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[En Masse publishes 4th TERA e-book, Death at Forgeheart]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/en-masse-publishes-4th-tera-e-book-death-at-forgeheart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/en-masse-publishes-4th-tera-e-book-death-at-forgeheart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/en-masse-publishes-4th-tera-e-book-death-at-forgeheart/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TERA - Death at Forgeheart e-book cover
Looking for another lore fix when it comes to TERA? En Masse has just released the game's fourth e-book tie-in named Death at Forgeheart. It's written by Kristine Kathryn Rusch and it tells the story of two detectives who manage to trust one another despite their racial differences as they team up to solve a murder with federation-altering implications.

The official TERA website has an excerpt from the book, but the full text is available for purchase via Amazon, as are TERA's first three e-books: Fire and Ice, Killer, and The Amaranthine Heart.

MassivelyEn Masse publishes 4th TERA e-book, Death at Forgeheart originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosdeath-at-forgehearte-booken-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyloreteraFri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pimp your Vanarch candidate with TERA's campaign poster contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/pimp-your-vanarch-candidate-with-teras-campaign-poster-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/pimp-your-vanarch-candidate-with-teras-campaign-poster-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/pimp-your-vanarch-candidate-with-teras-campaign-poster-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

TERA - Vanarch exclusive mount
Want to get your Vanarch's mug on the front page of the TERA website? Now you can, thanks to a new campaign poster contest sponsored by En Masse Entertainment. What the heck is a Vanarch? It's the player politician who oversees various provinces in the world of Arborea. Vanarchs can open shops, enable or disable open PvP, raise taxes, and basically affect the game world (and other players) in ways that are off-limits in your average themepark MMO.

The contest rules are pretty simple. You'll need to include your campaign poster, along with a short paragraph extolling the virtues of your candidate, in an email to En Masse. You'll want to be quick about it too, as the submission period ends tomorrow.

This week's election cycle ends the day after, and you can view the election calendar at the official TERA website.

MassivelyPimp your Vanarch candidate with TERA's campaign poster contest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasypolitical-systemteratera-campaign-poster-contesttera-electionstera-political-systemtera-vanarchvanarchWed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Lone wolf]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/one-shots-lone-wolf/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One Shots
Long-time Massively follower but first-time One Shots contributor Ilix sent along today's highlighted screenshot of Fallen Earth, which we think is quite timely, given the PvP revamp soon headed to everyone's favorite post-apocalyptic sandbox. He writes in,
Fallen Earth is my top hard-RP MMO. Ilix, after three decades of isolation, attempted to fit in with a player-run town. But he was too rough-edged, too guarded, and still isolated in his mind, and he could not find joy among others. After several days trying to force himself back into what remains of humanity in the blasted terrain of the apocalypse, he admitted to himself that he could never return because he was too quick to anger, and he wandered off back into the desert. Irradiated scorpions haunt the land he wandered into, so he finds rest on the blade of a ruined helicopter's rotor, just out of reach of stingers. This shot defines the dual beauty and harshness of the life he resigns himself to.
Ilix's gorgeous sunset is tucked behind the break along with two other One Shots shots!

Continue reading One Shots: Lone wolf

MassivelyOne Shots: Lone wolf originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotscash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiien-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfallen-earthfantasyfefree-to-playg1galleriesgallerygamersfirstgothic-fantasymultiplayerone-shotsonline-multiplayerpics-or-it-didnt-happenpost-apocpost-apocalypticreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsroguelikerpgsandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsterauser-submissionswastelandsSun, 20 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-may-12th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
What a week of livestreaming! We've got quite the variety and tons of hours of video to watch. What's that? You had to work and missed half of the cool streams we showed? Don't worry! I gather all of the best streams from the week's collection and list them for you right here. Still, you need to bookmark our livestream page so you can see which videos are going to be shown during the week, but if you miss any, you can check out the recap here. That's why we do it.

This week we had a lot to offer. First we had good old Mike jumping into EVE Online for some space action, then into TERA for some scantily clad combat! He then explores some of the great browser-based game Drakensang Online. MJ brought a ton of goodies to the streaming table, goodies like a run-through in EverQuest II, some base-jumping in City of Heroes, a bit of hardcore survival in Xsyon, and a flight around the beautiful lands of Aion. I rounded out the end by streaming some BatMUD, a cool MUD that has been around since many of you have been in diapers!

Click past the cut and grab some popcorn. Keep the butter light but add some salt. Thanks.

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of May 12th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of May 12th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionBatMUDBigpointblueholebluehole-studiosbrowser-basedccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdrakensangdrakensang-onlineen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteq-2eq-iiEQ2eqiieveeve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedominternet-spaceshipslivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmudmv-tvmvtvnc-softncsoftnotoriousnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-studiospost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpround-uproundupsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiSOEsonySony-Online-Entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinestreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsuperherosuperheroesteratruly-freetwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosxsyonSun, 20 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA goes on special sale on Amazon, comes with shiny mask]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/tera-goes-on-special-sale-on-amazon-comes-with-shiny-mask/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/tera-goes-on-special-sale-on-amazon-comes-with-shiny-mask/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/tera-goes-on-special-sale-on-amazon-comes-with-shiny-mask/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So I just learned what TERA actually stands for. I'd always assumed it was 'tiny elim, RAHHHH ACTION'
We've told you previously about Amazon's special limited-time MAYhem sales, but the news just keeps getting better. Today TERA is on sale at 50% off (and it will be again on May 26th), bringing it down to a delectable $24.99 for the standard edition and $29.99 for the collector's. What's more, folks who purchase between now and May 28th will get treated to an "Olive Bandit Mask," an exclusive new facial customization feature.
The olive bandit mask is a subtle bit of headwear for essential outlaw occasions. This mask disguises your identity while enhancing your reputation as a figure of mystery. Don't get caught without your exclusive olive bandit mask while out adventuring in the world of TERA. Better yet, don't get caught at all.
If you're kicking yourself for missing out on a free goodie because you purchased the game already, fear not! Any Amazon customers who've previously bought the Digital Download of TERA will have the item code automagically placed into their Games and Software Library. Amazon's aiming to reward its loyal users by making sure that all such unique content is offered to all customers. That means that anyone who purchases now will also be eligible to receive any future unique promotional items.

If you've been waiting for a price-drop to take a running jump into the world of TERA, it just may be that now's your time, especially since there's nothing cuter than a Popori in a bandit mask.

[Source: Amazon press release]

MassivelyTERA goes on special sale on Amazon, comes with shiny mask originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblueholebluehole-studiosdigital-downloaden-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygedditMAYhemolive-bandit-masksaleteraSat, 19 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon to offer special limited-time deals on TERA, RIFT, others [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/amazon-to-offer-special-limited-time-deals-on-tera-rift-others/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/amazon-to-offer-special-limited-time-deals-on-tera-rift-others/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/amazon-to-offer-special-limited-time-deals-on-tera-rift-others/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

TERA screenshot
Have you been watching TERA via livestreams and wistfully wishing you could jump in and join but you haven't wanted to plunk down the cash at launch? Well as long as you don't mind not having a box to display on your shelf, your waiting has actually paid off! Amazon is kicking off a 12-day digital "MAYhem" sale today and offering select MMO titles at a significant discount on specific days. Those deals are as follows:
Mark your calendar if you don't want to miss these offers.

[Update: We've added in the TERA sale on May 26th as well.]

[Source: Amazon press release]

MassivelyAmazon to offer special limited-time deals on TERA, RIFT, others [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.comblueholebluehole-studiosconsoleconsolesen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsquaresquare-enixterathree-faction-pvptriontrion-worldsThu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA outlines political systems, launches an emblem contest and premium services]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tera-outlines-political-systems-launches-an-emblem-contest-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tera-outlines-political-systems-launches-an-emblem-contest-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tera-outlines-political-systems-launches-an-emblem-contest-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Health care reform is very serious business in TERA.
TERA isn't just about killing enormous beasts in active combat. That's certainly a big part of it, yes, but it's also about political maneuvering and gathering support. And once you get in office, you've got policies to enact, economies to stimulate, and re-election to consider in three weeks. If the whole thing seems a bit overwhelming, you'll be happy to know that the new official guide to the political system outlines the whole system from start to finish, giving a clear picture of how players can make lasting change in a province for better or worse.

Of course, if your guild is going to boost a candidate running for office, it helps if you've got brand-name recognition. How can you manage that? Perhaps by winning the newly announced Guild Emblem Creation Contest, which gives players a chance to get their guild logos in the game. Or you can just take advantage of the premium in-game services that have just been made available to ensure that your character has just the right winning smile for the next election.

MassivelyTERA outlines political systems, launches an emblem contest and premium services originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscontestcontestsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-mechanicsmicotransactionspolitical-systemspoliticsteraWed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA Tome database unleashes the mysteries of Arborea]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tera-tome-database-unleashes-the-mysteries-of-arborea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tera-tome-database-unleashes-the-mysteries-of-arborea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/tera-tome-database-unleashes-the-mysteries-of-arborea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
TERA players, have you been spending weeks trying to find that one perfect weapon? Or maybe you just want to know which mob drops the crafting mats you need to pimp out your gear. Either way, the ZAM Network is here to help. En Masse Entertainment has announced on the official TERA site that ZAM's TERA database, alliteratively named TERA Tome, is live and kickin'.

The current version of the site includes all of the nifty features that players have come to expect from ZAM's MMO databases, such as information on quests, items, and abilities as well as helpful forums and comments. Players trying to get a handle on their character's build should also find the site handy thanks to its useful glyph calculator that allows players to survey all currently available glyphs without the need to set foot in the game. Just head on over to the recently launched site to crack open the tome.

MassivelyTERA Tome database unleashes the mysteries of Arborea originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosdatabaseen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyglyphglyph-calculatorglyphsitem-databaseteratera-tomezamzam-networkMon, 14 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frogster talks TERA Elin censorship]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/frogster-talks-tera-elin-censorship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/frogster-talks-tera-elin-censorship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/frogster-talks-tera-elin-censorship/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA - Elin
If you're still fuming over the decision to censor TERA's Elin race for the western market, or if you're simply an interested bystander, Eurogamer has posted a new interview that's worth reading.

The site sat down with Frogster's Lucile Le Merle, who addressed the ongoing censorship controversy that manifested itself in the removal of Elin panties and the addition of both longer tights and belly-covering outfits for the characters on both the US and European TERA game servers. Le Merle says that Frogster had no say in the game's PEGI 12 rating, noting that such things are determined not by Frogster but by PEGI. "We only send a specific version of the client to PEGI, which rates it and sends it back to us with the final decision. Then we can contest it, if we deem it's not the right rating."

Le Merle also touches on the cultural divide between East and West (and between anime fans and the uninitiated), concluding that ultimately Frogster and En Masse had to make changes. "In Asia their mindset is completely different. To them it is not a problem. It is not related to pedophilia. It's just part of the culture to have small, little girls that run around smiling. People just find it normal," Le Merle explained.

MassivelyFrogster talks TERA Elin censorship originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioselinelin-censorshipen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfrogsterlucile-le-merleteratera-censorshiptera-elintera-pedobearMon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![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[TERA prepares for political machinations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/tera-prepares-for-political-machinations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/tera-prepares-for-political-machinations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/tera-prepares-for-political-machinations/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TERA
If you've thought that a bit of political campaigning and intrigue was all that was missing from your complete enjoyment of TERA, have we got good news for you. It's almost time for the vanarch election wheel to start a-turnin', so start polishing your speeches!

Players elected to the vanarch position will reign for three weeks over their province. Vanarchs get to turn their whimsy into mandate by setting and collecting taxes and choosing which specialty shops to open up. They'll also be accruing fame (or infamy) for themselves and their guilds. Of course, not just anyone is worthy to rule o'er the masses: In order to be eligible, candidates must be the leader of a level three guild with at least 20 members, must have reached at least level 50 on their character, and must pay a fee of 3,000 gold and 100 Catharnach Awards.

Sound like you? Registration for vanarch candidates opens up on Friday, May 18th, at 9:00 p.m. EDT and runs 'til Friday, May 25th, at 9:00 p.m. EDT. After registration week comes a week of voting, and then three weeks of sweet, sweet power. Registration for the following reign opens up in the second week of the on-going vanarch's office, so if you're interested in getting to the top and staying there, you don't have a lot of time to rest on your laurels.

If the mantle of power isn't made for your shoulders but you still want to flex your political muscle, be sure to vote! Each game account gets one vote per continent on a given server. Are your fingers itching for a ballot? Next week TERA's game guide will be updated with some more juicy details on the political system. Knowledge, after all, is power.

MassivelyTERA prepares for political machinations originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioselectionen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasypoliticsterav-for-vanarchyvanarchvanarch-electionvanarchyFri, 11 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blood, guild emblems and more returning to EU TERA next week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/blood-guild-emblems-and-more-returning-to-eu-tera-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/blood-guild-emblems-and-more-returning-to-eu-tera-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/blood-guild-emblems-and-more-returning-to-eu-tera-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
European TERA players, it's time to get your violence on. Frogster has announced that a patch coming to the game next week will herald the return of the blood detail slider, so you sadistic freaks can finally revel in the spilled blood of your enemies.

In addition, the patch is bringing back the guild emblem feature, which will allow players to once again upload their own unique icons to represent their guilds. The game's chat filter is also going to see some changes, which will hopefully stop the unnecessary censorship of certain words and phrases (and in some cases, linked item names) while ensuring that inappropriate language is properly censored. Eurogamer has further information, including a few words with Frogster's community manager Lucile Le Merle, so click on through to the full story for the full details.

MassivelyBlood, guild emblems and more returning to EU TERA next week originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodblood-detailblood-detail-sliderblueholebluehole-studiosemblemsen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteueuropeeuropeanfantasyguild-emblemguild-emblemspatchpatchesteratera-eutera-europeviolenceWed, 09 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA's senior producer looks at the game's past, present, and future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/teras-senior-producer-looks-at-the-games-past-present-and-fu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/teras-senior-producer-looks-at-the-games-past-present-and-fu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/teras-senior-producer-looks-at-the-games-past-present-and-fu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TERA
Saying that it "feels as though a giant weight has been lifted off [his team's] shoulders" now that TERA has launched, En Masse Senior Producer Brian Knox has turned his attention to the immediate and far future of the game. He says that the team is hard at work ironing out "pain points" for players, but his big passion is working to make the PvP experience even better and to roll out the battlegrounds this summer.

"I want to continue to slowly iterate our PvP-server rules," Knox said in an interview published yesterday. "I think TERA's skill-based system is a natural fit for PvP players, and I want to develop a system that encourages and rewards PvP participants."

Knox addressed the pace of the leveling experience (he says it should be a "smooth and even ride" if players follow the story and do all the quests), the price of teleportation scrolls (expensive for lowbies, affordable for veterans), and what to do at the endgame (answer: a lot). As more players reach the high levels, En Masse is preparing to juice up its nexuses and political system, both of which require a decent amount of participants to work.

MassivelyTERA's senior producer looks at the game's past, present, and future originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlegroundblueholebluehole-studiosbrian-knoxen-masseen-masse-entertainmentendgamefantasyinterviewlaunchleveling-experiencenexusnexusespolitical-systempvppvp-serverpvp-serversteraWed, 09 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA writer discusses the labor of love behind game writing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tera-writer-discusses-the-labor-of-love-behind-game-writing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tera-writer-discusses-the-labor-of-love-behind-game-writing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tera-writer-discusses-the-labor-of-love-behind-game-writing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You always hurt the ones you love, but it's usually not with a battleaxe.
There's a conception among some gamers that working with video games for a living entails more "video games" than "working." A new development diary by TERA's writing team manager David Noonan is quick to disabuse readers of that notion. He does see the job as a labor of love, but he also freely admits that every day brings the question of how much time will be "love" and how much time will be plain old "labor."

Noonan explains the way that he and his team look at bug reports relating to their department. Sometimes, the only thing that needs to be changed is a simple typo; other times, the dialogue of an entire quest chain will need to be rewritten from the start. But that doesn't negate the joy of filling in a story and creating a world, from the major quests down to the item names. If you have an interest in TERA's writing, game writing in general, or both, Noonan has some interesting insights to share.

[Thanks to Mike for the tip!]

MassivelyTERA writer discusses the labor of love behind game writing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryblueholebluehole-studiosdavid-noonandev-diarydeveloper-diaryen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-designgame-writinglorelore-designlore-developmentlore-writingterawritingMon, 07 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA hits the #1 spot for Amazon downloads]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/tera-hits-the-1-spot-for-amazon-downloads/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/tera-hits-the-1-spot-for-amazon-downloads/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/tera-hits-the-1-spot-for-amazon-downloads/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Unquestionably the best game named TERA released in May this year.
Whenever a game launches, there's always a question of whether it will sink or swim. MMOs don't necessarily live or die on the basis of their launches, but it takes a lot more effort to recover from a bad launch. TERA seems to have gotten off on the right foot, as it hit the #1 download spot for Amazon during its launch week, and all projections point to it hitting the top spot next week as well.

If you're tempted to jump on the bandwagon, now is definitely the time. Through the 31st of the month, players who purchase the game will receive discounted subscription rates as well as a special Golden Dragon weapon skin. The Digital Collector's Edition from Amazon also features a special mount and two necklaces to help improve your journey through the game world. If you like little added bits of value, now might be the time to give the game a shot.

[Source: Amazon press release]

MassivelyTERA hits the #1 spot for Amazon downloads originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblueholebluehole-studiosdigital-distributiondigital-editiondirect-downloadsdownloadsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylaunchnew-launchesnew-titlesteraFri, 04 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA gives players a guide to guilds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If these players were in a guild, they'd be having at least 30% more fun right now.
Maybe TERA is your first MMO, maybe you want to learn about what TERA offers its guilds, or maybe you just want to see guilds defined as something other than small-scale drama generators for once. There are a lot of reasons you might want to look at TERA's new guide to guilds in the game, but whatever your motivation, the guide will provide you with all the answers you need to start guilding away with ease.

The main benefit to being in a guild in TERA are the guild quests; available all across the game, each guild quest provides players with Catharnac Awards that can be used to improve the guild's level and buy special items from vendors. You also need to be part of a level 3 guild to run for public office, which is all the more reason for politically minded players to make friends. But don't take our word for it -- after all, there's a guide to tell you all of this in detail.

MassivelyTERA gives players a guide to guilds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscultureen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-mechanicsgame-systemsguideguidesguildguild-benefitsguild-questsguildsnewssystemsteraThu, 03 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA subscription error affects thousands [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-subscription-error-affects-thousands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-subscription-error-affects-thousands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-subscription-error-affects-thousands/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TERA
According to several tipsters and many, many pages on TERA's forums, something's gone badly wrong with En Masse's account system. The studio admits that some players have been billed immediately upon selecting a subscription plan instead of being billed after the 30 days. Other players have reported not being able to log in at all, as the game cannot find their subscriptions or free time and delivers an "expired account" error.

En Masse posted that it is aware of the situation and is working to resolve it. The studio says that players who purchased a physical copy of the game and signed up for a subscription before entering their game code triggered this problem. However, we've also had reports of players who have encountered this error when dealing with digital copies.

Affected players should now be able to log in to TERA while En Masse works on fixing the error.

[Thanks to Andrew, Schippie, and Alex for the tip!]

[Update: En Masse has contacted us to note that the 2000 players have been affected by the "insufficient remaining subscription time" issue, not the "immediate billing" error. En Masse says that these are two separate issues that the studio is actively working to resolve as fast as possible. We've updated this article accordingly.]

MassivelyTERA subscription error affects thousands [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30-days-of-game-timeblueholebluehole-studioscustomer-supportdigital-copyen-masseen-masse-entertainmenterrorfantasyforumissuelaunchlaunch-issuephysical-copysituationsubscriptionsubscription-errorteraThu, 03 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA reveals launch trailers, provides update on account errors]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/tera-reveals-launch-trailer-provides-update-on-account-errors/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/tera-reveals-launch-trailer-provides-update-on-account-errors/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/tera-reveals-launch-trailer-provides-update-on-account-errors/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
Today is a fateful day for Arboreans everywhere, as En Masse Entertainment's spankin'-new action-based MMO, TERA, is officially live. In celebration of the momentous occasion, the studio has released a shiny launch trailer for existing fans and potential players alike to feast their eyes upon. As one might expect from the game that coined the terms "big-ass monster" and "real action combat," the trailer is essentially a series of scenes of ass-kicking set to some suitably epic music, offering players a glimpse at the fast-paced combat they can expect from the title.

In addition to the launch trailer, the studio has posted the two final race videos; we've included all three after the cut.

But of course, MMO launch days are always fraught with at least a few issues, and TERA's launch is no different. Many players are experiencing errors that are keeping them from getting into and enjoying the game, but En Masse tells those players to rest assured that the team is "actively working to resolve them." Players experiencing those issues should keep an eye on the official TERA site as well as the game's Twitter and Facebook pages, as any updates to the situation will be posted as they happen.

Continue reading TERA reveals launch trailers, provides update on account errors

MassivelyTERA reveals launch trailers, provides update on account errors originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-issuesblueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmenterrorerrorsfantasyissueslaunchlaunch-trailerteratrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 01 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten ways En Masse changed TERA for the west]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/ten-ways-en-masse-changed-tera-for-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/ten-ways-en-masse-changed-tera-for-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/ten-ways-en-masse-changed-tera-for-the-west/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA - big-ass monster fighting
TERA's launch day is upon us at last, and in between bouts of action combat we're scouring the web to gauge everyone's reaction to the game. One of the more interesting pieces we've run across thus far outlines all the changes made to the TERA client to accommodate western audiences.

Gameranx.com has a list of 10 things En Masse did differently when it appropriated the Korean version of the game, including controller support, quest rewrites, reputation, and daily quests. The firm also made extensive changes to the game's leveling curve to avoid the dreaded "Korean grind-fest" syndrome that supposedly prevents Asian MMOs from finding success in the States.

En Masse also borrowed EVE Online's anti-gold farming PLEX idea, renaming it Chronoscrolls for the world of Arborea. There's more too, but you'll have to click the source link below to read it.

MassivelyTen ways En Masse changed TERA for the west originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-things-en-masse-changed-about-terablueholebluehole-studioschronoscrollsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygrindleveling-curveteratera-changestera-launchTue, 01 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Rusty Hearts
Massively Speaking Episode 199 has our intrepid duo sitting down with Rusty Hearts Game Producer Mark Hill to talk about the game's newest character: Leila! If petticoats and perfume and razor-sharp swords are your bag, then Leila will answer your peculiar personals ad. We also talk about several game anniversaries, the Guild Wars 2 beta weekend, and Cryptic's big boo-boo.

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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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal

MassivelyMassively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanetanimearenanetblueholebluehole-studiosbrantbrianna-roycecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosdnden-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomguild-wars-2gw2humorinterviewjustin-olivettikingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmark-hillmassively-speakingncsoftneverwinteropinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpirate101podcastpodcastingpodcastspwerusty-heartssuperherosuperheroesteraTue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 199Massively.com Staff01:07:09podcasts<![CDATA[TERA launch-day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/tera-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/tera-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/tera-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA - character creation screen
We've devoted a ton of virtual ink to TERA over the last couple of years. Since the game's long-awaited North American launch day is finally here, we figured it was high time to collect our best coverage in one handy post.

Click past the cut to find a little bit of everything to help you start your Arborean journey off on the right foot. We've got detailed gameplay impressions, video, exclusive lore, and plenty of information about everything from crafting to the endgame political system. If you're playing TERA on launch day, join the discussion in the comments and tell us what you think of the game!

Continue reading TERA launch-day roundup

MassivelyTERA launch-day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfeaturedlaunchlaunch-rounduproundupteratera-launchtera-launch-roundupTue, 01 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA Europe offers bonus items and skins to prepurchase customers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/tera-europe-offers-bonus-items-and-skins-to-prepurchase-customer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/tera-europe-offers-bonus-items-and-skins-to-prepurchase-customer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/tera-europe-offers-bonus-items-and-skins-to-prepurchase-customer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TERA EU Legendary Legacy items
What with all the hullabaloo about TERA Europe's sex-and-violence-reducing changes to the game, some European players have professed to having second thoughts about whether or not to actually purchase the action-focused title. Frogster, the game's European publisher, announced today a new promotion for players who have purchased (or plan to purchase prior to launch) the European version of TERA.

To get in on the promotion, players must have purchased the full version of TERA (not the mini pre-order version, which can be upgraded to the full or collector's edition) prior to the game's May 2nd launch. Any players who fall into that category will be rewarded with the Legendary Legacy item package, which includes an exclusive weapon skin for each class, plus three accessories: a pirate eye-patch, a pirate face-mask, and... a pair of horn-rimmed glasses? What is this, sexy pirate librarian cosplay? At any rate, for the full details, head on over and check out the official post at the TERA EU official site.

MassivelyTERA Europe offers bonus items and skins to prepurchase customers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteueuropeeuropeanfantasylegendary-legacypromotionpromotionssexy-pirate-librarianskinsteratera-eutera-europeweapon-skinsMon, 30 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Warped]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

One Shots
Massively reader Johanis delivered today's One Shots image, which features one of TERA's pegasi in flight. He tells us,
Here is a shot of Honeynut, my TERA Archer, who was exploring during last weekend's open beta. While flying from one destination to another, she suddenly warped through one of many travel gates, and it was gorgeous. She emerged into a beautiful land just waiting to be explored.
Enjoy Johanis' entry alongside a few others past the break!

Continue reading One Shots: Warped

MassivelyOne Shots: Warped originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotseaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylucasartsone-shotsreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtortelonterathe-old-republictoruser-submissionsvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgSun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA collector's edition gets unboxed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tera-collectors-edition-gets-unboxed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tera-collectors-edition-gets-unboxed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tera-collectors-edition-gets-unboxed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The twist ending is that the box actually contains a copy of Tabula Rasa.
If you're a big enough fan of TERA to pre-order the collector's edition, you probably can't wait to get your hands on it and look at what's inside. But maybe you can't wait on a very literal level -- you have to see what's in that box right now. You're in luck, as the collector's edition has been unboxed by the fine folks at Curse, giving you a chance to see (if not handle) the bonus additions before the game's full launch.

So what's contained therein? You probably know already if you pre-ordered: a map, a handsome box, a compass, and of course, the game itself. But there are lots of specifics to cover, like the quality of the extra little collectibles. So if you're in the literally-cannot-wait crowd, click on past the break to see what it's like to open up a new copy of the game before you can do so in real life.

Continue reading TERA collector's edition gets unboxed

MassivelyTERA collector's edition gets unboxed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosbonus-itemsce-contentsce-unboxingcollectorcollectors-editionen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyteraunboxingvideovideosFri, 27 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA EU head start begins today, US to follow tomorrow [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tera-eu-head-start-begins-today-us-to-follow-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tera-eu-head-start-begins-today-us-to-follow-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tera-eu-head-start-begins-today-us-to-follow-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA - Castanic warrior girl
It's head start weekend for western TERA fans, and it's been a long time coming. The game, which originally launched in Korea in January of 2011, is finally coming to North America and Europe (on May 1st and May 3rd, respectively).

Beginning today, European pre-order players can jump into the game's head start period and enjoy all of TERA's content through level 38. The North American head start kicks off tomorrow, April 28th, and it also features a level 38 cap. Players can create a maximum of eight characters per server, while any characters made during last week's early character creation and open beta events will carry over to the head start period.

[Source: Frogster press release]

[Update: According to an official post on En Masse's website, the North American head start has been moved four hours earlier and will now begin at 11 a.m. EDT (8 a.m. PDT) on April 28th.]

MassivelyTERA EU head start begins today, US to follow tomorrow [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arboreablueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfrogsterteratera-eu-head-starttera-head-starttera-launchtera-na-head-starttera-us-head-startFri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The discerning human likes putting another human on the front of his armor.
TERA's launch is just around the corner, and if you're not excited yet, En Masse Entertainment is going to throw as much new stuff at you as possible to get you psyched up. That starts with a developer journal by Senior Producer Brian Knox, who talks about the road to launch and the growth of the studio. As you'd expect of a producer bringing a game to market, he's quite excited to see what players will do with the game once it's live.

Not interested? Perhaps you'll be more interested to know that the studio has extended the inaugural subscription rate deal; have an active subscription to the game by May 31st and you'll wind up with long-term discounts on the subscription price. Or perhaps you'd rather kick back and watch the final installment of the race videos, this one highlighting the familiar human race. It's a variety of updates to keep your energy up for the launch next Tuesday, assuming it wasn't up already.

Continue reading TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address

MassivelyTERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylaunchlaunchespre-launchpreviewpricepricingraceracessubscriptionteratrailertrailersupcoming-launchvideovideosThu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you petition the makers of your favorite game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-daily-grind-would-you-petition-the-makers-of-your-favorite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-daily-grind-would-you-petition-the-makers-of-your-favorite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-daily-grind-would-you-petition-the-makers-of-your-favorite/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

These protestors probably don't care about TERA blood
Earlier this week we told you about some nerd rage over the censoring of TERA EU's blood effects. The cuts have angered a sizable portion of the fantasy title's fans (if our tip line and the Frogster forums are an accurate barometer).

Some TERA players even went so far as to draft an online petition in an attempt to get Frogster to reverse its decision. My first reaction to this news was the old "first-world problems" meme, but if you've been waiting for a game as long as some fans have been waiting for TERA, last-minute changes can be aggravating.

What say you, readers? Have you ever signed (or drafted) a petition to protest a change in your favorite game, and if not, would you?

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 you petition the makers of your favorite game? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosdaily-grinden-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfirst-world-problemsopiniontdgteratera-bloodtera-controversytera-eu-bloodtera-petitionthe-daily-grindThu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get lost in TERA's Labyrinth of Terror]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/get-lost-in-teras-labyrinth-of-terror/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/get-lost-in-teras-labyrinth-of-terror/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/get-lost-in-teras-labyrinth-of-terror/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
TERA is now less than a week away from launch, and fans of the action-flavored MMO are anxiously waiting to set foot in Arborea. Today, En Masse Entertainment has decided to give us a sneak-peek at one of the high-level dungeons those players can expect in their distant futures: the incredibly foreboding Labyrinth of Terror. Insert your own mad-scientist cackling here.

The Labyrinth of Terror is the dominion of one of the game's big-bads, Killian, and he apparently has a bit of a thing for homicidal entertainers. Twisted jesters and maniacal musicians are just a preview of the fare you'll sample on your way to the main course of Killian's clown-in-command, who also happens to be responsible for the murder of a prominent Amani commander. Go check out the full features to get a leg-up on Killian's circus of crazy.

MassivelyGet lost in TERA's Labyrinth of Terror originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosdungeondungeonsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylabyrinth-of-terrorterathe-labyrinth-of-terrorWed, 25 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frogster responds to community uproar over European TERA changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/frogster-responds-to-community-uproar-over-european-tera-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/frogster-responds-to-community-uproar-over-european-tera-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/frogster-responds-to-community-uproar-over-european-tera-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
European TERA fans have been up in arms lately due to decisions on behalf of the game's European publisher, Frogster, to remove a notable amount of the game's mature content in hopes of receiving a PEGI 12 rating. Today, the game's lead community manager, Raven, took to the forums to explain the logic behind some of these decisions and to elaborate on what players can expect moving forward.

The post begins with an apology for the lack of transparency in the matter of removing the blood effect slider from the game without mention; it goes on to promise that "the gore slider will be back with the original three different graduations and blood will still be spread on the ground during combat," though it's important to note that the feature will be patched back in shortly after launch. Raven also clarifies the reasons behind some of the changes made to the childlike Elin, stating that the changes were made "not to comply with a demand from any official board, but because those characters in particular could have attracted to the game a population of unsavoury users, and it is part of [Frogster's] responsibility to protect [TERA's] younger audiences from them."

As far as the changes made to other character models (such as the reduction of female breast size and some changes that made certain pieces of armor less revealing) are concerned, Raven points out that those changes are present in all versions of the game, including the Korean version, so it's not a case of the game's being censored purely for Western audiences. To get the full details and put forth your tuppence on the matter, just head on over to the official TERA EU forums.

MassivelyFrogster responds to community uproar over European TERA changes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodblueholebluehole-studioscensorcensorshipeueuropefantasyfrogstermature-contentteratera-eutera-europeviolenceTue, 24 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 198: Open beta madness!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/massively-speaking-episode-198-open-beta-madness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
Massively Speaking Episode 198 is pumped up about open beta season, as games like Guild Wars 2, TERA, and Diablo III promote their wares through shameless stress test weekends. Does it whet the appetite or serve as a potent first dose of a drug that will drag us down into the gutters of addiction and achievement-hunting? Who cares! Jack us in to the Matrix, baby!

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 198: Open beta madness!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 198: Open beta madness! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpganetarenanetbattlenetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomgothic-fantasyguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjustin-olivettilucasartsmassively-speakingmultiplayermythologyncsoftonline-multiplayeropinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspweroguelikerpgsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstosubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorterathe-old-republicthe-secret-worldtortswTue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 198Massively.com Staff56:47podcasts<![CDATA[EU TERA fans petition to bring the blood back]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/eu-tera-fans-petition-to-bring-the-blood-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/eu-tera-fans-petition-to-bring-the-blood-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/eu-tera-fans-petition-to-bring-the-blood-back/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TERA - Vampir needs blood
Controversy, thy name is TERA. The latest brouhaha around En Masse and Frogster's soon-to-be-released action MMO has to do with some good old-fashioned censorship. In a nutshell, Frogster is removing blood effects from the Euro version of the game. As a result, peeved players have taken to the forums, venting their frustration in a 2300-post threadnaught and threatening to take their business to the North American version of TERA (which En Masse has said it will not be censoring).

A few disgruntled players have even started an online petition to save TERA's European ultra-violence. There's also an open letter to Frogster on the official EU boards.

[Thanks to everyone who tipped us!]

MassivelyEU TERA fans petition to bring the blood back originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyteratera-bloodtera-blood-controversytera-censorshiptera-eutera-eu-censorshipultra-violenceMon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest TERA trailer takes players to the shores of the new Island of Dawn prologue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/latest-tera-trailer-takes-players-to-the-shores-of-the-new-islan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/latest-tera-trailer-takes-players-to-the-shores-of-the-new-islan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/latest-tera-trailer-takes-players-to-the-shores-of-the-new-islan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
TERA's open beta test kicked off in earnest today, opening the floodgates for waves of excited players to enter the realm of Arborea. To commemorate the occasion, En Masse Entertainment has released a new trailer that shows off the game's newly crafted prologue area, which gives players a taste of high level play before they enter the game proper.

For those not yet in the beta, here's the down-low: Players begin their journey aboard a ship bound for the Island of Dawn, and as anyone familiar with fantasy tropes knows, getting on a ship bound for an unknown land is often just a prelude to a terrible shipwreck. TERA's prologue is no different, and players soon find themselves stranded in exceedingly hostile territory with a rather nasty demon infestation. Naturally, it falls to players to play demon exterminators and get the shipwrecked crew to safety because everyone else is too busy standing around telling the players what to do. Lazy chumps. At any rate, to get a first-hand look at the new prologue zone and all of the demon-ass-kicking it entails, just go watch the official trailer for yourself.

Continue reading Latest TERA trailer takes players to the shores of the new Island of Dawn prologue

MassivelyLatest TERA trailer takes players to the shores of the new Island of Dawn prologue originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyisland-of-dawnobtopen-betaopen-beta-testprologueteratrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 20 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse addresses TERA lawsuit speculation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/en-masse-addresses-tera-lawsuit-speculation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/en-masse-addresses-tera-lawsuit-speculation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/en-masse-addresses-tera-lawsuit-speculation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Gavel
En Masse Entertainment has issued a response to yesterday's developments in the long-running NCsoft vs. Bluehole Studio legal drama.

A posting on the official TERA blog says that the upcoming action MMO will launch as scheduled on May 1st despite "baseless accusations" and "unfounded rumors" regarding the theft of Lineage III assets by former Bluehole employees in Korea.

The piece states that "after extensive Korean proceedings, Bluehole Studio was not found to have made any use of any NCsoft trade secrets in the form of source code or game design." It also notes that NCsoft product performance has suffered since TERA's Korean launch more than a year ago.

MassivelyEn Masse addresses TERA lawsuit speculation originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyncsoft-vs-blueholeteratera-lawsuitWed, 18 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA open beta begins this weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/tera-open-beta-begins-this-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/tera-open-beta-begins-this-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/tera-open-beta-begins-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA - Island of Dawn aerial shot
Hey look, it's more TERA news! Happily, this tidbit has to do with your ability to get your hands on En Masse's new action MMO sooner rather than later. This weekend marks the beginning of the game's open beta period; the initial test period runs from Friday through Monday. It also marks the first time that players will be able to try out the new prologue experience that we told you about earlier today.

The action starts right away as you're shipwrecked on the Island of Dawn and immediately set upon by hordes of hungry demons. You'll jump into TERA's action combat from the get-go, as opposed to the traditional tutorial experiences in many other MMOs.

Signing up for the beta is pretty straight-forward. All you need is an En Masse account and the ability to remember the TERABETA promo code. Step-by-step signup instructions are available after the cut.

[Source: En Masse press release]

Continue reading TERA open beta begins this weekend

MassivelyTERA open beta begins this weekend originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyteratera-betatera-open-betatera-open-beta-weekendtera-prologueWed, 18 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA ramping up the early-level challenges]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/tera-ramping-up-the-early-level-challenges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/tera-ramping-up-the-early-level-challenges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/tera-ramping-up-the-early-level-challenges/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA - sorcerer vs. bam
We all know that TERA's combat does things a little differently from the MMORPG norm. According to a new update, though, that's not all there is to the game's unorthodox approach.

En Masse Entertainment is highlighting something it calls improved early play, which in a nutshell means that fresh-face Arborean avatars won't be killing 10 rats or delivering 10 rat tails while serving time on the TERA equivalent of a newbie island. Instead, the game's playable prologue "starts you right in the middle of the action: a beachhead under assault by demonic forces. It's not just a cutscene," En Masse says. "You'll be fighting big-ass monsters within minutes, learning the controls as you go."

The piece goes on to talk about how challenge in TERA is actually challenging thanks to new tactics and deadlier attacks from low-level critters. Read all about it on TERA's official site.

MassivelyTERA ramping up the early-level challenges originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bamsbig-ass-monstersblueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyimproved-early-playnewbie-islandteratera-improved-early-playtera-launch-featurestera-newbie-islandWed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse highlights shiny TERA launch features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/en-masse-highlights-shiny-tera-launch-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/en-masse-highlights-shiny-tera-launch-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/en-masse-highlights-shiny-tera-launch-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

TERA - Mistmoor party
TERA is soldiering on toward its May 1st North American street date. En Masse Entertainment, the game's American publisher, has quite a few features lined up to distract you from the brouhaha going on outside the game's lush fantasy world, and the firm has updated its website accordingly.

You'll find info on TERA's staged invasions, public quests, and economic system archived in the lengthy new post. The update also recaps the game's reputation system, its dungeon roster, and a few of the more interesting class tweaks to boot. Head to the official TERA site for all the goods.

MassivelyEn Masse highlights shiny TERA launch features originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosclasseseconomyen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-mechanicsteratera-economytera-launchtera-launch-featuresTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Korean court confirms guilty verdict in TERA criminal trial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/korean-court-confirms-guilty-verdict-in-tera-criminal-trial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/korean-court-confirms-guilty-verdict-in-tera-criminal-trial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/korean-court-confirms-guilty-verdict-in-tera-criminal-trial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TERA - Castanic concept art
Multiple news sites are reporting a verdict in the long-running NCsoft vs. Bluehole Studio litigation regarding stolen Lineage III assets. According to the sites, the Korean Supreme Court has confirmed the guilty verdict in the criminal trial originally reached in 2009. The body also doled out "tougher punishment" in the form of prison time and probation for a former Lineage III department head and a team manager.

ThisIsGame.com points out that there could be more bad news coming for the team that turned Lineage III assets into TERA, as the outcome of a $5.7 million civil suit is still pending.

MMO Culture has published a timeline of the TERA legal proceedings, though neither website cites a source for its information. We'll update the story with more details as they become available.

MassivelyKorean court confirms guilty verdict in TERA criminal trial originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-lawsuitbluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylegalncsoft-vs-blueholeteratera-civil-trialtera-criminal-trialtera-lawsuittera-trialTue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse releases TERA launch cinematic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/en-masse-releases-tera-launch-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/en-masse-releases-tera-launch-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/en-masse-releases-tera-launch-cinematic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TERA - launch cinematic high elf girl
It must be getting close to TERA's launch day because we can't go five minutes without a new reveal, beta review, game update, or video. En Masse's latest PR drop is a new cinematic called Beginnings that gives Arborean newbs some insights into the fantasy world they're about to inhabit.

The clip shows off all seven playable races and makes a great jumping-off point for delving into TERA's lore and backstory. It sets up the conflict between the Valkyon Federation and the soulless argon army that threatens it, and the clip also hints at why players are gathering on the game's newbie Island of Dawn. See for yourself after the cut, and then check out the latest round of new launch features on the official site.

Continue reading En Masse releases TERA launch cinematic

MassivelyEn Masse releases TERA launch cinematic originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arboreablueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyteratera-beginningstera-launch-cinematictera-launch-trailervideoMon, 16 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse Entertainment wraps up TERA closed beta weekends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/en-masse-entertainment-wraps-up-tera-closed-beta-weekends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/en-masse-entertainment-wraps-up-tera-closed-beta-weekends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/en-masse-entertainment-wraps-up-tera-closed-beta-weekends/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
The fifth and final TERA closed beta weekend went out with a bang last weekend, heralding the beginning of the final steps toward the game's May launch. But before En Masse Entertainment opens the floodgates of open beta testing, it has decided to release some interesting details and statistics regarding the closed beta test weekends.

For instance, over the course of the closed beta weekends, players formed 90,000 parties and over 3,600 guilds in order to hunt down and destroy over 7.6 billion monsters. In the process, they earned a total of over 14.5 billion gold, collected 20 million items, and bit the dust almost 2 million times. Castanics reigned surpreme as the most commonly chosen race (with Humans and High Elves not far behind), while the most popular class was the Warrior, followed closely by Sorcerer and Slayer. Of course, players can expect to blow these numbers out of the water when open beta begins on April 19th.

[Source: En Masse Entertainment press release]

MassivelyEn Masse Entertainment wraps up TERA closed beta weekends originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasblueholebluehole-studioscbtclosed-beta-weekendclosed-beta-weekendsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylies-damn-lies-and-statisticsobtopen-betastatisticsterawrap-upFri, 13 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA's High Elves strut their stuff in a high-octane video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/teras-high-elves-strut-their-stuff-in-a-high-octane-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/teras-high-elves-strut-their-stuff-in-a-high-octane-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/teras-high-elves-strut-their-stuff-in-a-high-octane-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TERA
"We believe. We remember." Those are the watchwords of the High Elves of TERA, and they're not just talking about rock 'n roll, mind you. As TERA's launch approaches, En Masse is making a strong bid for the legitimacy of this race by releasing its High Elf spotlight video. It's two minutes of flips, ridiculously big weapons, and strong magic flaunted in the face of enemies everywhere.

Once a conquering nation that operated under the name of the Children of Karas, the High Elves suffered a humiliating downfall and subsequently re-emerged as a force for good. While their aid to the good people of the world is welcome, they're not quite trusted as of yet.

High Elves receive four unique racials: They can teleport to their home city, refill their mana, regenerate mana upon resurrection, and gather alchemy resources quickly.

Check out the video after the jump and let us know if you'll be rolling a High Elf upon launch!

Continue reading TERA's High Elves strut their stuff in a high-octane video

MassivelyTERA's High Elves strut their stuff in a high-octane video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioschildren-of-karaselfelvesen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyhigh-elfhigh-elvesrace-spotlightrace-videoracialsteravideoFri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST