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[Massively Exclusive: Earthrise's Atanas Atanasov on PvE, banking, chat, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/massively-exclusive-earthrises-atanas-atanasov-on-pve-banking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/massively-exclusive-earthrises-atanas-atanasov-on-pve-banking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/massively-exclusive-earthrises-atanas-atanasov-on-pve-banking/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Earthrise is a title shrouded in a certain amount of mystery. Massively began covering the game way back in January of 2008, and since then, the information flow from Bulgaria-based Masthead Studios has alternated between a vacuum and a trickle. Recently, thanks to a wave of interviews and screenshot releases, interest in the game has started to simmer, and comparisons to older sandboxes like Star Wars Galaxies are commonly heard.

Masthead boss Atanas Atanasov was kind enough to grant us our second interview exclusive in as many months, answering several of our burning questions. Join us after the cut as we talk about everything from the game's friendliness towards PvEers, to skill progression clarification, to universal banking and more.

Also be sure and check out the latest pair of Earthrise screenshots in the gallery below. They feature two new creature types: the burzun (one of Enterra's top predators) and the leapers (ape-like mutant pack-hunters who love to ambush their prey).

Gallery: Earthrise

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Earthrise's Atanas Atanasov on PvE, banking, chat, and more

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Earthrise's Atanas Atanasov on PvE, banking, chat, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atanas-atanasovbankingchat-channelscraftingcreaturesearthriseffafluffgalleryinterviewsmastheadmasthead-studiospvepvpsandboxsci-fiscreenshotsTue, 12 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New perspective on EVE Online's latest bank embezzlement part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-perspective-on-eve-onlines-latest-bank-embezzlement-part-tw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-perspective-on-eve-onlines-latest-bank-embezzlement-part-tw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-perspective-on-eve-onlines-latest-bank-embezzlement-part-tw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We read about these things happening periodically, an EVE player pulls a runner with some huge amount of ISK and all sorts of drama ensues. It makes me wonder, what has the real life impact of this theft been on those of you involved with EBANK?

If you are to trust the forum trolls, EVE is JUST a game. But having spent 2 years on this project, real-life money and a lot of sweat and tears, it hurts to see EBANK's name being dragged through the mud, and putting up with the drama. It of course causes a huge amount of real-life stress, and makes you wonder about a few things. I even almost managed to miss 2 exams, due to having to deal with this. But it also gave us the opportunity to realize just how many people EBANK have helped.

2% of EVE's playerbase has an EBANK account, and we came to be the biggest investment venture in EVE, peaking at 2.5 TRILLION ISK. That, to me, is a pretty big thing, which I'm proud to take part in. But I can't answer this question on my own, hence here's my new CEO's take on it:

Continue reading New perspective on EVE Online's latest bank embezzlement part two

MassivelyNew perspective on EVE Online's latest bank embezzlement part two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apiathrebankingbanksccp-gamescharlie-eriksene-onebankebank-ricdiceconomyembezzlementeoneulaeve-onlineeveconomicsisklavista-vistamassively-interviewsplayer-run-venturesricdicrmtscamscamstosThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's largest player-run bank rocked by embezzlement]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/eve-onlines-largest-player-run-bank-rocked-by-embezzlement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/eve-onlines-largest-player-run-bank-rocked-by-embezzlement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/eve-onlines-largest-player-run-bank-rocked-by-embezzlement/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've just gotten word that EBANK, a player-run bank in EVE Online self-described as "the largest financial entity ever seen in EVE" has been rocked by embezzlement from its own CEO, Ricdic. The former CEO stole roughly 200 billion ISK from EBANK, which is roughly 8.6% of the entire 2.3 trillion ISK that EVE's playerbase has deposited. EBANK chairman Hexxx has issued a statement on the game's official forums, stating that Ricdic has been banned by CCP Games for engaging in RMT, also adding that the former CEO "has scammed."

The loss of nearly 9% of EBANK's deposits is a serious blow to the player-run institution, perhaps as much to investor confidence in the bank as it is to their funds, but Hexxx says their liquidity is still between 400 billion and 500 billion ISK. A June 6th news item on the EBANK site written by bank auditor LaVista Vista states, "We are currently experiencing some technical problems. Therefore, we ask that people do not deposit any ISK, until we have solved the problem." EBANK's director and head teller Athre has now assumed the role of interim CEO, as the EBANK staff determines the best way forward from here.

Continue reading EVE Online's largest player-run bank rocked by embezzlement

MassivelyEVE Online's largest player-run bank rocked by embezzlement originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athrebanbankingbannedbansbreakingccp-gamesebankeconomyembezzlementforumshexxxisklavista-vistaplayer-run-venturesricdicrmtscamscandaltheftthieftrustvirtual-currencyWed, 10 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Entropia Universe to operate real-world bank with virtual world presence]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/entropia-universe-to-have-real-world-bank-with-virtual-world-pre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/entropia-universe-to-have-real-world-bank-with-virtual-world-pre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/entropia-universe-to-have-real-world-bank-with-virtual-world-pre/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Most of our virtual world coverage at Massively is focused on Second Life, but we're still keeping an eye on what's happening beyond the walls of Linden Lab. One significant development revealed this past week is that Entropia Universe will be the first virtual world to have a bank that's actually backed and regulated by a real-world government, called Mind Bank AB.

We received word on this from MindArk's PR: "The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) has granted a license to conduct banking activities to virtual universe developer MindArk PE AB's wholly owned subsidiary Mind Bank AB. The unique step of integrating MindArk's virtual universe Entropia Universe with the real world will allow Mind Bank AB to function as a central bank for all virtual worlds within the Entropia Universe."

Continue reading Entropia Universe to operate real-world bank with virtual world presence

MassivelyEntropia Universe to operate real-world bank with virtual world presence originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ars-technicabankbankingbankseconomyentropiaentropia-universemichael-thompsonmind-bankmind-bank-abmindarkpedsci-fiswedenvirtual-currencyvirtual-worldsMon, 23 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: On MMOs and Alts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/the-daily-grind-on-mmos-and-alts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/the-daily-grind-on-mmos-and-alts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/the-daily-grind-on-mmos-and-alts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sign in on the auction house mule in World of Warcraft, check mail, and then scan the AH. Log in to EVE Online, pull up the markets, check what's up in Jita. Figure out if you need to make something to sell or use then log in the alts to do the dirty work. For some people, an alt is as simple as having a bank character that you send everything to for selling, or as involved as having a string of alts who can do every single production/tradeskill in your favorite MMO. Personally, I'm one of those folks who has a bank alt on pretty well every MMO account possible and a couple of profession alts purely for the professions I think are fun or interesting. This morning we thought we'd ask you - do you have any of those alts floating around, and if so, what are your alts for?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: On MMOs and Alts originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altalternate-characterauction-houseauctionsbankingcraftingmuletdgthe-daily-grindSun, 07 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CEO of CCP Games addresses EVE's continuity through turbulent times]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/ceo-of-ccp-games-addresses-eves-continuity-through-turbulent-ti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/ceo-of-ccp-games-addresses-eves-continuity-through-turbulent-ti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/ceo-of-ccp-games-addresses-eves-continuity-through-turbulent-ti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Recent world events and their impact on global finance threaten to have dramatic consequences on the game industry. While an economic downturn isn't something to be taken lightly, it is unique in comparison with similar problems in the past -- now real world economic issues can potentially ripple into virtual economies, just as they certainly impact the companies who create MMOs and virtual worlds. CCP Games, founded in Reykjavik, Iceland, is a case-in-point.

There has been commentary and speculation among EVE Online's playerbase and in the media about how Iceland's economic woes may impact the game. The CEO of CCP Games, Hilmar V. Pétursson, (aka CCP Hellmar) addresses these concerns in his dev blog, "Born Global."

Continue reading CEO of CCP Games addresses EVE's continuity through turbulent times

MassivelyCEO of CCP Games addresses EVE's continuity through turbulent times originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankbankingbanksbusiness-modelsccpccp-gamesccp-hellmardevdev-blogeconomyeveeve-64eve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2008eve-onlineeve64fanfestgbphilmar-peturssonhilmar-v-peturssonicelandiskmmo-industryreykjavikrmbsci-fistacklessiousdThu, 16 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Making/Money: Conservation of Mass - Part 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/making-money-conservation-of-mass-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/making-money-conservation-of-mass-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/making-money-conservation-of-mass-part-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Once more with feeling!

Welcome to the third and final (planned) installment of our series on closed-resource economies in MMOs. So far, we've laid the foundation of the system and discussed how starting out, leveling up, and gaining loot could work. Today we will be exploring how crafting professions could still be possible even when the law of Conservation of Mass applies and how banking might function.

There's been a lot covered so far so if you haven't already, i recommend reading the first two posts. But since I know that gets into the TLDR length, here's a very quick recap.

In order to maintain a constant level of stuff in the game, new items could only generate once old items leave the game. Money would function in the same way, except that it would flow from NPCs to monsters (meaning any monies collected by NPCs would spawn as loot) in order to recirculate. There would need to be additional gold sinks (some of which we will get to in just a minute) and limits on the number of characters per server. Each server would then "age" as the average level of characters on it increased.

Continue reading Making/Money: Conservation of Mass - Part 3

MassivelyMaking/Money: Conservation of Mass - Part 3 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbankingconservation-of-masscraftingeconomicseconomyfeaturedhousingin-game-bankingjoystiqfeatureslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromaking-moneyplayer-housingprofessionsresourcesstorageultima-onlineuoworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Making/Money: The Wisdom of MMO Banking]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/making-money-the-wisdom-of-mmo-banking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/making-money-the-wisdom-of-mmo-banking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/making-money-the-wisdom-of-mmo-banking/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Does it seem strange to save up to buy a house in a game? We are in an era where the real world economies of some nations are paralyzed by debts incurred from home purchases. Yet in games where there is player housing there is a surprising lack of player debt. MMOGs offer a simplified financial system seemingly impervious to the ills of modern society. What could we as a gaming society learn about real-world finance and money management from the way we act in game?

Continue reading Making/Money: The Wisdom of MMO Banking

MassivelyMaking/Money: The Wisdom of MMO Banking originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankingcrediteconomyepic-mountfeaturedfinal-fantasy-xifinancelendinglord-of-the-rings-onlinemaking-moneymoneyplayer-economyplayer-housingrunescapesavingself-selection-biasspendingultima-onlinewisdomworld-of-warcraftSun, 20 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wells Fargo's Stagecoach Island]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/wells-fargos-stagecoach-island/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/wells-fargos-stagecoach-island/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/wells-fargos-stagecoach-island/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I'm not kidding when I say this: there is now a banking MMO. Or, at least, a banking virtual world. Stagecoach Island is Wells Fargo's newest attempt at riding the wave of interest in virtual worlds, having once before tried exactly the same thing with a Stagecoach Island in Second Life first, then later in Active Worlds. Apparently they have learned some lessons from the aborted SL build and have made a new go of it.

Intriguingly, it's all about learning how to manage your money, which is something no other MMO can boast. From the site: "You can earn virtual money by visiting the Learning Lounge - a virtual Wells Fargo ATM - and answering questions about money management. Money in your savings account earns 5% daily interest when you are logged in and 3% when you are logged off. Shopping, building (coming soon) and some of the activities require you to spend Stagecoach Island dollars and these can only be used while playing the game."

I'm gonna give this a shot, even though I know I'll be completely bored with my avatar -- any game where I can't be a lycanthrope/shapeshifter has at least one strike against it. I'll send along reports once I've earned enough scratch to start my own genetic engineering company.

[Via product-reviews.net]

MassivelyWells Fargo's Stagecoach Island originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankingmassivelysecond-lifestagecoach-islandwells-fargoThu, 15 Nov 2007 06:30:00 EST