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[One Shots: Woodland critters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/one-shots-woodland-critters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/one-shots-woodland-critters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/one-shots-woodland-critters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

One Shots
TERA isn't quite two weeks old, but it's already offering up some spectacular views. Kromic on the Dragonfall server paused while riding on his mount to take this shot. He writes in,
While doing some exploring on my trusty steed in TERA, I found a great view of the capital city Velika.
His screenshot is just after the cut, along with three more images of woodland critters doing their duty to spice up our MMO scenery.

Continue reading One Shots: Woodland critters

MassivelyOne Shots: Woodland critters originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertatitdblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotsegenesisegypten-masseen-masse-entertainmenteq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhistoricalmythologyone-shotsreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarasandboxscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttaletellingteratriontrion-worldsuser-submissionsSun, 13 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Tale in the Desert VI begins tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/a-tale-in-the-desert-vi-begins-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/a-tale-in-the-desert-vi-begins-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/a-tale-in-the-desert-vi-begins-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- A Tale in the Desert
A Tale in the Desert V is coming to a close, and of course that means that A Tale in the Desert VI is just over the horizon. For the uninitiated, this means that the current arc of events will be coming to an end and players will be starting from scratch. However, that doesn't mean that all was for naught.

Though the players themselves have to start anew, the achievements of Tale 5 remain in place. Players succeeded in building four new monuments, which will lead to four new Tests designed by the team's Oracles for Tale 6. The new Tale goes live at noon EST tomorrow, December 3rd, so you have one more night to prepare yourselves before another unique Tale begins. To get in on the action yourself, just head on over to the game's official site.

MassivelyA Tale in the Desert VI begins tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-deserta-tale-in-the-desert-6a-tale-in-the-desert-viatitdatitd-6atitd-viegenesisegyptegyptianf2pfree-to-playsandboxtale-6tale-viFri, 02 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist spins A Tale in the Desert: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-game-archaeologist-spins-a-tale-in-the-desert-the-highlight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-game-archaeologist-spins-a-tale-in-the-desert-the-highlight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-game-archaeologist-spins-a-tale-in-the-desert-the-highlight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Tale in the Desert
Readers of the ever-so-humble Game Archaeologist will recall that earlier this year I had the opportunity to exchange informative words with Dr. Richard Bartle, the creator of MUD. Since he was -- and is -- a highly opinionated designer, I asked him what he thought was the most innovative MMO from the last decade. The answer was short and succinct.

"A Tale in the Desert, he replied, then added: "Note that 'innovative' doesn't necessarily mean 'successful.'"

Right there is the crux of ATITD's unique position in the MMO industry. Instead of storming down a path well-traveled, it took a machete and made its own trail -- a trail down which few have followed. As Jef recently noted in Some Assembly Required, it is an "odd duck" of a game, skewing as far away from combat as possible to focus on two often-neglected aspects of MMOs: crafting and politics. Even though its population has pegged it as an eternally niche game, it's proven that constant fighting isn't the only thing that can draw an online community together.

This week we're going to look at some of the more unique features of this innovative yet diminutive MMO, which began telling its tale back in 2003.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist spins A Tale in the Desert: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist spins A Tale in the Desert: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertandrew-tepperatitdcivilizationcraftingdemi-pharaohegenesisegyptfeaturedgrieferlawlegal-systemmentorpharaohpolitical-systemrichard-bartlesandboxsexismsnide-impact-dirtbagssociologysome-assembly-requiredstrangertellingthe-game-archaeologistTue, 13 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: A Tale in the Desert V]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-a-tale-in-the-desert-v/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-a-tale-in-the-desert-v/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-a-tale-in-the-desert-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

A Tale in the Desert V is a non-combat crafting paradise. That might sound a little strange, but the developers encourage players to work together to accomplish bigger and better things, making them feel as though they are part of a community. I have tried the game at different times over the years but never really became more than a visitor. I was glad to be given the opportunity to check it out, but even after a week I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface. I have emerged from the tutorial a smarter citizen, but I know that around the corner, greater challenges wait.

The game is not without its flaws, however, although many of the issues might fade as systems and controls become more apparent. Still, I found myself a little frustrated when the game asked me to sit and literally watch grass grow. I did it, though, and found an odd game, filled with mysteries. In a good way, of course.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: A Tale in the Desert V

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: A Tale in the Desert V originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-deserta-tale-in-the-desert-5ATITDatitd-5beau-hindmancommunityCommunity-gamescraftingcrafting-systemegenesisegyptegyptianfeaturedpyramidsrise-and-shinySun, 15 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Tale in the Desert launches Tale 5 today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/a-tale-in-the-desert-launches-tale-5-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/a-tale-in-the-desert-launches-tale-5-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/a-tale-in-the-desert-launches-tale-5-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For all that the MMO industry is occasionally decried as being a large gathering of copycats, there are some interesting outliers amidst a field of fantasy kill-fests. A Tale in the Desert is a prime example -- set in ancient Egypt, with a focus on character interaction and nonviolent problem resolution, it's really in a class of its own. And with the new installment of the game launching today, it's the perfect time for players who aren't familiar with the game to start mingling with newcomers. The fourth installment wrapped up in July, which makes for a quick turnaround into the newest iteration.

Unlike many other games in the genre, A Tale in the Desert runs for a while, then rests and starts over with new systems in place. This installment is featuring new Foraging and Aquaculture mechanics, allowing new ways to harvest plants and the ability to grow papyrus. The game is free for the first 24 hours of play, and each iteration tends to last for around six months. If the idea of a combat-free, crafting-focused game appeals to you, now would be the perfect time to head out into the lands of the Pharaoh.

MassivelyA Tale in the Desert launches Tale 5 today originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-deserta-tale-in-the-desert-5atitdatitd-5craftingcrafting-systemsegenesisegypthistoricalhistorymmo-industryno-combatnon-combat-gamesocial-mmotale-5Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Want realism with that?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/the-daily-grind-want-realism-with-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/the-daily-grind-want-realism-with-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/the-daily-grind-want-realism-with-that/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Recently, a buddy and I were discussing the merits of MMORPG realism while waiting in the ironically named fast food drive-thru line. I'm all about the "realistic" social and economic possibilities inherent in old-school Ultima Online, while he digs the accessibility and pick-up-and-play nature of more recent titles such as World of Warcraft and, presumably, The Old Republic. About the only thing we could agree on is that there's room for both in the massive genre.

Realism is highly subjective. For example, a fantasy title full of wizard fire, dragons, and goblins (Ultima Online) is, in my mind, more realistic than a non-combat sandbox based on "real life" like A Tale in the Desert.

What say you, Massively readers? Would you like some realism with your MMORPGs, and if so, what exactly do you mean by that?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Want realism with that? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Tale in the Desert 4 is coming to an end, and as players begin to look toward Tale 5, eGenesis has an endgame surprise. The ATitD community will be voting on a Pharaoh and have a direct effect on how Tale 5 is presented.

Sami and Wahim are the candidates for Pharaoh, so to speak. Wahim is your status-quo option, so if you like the way things are in game that's the way to go. Sami, on the other hand, is all about change. If Sami becomes the Pharaoh in game, players will be able to invent seven new technologies. Technologies affect how things are crafted and built in the game, and since A Tale in the Desert is a crafting game, it's a chance for players to completely change the content of the game.

Keep an eye on the ATitD site for all the details and election results.

MassivelyEndgame arrives for A Tale in the Desert 4 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you're more a fan of crafting and socializing in MMOs rather than combat, but haven't checked out A Tale in the Desert yet, you're definitely missing out. The game is completely non-combat, focusing on advancement through player cooperation and crafting.

A Tale in the Desert sports an unusual system all around -- it launched in 2003 in its first "telling," which is a version or major update of sorts. The fifth telling is on the way in just a few months, but players are able to enjoy some special events in preparation while they wait.

If you're a former player who is interested in seeing how the game has progressed, A Tale in the Desert will feature a welcome back weekend for everyone to explore the game at no cost. It will certainly be worth your time, because the weekend event includes a sneak peek at the completely revamped mining system that will launch with the fifth telling. The event begins today and ends this Sunday at noon EST

MassivelyA Tale in the Desert offers free weekend, sneak peek at next update originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertATITDegenesisfifth-tellingwelcome-back-weekendFri, 07 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Tale in the Desert to launch new player driven server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/a-tale-in-the-desert-to-launch-new-player-driven-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/a-tale-in-the-desert-to-launch-new-player-driven-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/a-tale-in-the-desert-to-launch-new-player-driven-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


A Tale in the Desert may not be the first game that comes to mind when you think of MMOs, but the title from independent developer eGenesis is something quite unique in this market. A Tale in the Desert isn't a combat-focused game at all, rather it's more about social, economic, and even legal systems in an ancient Egyptian setting. Players involved in a "telling" (a game arc) can even vote to determine the game's laws, which sets this title apart from most others.

eGenesis announced this week that they're launching a new server on February 20th, stating that it will give even greater control to players by allowing them to "completely control the timing of the telling." The new server will offer players an ancient Egypt that has yet to be built. In other words, it's an open environment where the players can have some degree of control over how that setting takes shape.

If the notion of a player-driven setting where the game's subscribers shape the play experience and surroundings appeals to you, have a look at what's coming soon to A Tale in the Desert.

MassivelyA Tale in the Desert to launch new player driven server originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertancient-egyptancient-worldatitdcultureeconomyegenesisegyptlawslegalmmo-industryplayer-governancepoliticstellingWed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Cutting the combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-daily-grind-cutting-the-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-daily-grind-cutting-the-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-daily-grind-cutting-the-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Combat in MMORPGs, along with loot, stats, levels, experience points and powers are all what used to be counted as 'wargame mechanics' in the early days of RPGs (though, paradoxically, these days the industry refers to the same elements as RPG mechanics). Driven by numbers -- the one thing a computer does really well -- numbers are easy to automate and adjudicate, requiring no understanding or judgment. An ideal task for a computer.

But strip away the combat from many modern MMOGs and there's still potentially a lot left. Despite the barriers, there are still role-players. There's socializing and crafting mechanics, games with musical performances and mini-games. Some say EVE Online could be handled without combat -- and some of us talk fondly about the idea of a Rock Band MMOG or a Singstar MMOG. Star Trek has been put forward as a setting where combat could be marginalized or nearly eliminated as a character activity, and of course there's the successful Egyptian MMOG, A Tale in the Desert -- now in its third incarnation, and entirely focused on non-combat activities.

Would you consider an MMOG without combat? Can you even imagine one being popular -- or is combat the core mechanic around which all big-time MMOGs must inevitably revolve?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Cutting the combat originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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