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[BBC assembles experts to comment on Sony crisis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/bbc-assembles-experts-to-comment-on-sony-crisis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/bbc-assembles-experts-to-comment-on-sony-crisis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/bbc-assembles-experts-to-comment-on-sony-crisis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The fact that it's been one of the worst couple of weeks for Sony -- and its customers -- cannot be disputed. However, the future of this crisis, which started a couple of weeks ago when Sony's network was hacked and user information was stolen, is anybody's guess. As such, BBC News assembled a panel of four industry experts to comment on the situation and speculate where Sony might go from here.

Richard Merrin, a PR director, said that Sony demonstrated both the worst and best ways to respond to a crisis: "In the first instance, Sony waited ten days before telling users what was happening, which is a classic error in terms of communications. It knocked consumer [confidence] and damaged Sony's reputation. But with the second incident, it has acted extremely quickly and seems to be following the four golden rules in crisis PR -- to be open, honest, transparent and fast."

"In terms of PR, I think Sony can turn it around," said ComputerandVideoGames.com's Tim Ingham. "Consumers are often quickly outraged by this sort of wobble from a global corporation -- but we tend to have short memories if we're not personally damaged by a given incident."

The security expert, Sophos' Graham Cluley, said this doesn't change how users should protect themselves: "People need to be more careful with their passwords and make sure that they have different passwords for different online accounts."

You can read the rest of the comments at BBC News.

MassivelyBBC assembles experts to comment on Sony crisis originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-newscomputerandvideogames.comcrisisexpertsGraham-Cluleypanelprpr-crisispublic-relationsRichard-Merrinsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsophosTim-InghamTue, 03 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming may be social problem, not an addiction]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/gaming-not-an-addiction-but-social-problem-says-bakker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/gaming-not-an-addiction-but-social-problem-says-bakker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/gaming-not-an-addiction-but-social-problem-says-bakker/#commentsFiled under: ,

The head of the Smith & Jones Centre, the first and only clinic that treats "gaming addiction" in Europe, has now said that he believes gaming may not be an addiction after all.

Keith Bakker, the founder of the clinic, is now saying that compulsive gaming behavior may be a social behavior rather than a psychological addiction. Through treating so many of the gamers that have walked through the clinic's doors, Bakker has realized that while the symptoms appear to be addiction, the sources of the problems are on a more social and emotional level

Continue reading Gaming may be social problem, not an addiction

MassivelyGaming may be social problem, not an addiction originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionbakkerbbc-newscompulsive-gamingkeith-bakkersmith-and-jonessocialvideo-game-addictionTue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepare for the battle for the precious top spot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/prepare-for-the-battle-for-the-precious-top-spot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/prepare-for-the-battle-for-the-precious-top-spot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/prepare-for-the-battle-for-the-precious-top-spot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



BBC News has an interesting article regarding what might be shaping up to be a battle for online supremacy in 2008.

Analysts were expecting online subscription numbers to decline in 2007, but that wasn't the case. With the release of online games like Lord of the Rings Online, Tabula Rasa and Hellgate: London, there are now plenty of choices for gamers. However, analysts thought these games would steal players from the current king of the MMO - World of Warcraft. They didn't, and they're not sure why. Numbers for WoW jumped from eight million at the start of 2007 to 9.3 million by the end of summer. Experts say that the release of Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning in 2008 may turn out to be serious contenders because they come with a long history of earlier works, just like WoW.

In the article Rob Fahey, columnist for Gameindustry.biz, said all these new launches, along with the continued success of WoW, shows just how strong the MMO industry has become. He also notes that it's maturing as well. He points out that Vanguard, which was riddled with bugs at launch, proves that players are no longer willing to accept buggy games and won't stand to pay monthly fees to basically "test" unfinished products.

But Philip Wride, head of Elysium Gaming Consultants, thinks the biggest impact on online gaming in 2008 might be from something outside the industry. For the whole scoop, check out the BBC News article.

MassivelyPrepare for the battle for the precious top spot originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBC-NewsElysium-gaming-consultantsgameindustry.bizHellgate-LondonLord-of-the-Rings-OnlinemmommogmmorpgPhilip-WrideRob-FaheyTabula-rasavanguardWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 27 Dec 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual theft in Habbo Hotel leads to real arrest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/virtual-theft-in-habbo-hotel-leads-to-real-arrest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/virtual-theft-in-habbo-hotel-leads-to-real-arrest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/virtual-theft-in-habbo-hotel-leads-to-real-arrest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Virtual theft just got very real. One teen was arrested and five were questioned in relation to missing furniture in Habbo Hotel. BBC News is reporting that over $5,800 USD worth of the virtual goods, paid with real money, were liberated.

The six teens allegedly scammed customers by creating fake Habbo sites, where users would be prompted for a password. With over six million people all over the world logging in, it has become a target for thieves. Sulake, the creators of Habbo Hotel, became involved after they noticed a large amount of imposter sites.

Habbo Hotel is a virtual world with tiny inhabitants. You can purchase gold coins, for about five per dollar, to buy items in-world. You are also able to join groups and own pets.

[Via Techmeme]

MassivelyVirtual theft in Habbo Hotel leads to real arrest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbc-newsbreakingcrimehabbolegalsulaketechmemetheftvirtual-worldsWed, 14 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST