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[Updated: Win a City of Heroes Origins Booster Pack!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/win-a-city-of-heroes-origins-booster-pack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/win-a-city-of-heroes-origins-booster-pack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/win-a-city-of-heroes-origins-booster-pack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A few weeks ago, the City of Heroes team announced the upcoming Origins Booster Packs. The new capes and origins were "tentatively" set to arrive in the NCsoft store by November 3rd.

It looks like that date was accurate, because the Origins Booster Packs are available as of today for $9.99 each. Nature, science, technology, magic, and mutant packs are for sale, but if your gaming fund is a little nonexistent at the moment, Massively's got you covered!

We have Origins Booster Packs for 10 lucky Massively readers. It couldn't be easier to win; simply take a peek at our contest rules, then leave a comment here telling us which part of the pack is your favorite. We'll choose 10 winners at random from those who comment before 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, November 5th.

But wait, there's more! Those of you who simply cannot wait until the drawing can pass the time by watching our Twitter page this afternoon and evening. Yes, that is a hint.

Good luck!

[UPDATED: All 10 winners have been chosen and emailed. Check those inboxes, and congratulations to the winners!]

MassivelyUpdated: Win a City of Heroes Origins Booster Pack! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boosterbooster-packcity-of-heroescohcontestcovcoxcrypticgiveawaygiveawaysncsoftncsoft-storeoriginsorigins-booster-packparagon-studiossuperheroWed, 03 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDCO 2010: Rich Vogel and Calvin Crowner on 13 years of Ultima Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/gdco-2010-rich-vogel-and-calvin-crowner-on-13-years-of-ultim/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/gdco-2010-rich-vogel-and-calvin-crowner-on-13-years-of-ultim/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/gdco-2010-rich-vogel-and-calvin-crowner-on-13-years-of-ultim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

At this year's GDC Online in Austin, Ultima Online was the first game inducted into the Game Developer's Choice Hall of Fame. Massively had a chance to look back at UO's thirteen years of history with its original senior producer, Richard Vogel, and its current one, Calvin Crowner. Follow along after the jump to read more on their impressions of those 13 years.

Continue reading GDCO 2010: Rich Vogel and Calvin Crowner on 13 years of Ultima Online

MassivelyGDCO 2010: Rich Vogel and Calvin Crowner on 13 years of Ultima Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventures-on-the-high-seasawardsBoosterboosterscalvin-crownerEAea-mythicEGMevent-moderatorsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegdc-online-2010gdcogdco-2010high-seashigh-seas-expansioninterviewInterviewsMythic-Entertainmentoriginosire-enlistersrich-vogelSandboxseersUltima-OnlineUOMon, 11 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mayhem is afoot: Win a copy of Going Rogue or a City of Heroes Mutant Booster pack!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/mayhem-is-afoot-win-a-copy-of-going-rogue-or-a-city-of-heroes-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/mayhem-is-afoot-win-a-copy-of-going-rogue-or-a-city-of-heroes-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/mayhem-is-afoot-win-a-copy-of-going-rogue-or-a-city-of-heroes-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mayhem we say, Mayhem! The good Mother tricked us yesterday with an early launch of City of Heroes: Going Rogue and threw off our superpowered plans! But, while we scrambled to get you coverage with the strength of 10,000 men, the brave (or cruel) heroes (or villains) of Paragon City (or the Rogue Isles) entered the mirror universe of Praetoria to carve out their destinies (or plunder and loot maniacally). We hope you guys are enjoying the new areas, and the new morality options, entered into the game!

But, alas, are you saddened that you can't join your superpowered friends in Praetoria? Are you one of the few who don't own a copy of City of Heroes? Well, how about we fix that for you with a superpowered contest, courtesy our friends at NCsoft?

Want to win a full copy of City of Heroes: Going Rogue, or a copy of the Mutant Super Booster costume pack? Super jump after the break for all of the details!

Continue reading Mayhem is afoot: Win a copy of Going Rogue or a City of Heroes Mutant Booster pack!

MassivelyMayhem is afoot: Win a copy of Going Rogue or a City of Heroes Mutant Booster pack! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boostercity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecohcontestcovcoxfeaturedfull-game-contestfull-game-giveawaygiveawaygoing-roguemother-mayhemmutant-boosterncsoftpraetoriasuper-mutantsuper-mutant-boosterTue, 17 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Outlaws of EVE Online: Masu'di Part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/outlaws-of-eve-online-masudi-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/outlaws-of-eve-online-masudi-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/outlaws-of-eve-online-masudi-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



How do you handle the inevitable conflicts with territorial alliances who likely have greater numbers and firepower?

Most of the areas of space we need access to are claimed, with various levels of effectiveness, by large and powerful territorial alliances. We can not begin to match them with manpower, so we have to take a more cracks between the pavement route.

In EVE a little good will can go a long way. So we will always try an open upfront approach first, and try and build a mutually beneficial relationship. Cheap boosters, resource and information sharing are all things we try and bring to the table.

However, whether this is accepted or not, very much depends on the organisation involved, and their modus operandi. Some alliances in EVE develop because their leaders have good business sense, focus and strategy, they know what they want for the alliance, and know what they can offer in return. Other organisations build up from a pure quest for power. For these organisations trading and business can take away from this. They prefer to try and do everything in-house as this is perceived as a sign of strength.

"We moved a number of agents into their alliance, who could help facilitate the acquisition of the resources we needed. They provided intel, allowing us to conduct our own covert resource gathering, while causing internal disruption where possible."
In the latter scenario we have to take a more covert approach, for example one recent alliance, former resident of Fountain, was an alliance called Brutally Clever Empire. We had already moved into the booster production constellation earlier, taking advantage of the chaos there when Band of Brothers pulled out. Not being perceived as a threat by anyone else we were generally low down on the target list and left alone to get on with what we like doing best. When Brutally Clever Empire arrived and claimed the region as their own, they wanted exclusive control of all the region's resources, and allow their in-house booster producers to build up a monopoly on the Exile booster type. However, the stronger boosters need resources from other regions too. It's something which we could easily provide and they tried to negotiate with us over this, however they refused to let us continue our access to our former operational areas - something which we found unacceptable.

Without going into too much detail, we moved a number of agents into their alliance, who could help facilitate the acquisition of the resources we needed. They provided intel, allowing us to conduct our own covert resource gathering, while causing internal disruption where possible. We also we hired some mercenaries for a couple of months to harass Brutally Clever Empire, but luckily for us they had made enemies of most of their neighbours. With few friends and allies, and being yet another alliance that puts the wagon before the horse, they quickly collapsed.

Continue reading Outlaws of EVE Online: Masu'di Part 2

MassivelyOutlaws of EVE Online: Masu'di Part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-marketboosterbooster-productionboosterscapsuleercarteldrugdrugses-and-whizzeveeve-onlinehedonistic-imperativemasudinew-edenoutlawoutlawssmugglersmugglingWed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Outlaws of EVE Online: Masu'di]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/outlaws-of-eve-online-masudi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/outlaws-of-eve-online-masudi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/outlaws-of-eve-online-masudi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Whether prowling low security space hunting for targets or fighting in massive fleet engagements, EVE Online's elite pilots -- called capsuleers -- stride like gods across galactic battle zones, as seen from the perspective of normal ship captains and crews. In this setting of New Eden, a capsuleer's neural interface with the ship allows his thoughts to regulate the vessel's performance; the will to survive coupled with fast reflexes equates to greater fortitude and speed in combat. Against conventional fleets, even a single capsuleer reigns supreme... but when faced with others of his caliber, or many of them, a capsuleer seeks every possible edge he can get.

Some of EVE's pilots channel their resources into acquiring the most advanced technology, hoping to gain an advantage over their rivals. But others choose to invest in themselves through performance-enhancing drugs. These 'boosters' are outlawed in all secure regions of space, due to their powerful effects on a capsuleer's mind, and thus a magnified lethality of his ship. The demand for boosters is great, but so too are the costs. Boosters are contraband and risky to move in large quantities. Coupled with the arcane processes involved in creating these drugs, those in the know have formed cartels, whose booster production and smuggling operations form the underpinnings of New Eden's black market. The most pivotal figure in New Eden's booster trade is Masu'di, who heads the Hedonistic Imperative drug cartel through the corporate front of Es and Whizz. Their operations are largely hidden, as they dance around the power blocs of the largest capsuleer alliances, subtly influencing or corrupting those who hinder the narcotics trade. Their network operates between the cracks of New Eden's laws and systems, ensuring a steady flow of boosters into any corner of the galaxy where a capsuleer needs a fix.

Massively recently spoke with Masu'di about the life of a drug kingpin in New Eden, and the inner workings of the black market in EVE.

Gallery: Outlaws of EVE Online: Masu'di

Continue reading Outlaws of EVE Online: Masu'di

MassivelyOutlaws of EVE Online: Masu'di originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-marketboosterbooster-productionboosterscapsuleercarteldrugdrugses-and-whizzeveeve-onlinefeaturedhedonistic-imperativejoystiqfeaturesmasudinew-edenoutlawoutlawssmugglersmugglingWed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A closer look at illegal drug manufacturing in EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/a-closer-look-at-illegal-drug-manufacturing-in-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/a-closer-look-at-illegal-drug-manufacturing-in-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/a-closer-look-at-illegal-drug-manufacturing-in-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The freedom to pursue a life of crime or establish criminal enterprises in EVE Online is one of the more interesting aspects of the game. One of those paths a player can take is being a drug dealer. Perhaps the closest approximation to this aspect of EVE Online is the classic game DopeWars, although EVE brings this type of gameplay to a far more interactive level, with a real social aspect to the dealing side. However, these drugs -- known as "boosters" for how they augment certain abilities -- aren't simply bought from NPCs and then resold at a markup. Like virtually all of the items in EVE, boosters are manufactured by players with an industrial bent. The boosters are then ultimately distributed by those who enjoy smuggling and dealing.

Kirith Kodachi established much of the basic info about boosters in his recent article for EVE Tribune, "EVE's Little Pick-Me-Ups." Now he's written a follow-up article that explains a bit about how these illicit substances are manufactured. In Kodachi's "Boosters Part 2: The Secrets of the Drug Cartels" he walks the reader through the complex stages of booster production, from gas cloud harvesting and reactions to the use of drug labs. Check out Kodachi's article for a look at what's involved with establishing yourself in EVE's illegal drug trade.

MassivelyA closer look at illegal drug manufacturing in EVE originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boosterboostersccpccp-gamescraftingdopewarsdrug-dealingdrugseveeve-onlineeve-tribunegame-mechanicskirith-kodachisci-fitips-and-tricksMon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TR's patch 1.6, why play when you can wait?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/trs-patch-1-6-why-play-when-you-can-wait/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/trs-patch-1-6-why-play-when-you-can-wait/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/trs-patch-1-6-why-play-when-you-can-wait/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


MMO players, of which I count myself a part, are an interesting folk. While we profess to play our games of choice out of the pursuit of fun, many of us scarcely hesitate to flagellate ourselves (figuratively, I hope) for some new piece of gear, or stay up far later than good sense would have dictated to finish a raid, or stop playing our game of choice altogether because some hot new patch is coming down the pipeline that will change the way we play.

I can now count myself in that last category, as the word that patch 1.6 was going to render profound changes on Tabula Rasa's experience modifier system has caused me to seize up and stop playing the game altogether. Perhaps it's a bit misguided to just forfeit playing the game on account of a patch with no concrete deadline, but then, who wants to spend all that time fighting enemies and grinding mobs with a paltry x2.5 experience modifier when the patch is going to be bringing down x6 multipliers with 30-minute boosters that bump it up an additional 50%? Setting aside simple quest experience, you could be looking at a whopping three times the experience gain pre-patch! Who wants to grind now when that's coming down the pipes? Not me, that's for sure.

MassivelyTR's patch 1.6, why play when you can wait? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boosterdestination-gamesexperienceexperience-modifiermultiplierpatch-1.6PTStabula-rasatrSun, 16 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST