fear that everything in the expansion is going to be covered in ice and snow, Kaplan assures that Blizzard has plenty of variety in locales. One example he gives is the Howling Fjord, which is modeled after the Redwood Forest in the Pacific north-west.

Continue reading CVG interviews Jeff Kaplan on Wrath of the Lich King

MassivelyCVG interviews Jeff Kaplan on Wrath of the Lich King originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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