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[Square-Enix announces end of Final Fantasy XIV's free play and roadmap for next year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/square-enix-announces-end-of-final-fantasy-xivs-free-play-and-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/square-enix-announces-end-of-final-fantasy-xivs-free-play-and-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/square-enix-announces-end-of-final-fantasy-xivs-free-play-and-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Just the tip of the iceberg.
The latest patch for Final Fantasy XIV brought some major changes with it, but there are more coming. In a new series of announcements, Square-Enix announced that the unbilled period of the game will be coming to a close between late November and early December in recognition of the large-scale work done by Naoki Yoshida and the game's team. But the announcement was more far-reaching than that -- no, the entire game is going to undergo a major process of changes well through next year, including a graphical engine and UI overhaul as well as major changes to the game's maps.

Several design documents have been posted along with this update, making it clear that the changes will be observed and influenced by players taking part in content during this time period. And these changes will be massive -- the new UI will not only look much cleaner but also be able to support player add-ons. With a promised redesign of maps, changes to the landscape, the upcoming PlayStation 3 version, and major updates to the battle system and armoury system, it's going to be very busy over the next few months as Final Fantasy XIV moves toward version 2.0.

MassivelySquare-Enix announces end of Final Fantasy XIV's free play and roadmap for next year originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onsbreakingbreaking-newsfeesffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivin-game-eventsmajor-updatesmechanical-changesnewsplaystation-3ps3squaresquare-enixsubssubscription-feesuiui-changesupdatesversion-2.0version-changesFri, 14 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A week of humanity for Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/a-week-of-humanity-for-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/a-week-of-humanity-for-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/a-week-of-humanity-for-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Even though they've been the only playable race for all of Guild Wars, humans have never had an easy run of things. Beset by enemies that destroyed the nations of Ascalon and Orr, manipulated by otherworldly beings, and thrown into conflict again and again, human beings have always triumphed in the end. And while the 250 years between the original game and Guild Wars 2 have only served to heap more indignities on the race, the nation of Kryta has withstood the onslaughts and endured. That's why humans are the first race to be featured with a full week of discussion.

Human Week is kicking off today for Guild Wars 2 with three pieces of concept art and plans for the next several days. Tuesday will see a reveal on the human story and crafting the proper tone, Wednesday will be reserved for discussing human style and clothing, and Thursday will see more background detail and a homeland video tour. Then Friday will unveil the balance between Kryta's three armed factions, no doubt one of the main flashpoints for conflict in the game's story. GW2 might be starting with the most familiar race of all, but as always, the lore and design reveals promise to be anything but pedestrian.

MassivelyA week of humanity for Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingbreaking-newsclassic-racesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2humanhuman-weekhumanskrytalorelore-updatesncsoftrace-discussionrace-lorerace-revealsracesracial-backgroundracial-storystarting-racesMon, 07 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Layoffs hit Paragon Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/layoffs-at-paragon-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/layoffs-at-paragon-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/layoffs-at-paragon-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A rumor has just broken that Paragon Studios, the team responsible for City of Heroes, has just undergone a round of layoffs. This comes following the launch of Going Rogue, the game's second boxed expansion and center of a major re-arrangement for the game. Among those rumored to be laid off is Christopher Bruce, known to the fans of the game as Back Alley Brawler and the senior animation lead for the studio.

While there have been rumors for some time that the team had been expanding and working on an additional project, possibly a sequel to the now-venerable City of Heroes, it's unknown what long-term impacts these layoffs might have on both the existing game and any future projects. We contacted NCsoft and received official confirmation of the layoffs, but the company thus far has been unable to provide information on who, exactly, has been let go. Our condolences go out to all employees affected by the layoffs.

MassivelyLayoffs hit Paragon Studios originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-alley-brawlerbreakingbreaking-newschristopher-brucecity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovcoxcutsgoing-roguegrjob-cutsjob-losslayoffsncsoftparagonparagon-studiosrumorsstaff-cutsstaff-layoffsstaff-lossThu, 07 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2010: City of Heroes moves Fitness over to inherent powers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/pax-2010-city-of-heroes-moves-fitness-over-to-inherent-powers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/pax-2010-city-of-heroes-moves-fitness-over-to-inherent-powers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/pax-2010-city-of-heroes-moves-fitness-over-to-inherent-powers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Big news got dropped today during the City of Heroes panel over at the inimitable PAX, the sort of thing that every veteran of the game will be interested in. Fitness -- also known as the powerset that is more or less mandatory by level 20, or the Stamina set -- is being moved from power pools into the inherent power set. That means that three of the default power choices in the game have just been rolled into every character from level 1, making builds more flexible and players very happy indeed.

It wasn't mentioned specifically whether this means the powers will simply be under inherent powers or base movement speed, regeneration rates, and so forth will be increased. There has also been more information about the highly anticipated Incarnate System, with Issue 19 rolling out the Alpha Slot to start players down the road of improvement at Level 50. We'll have more on the panel as a whole and the details of the revelations, including news on the Issue 20 testing, but for now, all City of Heroes players should be happy to learn they have three new power selections to play with when 19 launches.

MassivelyPAX 2010: City of Heroes moves Fitness over to inherent powers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-slotbreakingbreaking-newscity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxincarnateincarnate-systeminherentinherent-powersissue-19issue-20ncsoftpanelsparagonparagon-studiospaxpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FFXIV open beta officially starts tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/ffxiv-open-beta-officially-starts-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/ffxiv-open-beta-officially-starts-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/ffxiv-open-beta-officially-starts-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hold off on the wrist-slitting, Final Fantasy XIV fans, as Square-Enix's forthcoming MMORPG will indeed be going into open beta this week. In a short press release, Square has announced that the final phase of beta will begin tomorrow, September 2nd, at 02:00 GMT.

While the release contains no word as to the nature of the critical bugs that caused the postponement on Monday, Square does confirm that the issues have been dealt with. You can find out more details on the open beta, as well as pick up the required registration code, at the official open beta test application website.

MassivelyFFXIV open beta officially starts tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-delaybreakingbreaking-newscritical-bugsfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivopen-betasquareSquare-EnixWed, 01 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Subscribing to both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV gets you bonuses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/subscribing-to-both-final-fantasy-xi-and-final-fantasy-xiv-gets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/subscribing-to-both-final-fantasy-xi-and-final-fantasy-xiv-gets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/subscribing-to-both-final-fantasy-xi-and-final-fantasy-xiv-gets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Players have been wondering for some time if there would be any reason to continue subscribing to Final Fantasy XI after the release of Final Fantasy XIV. Not that the two games are wholly interchangeable, but the audience for both is likely to be similar. Square-Enix seems to have considered this and, as a result, players subscribing to both games will get three bonuses for playing both games. The first is the most significant from a material standpoint -- the base cost of a subscription to Final Fantasy XI will be discounted to $7 a month for an account with both games linked.

The other two bonuses are for veterans of the game, but equally appealing. Players with a character already created in FFXI will be able to import their character name to Final Fantasy XIV, with the character name being the given name and the server name as the family name. (So "Jejeune" on the Fairy server would be named Jejeune Fairy.) And as a last carrot, FFXIV characters will receive a special item on creation, the Hermes Shoes. So if you're planning on picking up FFXIV and already play FFXI, now would be the time to link the PlayOnline account.

MassivelySubscribing to both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV gets you bonuses originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusesbreakingbreaking-newscharacter-namescharacterscross-game-bonusesffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivmulti-game-subscriptionsname-rulesnamingplayonlineserverssquaresquare-enixsubscriber-bonusessubscription-discountTue, 17 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An early release for City of Heroes Going Rogue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/an-early-release-for-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/an-early-release-for-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/an-early-release-for-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

City of Heroes players had been looking forward to August 17th for quite some time, ever since it was announced as the release date for the game's new expansion, Going Rogue. It looks like they got their treat a day early, however, as Issue 18 has gone live today. Issue 18 is the patch that coincides with the expansion, and sure enough, players who have pre-purchased the expansion are reporting that they do indeed have full access to all of the expansion content.

The official word from Paragon Studios is that the "soft launch" was done as a part of extended maintenance in order to facilitate a smoother launch day process.. Either way, there's no indication that the game is rolling back the live push, nor does it seem likely for a few hours of early release. The patch is quite large, so City of Heroes players are advised to start downloading early -- and as soon as it's done, they can start enjoying Going Rogue just a bit ahead of schedule.

[Thanks to Skystreak for the tip!]

MassivelyAn early release for City of Heroes Going Rogue originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking-newscity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovcoxearly-launchearly-releaseexpansiongoing-roguegri18issue-18launchlive-patchlive-serversncsoftparagonparagon-studiosrelease-dateMon, 16 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Roper departs Cryptic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/bill-roper-departs-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/bill-roper-departs-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/bill-roper-departs-cryptic/#commentsFiled under: ,

As of this afternoon, Cryptic Studios is on the hunt for its third Chief Creative Officer of the calendar year. Bill Roper, who stepped up to fill the void left when Jack Emmert moved on to the company's COO chair last March, has announced his decision to seek greener pastures via a post on the Champions Online website.

Roper makes no mention of his future plans, but does stop to thank fans and colleagues with his signature style. "Thank you all for both the support and the kicks in the ass that have pushed me to constantly evaluate and grow," he writes.

Stay with Massively as we bring you the reactions as well as more information on Roper's next gig.

MassivelyBill Roper departs Cryptic originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperbreakingbreaking-newschampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosjack-emmertroperMon, 16 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earth Eternal facing the prospect of shutdown]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/earth-eternal-facing-the-prospect-of-shutdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/earth-eternal-facing-the-prospect-of-shutdown/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/earth-eternal-facing-the-prospect-of-shutdown/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's incredibly bad news today about Earth Eternal, the free-to-play browser-based MMO from Sparkplay Media. Or we should say formerly from Sparkplay Media, as it appears that hard times have hit the company with resounding force. In an extremely sad letter, CEO Matt Mihaly has informed players that Sparkplay Media has been all but shut down, with only two remaining employees (including himself) taking care of closing down the company and trying to sell the game to another service provider.

Although the game is not currently being shut down, Mihaly is frank about its prospects: it entirely depends on whether or not another company will pick up the hosting costs of running Earth Eternal. For the time being, the game has made all of its microtransaction items free for all players, in hopes that whatever the game's ultimate fate, players can enjoy it for a little while longer. Our consolations go out to the team behind the game, and we offer our sympathies for what has no doubt been a painful process for the entire staff.

MassivelyEarth Eternal facing the prospect of shutdown originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbreakingbreaking-newsbrowser-basedbrowser-mmoclosureearth-eternaleef2pfree-to-playlayoffsmatt-mihalypossible-shutdownshutdownsparkplaysparkplay-mediaSun, 08 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic drops a surprise video documentary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-drops-a-surprise-video-documentary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-drops-a-surprise-video-documentary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-drops-a-surprise-video-documentary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It seemed like just another day for the legion of fans rabidly awaiting more information on Star Wars: The Old Republic, or more specifically another Thursday. After all, the site updates with content on such a regular schedule on Fridays that you could set your watch by it, assuming that your watch only measures what day it is. But we were surprised by the tease that the game would be posting an update via its social media sites on Twitter and Facebook. Lo and behold, it's a new developer video on one of the most central activities in the game: combat.

Currently exclusive to Gametrailers, the movie highlights the speed and fluidity of the game's combat animations as well as the overall design philosophy. One of the points the developers choose to point out is that most MMO combat is focused on several players versus a single boss enemy, which feels much less heroic and epic than a lone warrior struggling against unbeatable odds. Mobility, style, and more than a few interesting powers are on display in the six-minute video, which should give Star Wars: The Old Republic fans plenty to look forward to.

[ Thanks to Tziena for the tip! ]

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic drops a surprise video documentary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mmobioware-mmorpgbioware-star-warsbioware-swtorbreakingbreaking-newscombatdevelopmenteaelectronic-artslucas-artslucas-arts-mmolucas-arts-mmorpgstar-wars-gamestar-wars-mmostar-wars-mmorpgstar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-torstarwarsstarwars-the-old-republicsw-torswtorthe-old-republictrailersvideosThu, 22 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alganon moves to a "subscription free" model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/alganon-moves-to-a-subscription-free-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/alganon-moves-to-a-subscription-free-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/alganon-moves-to-a-subscription-free-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We've just hit the four-month mark from the launch of Alganon, but it turns out that Quest Online has been paying more attention to their business model than was externally apparent. The game is moving from its current subscription-based model to a "subscription free" setup immediately, changing up a number of elements of the game in an effort to stay competitive. As the official announcement takes pains to point out, they have no desire to make the game completely free-to-play, which means that the game will retain its cover price, but there will be no subsequent fee for play.

Similar to Dungeons and Dragons Online, the game will be converted to using an item shop complete with various items, as well as the option to speed up the game's Study system substantially. Customers who have already pre-paid for subscriptions will be given a certain amount of currency for the item shop as a payback, as well as having their accounts given a special "Citizen" status as a show of good faith. The release also sets the game's "official" release as April 8th, an odd move to be certain. Alganon is making some large-scale changes, so take a look at the full press release for more information.

MassivelyAlganon moves to a "subscription free" model originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonbreakingbreaking-newsbusiness-modelsdavid-allenddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfree-to-playqolquest-onlineTue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The breakdown of Final Fantasy XI's VanaFest 2010 announcements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/the-breakdown-of-final-fantasy-xis-vanafest-2010-announcements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/the-breakdown-of-final-fantasy-xis-vanafest-2010-announcements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/the-breakdown-of-final-fantasy-xis-vanafest-2010-announcements/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After a month of heavy anticipation from the fans, VanaFest 2010 finally has come and given us all the information that we could want about where the game is heading from here. And the show did stay focused upon Final Fantasy XI -- the only mention of Final Fantasy XIV was the announcement that its first wave of beta testing will start on March 11th with a limited number of participants. That left quite a bit of show left to detail all of the changes coming to the game.

And there was certainly a lot of news to be shared. An increase in level cap, new add-on zones, job reviews, conclusions to existing content, server merges, new seasonal gear -- there was no shortage of surprising announcements. Continue on past the cut for the short version of what came out during the show and what players can expect.

Continue reading The breakdown of Final Fantasy XI's VanaFest 2010 announcements

MassivelyThe breakdown of Final Fantasy XI's VanaFest 2010 announcements originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking-newscampaignclass-adjustmentsclass-balancecontentff11ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivjob-adjustmentslevel-capmarch-version-updatemissionsquestsserver-mergessquare-enixvanafest-2010xbox-360Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online giving everyone a butcher's blessing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/warhammer-online-giving-everyone-a-butchers-blessing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/warhammer-online-giving-everyone-a-butchers-blessing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/warhammer-online-giving-everyone-a-butchers-blessing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While the Night of Murder event has been pretty well received by the Warhammer Online crowd, there have been certain persistent issues with the event's mechanics. The staff extended the event slightly in order to try and ameliorate the problem, but it kept sticking around for some reason; one of those relentless bugs that avoids squishing no matter how resolutely you aim for it.

The major sticking point? Butcher's Blessing, a substantial buff to both experience and renown accumulated. While not a game-breaking issue if unresolved, it was certainly obnoxious for anyone looking forward to the improved growth rates. As a result, the staff has apparently been all but swimming in tickets about the buff not applying or functioning correctly. So the development staff decided to go with the straightforward solution.

For today and tomorrow, there will be a 30% buff to experience and renown gained for all characters, regardless of the blessing functioning or not functioning. That's a pretty substantial leap in gains, and it's high incentive for Warhammer Online players to hit the ground running. So go ahead, log in, and start enjoying the blessing of butchery on all of your characters.

MassivelyWarhammer Online giving everyone a butcher's blessing originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking-newsbutchers-blessingea-gamesea-mythicea-warhammerea-warhammer-onlineelectronic-artsevent-extensionexperience-boostleveling-boostmythicmythic-eamythic-entertainmentnight-of-murderwarwar-eawarhammerwarhammer-eawarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-eaSat, 20 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Potential smoking gun found for Guild Wars security issues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/potential-smoking-gun-found-for-guild-wars-security-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/potential-smoking-gun-found-for-guild-wars-security-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/potential-smoking-gun-found-for-guild-wars-security-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It started as a surprise. Guild Wars players reported suddenly finding themselves hacked, their accounts cleaned out, no indication of what could have caused the problem. NCsoft and ArenaNet offered suggestions, security safeguards, new measures being taken, hints that the problem lay in a popular third-party website with an undisclosed name. But with the recent rash of problems that Aion players have been having regarding security, new facts have begun coming to light, and they paint a picture that isn't pretty.

Specifically, some players seem to be finding that it doesn't take any skill to wind up hacking someone's account accidentally. And all it takes is a few log-in attempts to find yourself with access to someone's account name, password, and billing information for all of a player's NCsoft games.

Continue reading Potential smoking gun found for Guild Wars security issues

MassivelyPotential smoking gun found for Guild Wars security issues originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-exploitsaccount-securityaionarenanetbreaking-newsgaile-grayguild-warsgwhackingncsoftregina-buenaobrasecurity-breachsecurity-issuesSat, 02 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV beta applications now open]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/final-fantasy-xiv-beta-applications-now-open/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/final-fantasy-xiv-beta-applications-now-open/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/final-fantasy-xiv-beta-applications-now-open/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There's something to shout about if you're looking forward to Final Fantasy XIV -- the game is now accepting applicants for its beta testing. We've heard that the game is slated for release some time next year, but this is one of the obvious indicators that it's closer than we might have thought. So if you're as excited about the prospect of getting to play the game as some of us, you probably clicked that link before you read any further.

Anyone still reading, of course, should be apprised of some minor conditionals first. The test is only open to those 18 years of age or older capable of submitting reports in fluent Japanese, English, French, or German. (Luckily it's not in all four at once.) You'll also need to be connected to the Internet and capable of downloading large amounts of data, but that's de riguer for MMOs, so it merits less of a mention. There will be multiple rounds of testing, with each one adding further testers, and the official page states that testers will be evaluated based on their application rather than order in which they applied. That doesn't mean that Final Fantasy XIV fans shouldn't hurry on over -- but you've probably already done that back in the first paragraph.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV beta applications now open originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-applicationbeta-testbreakingbreaking-newsffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xivnew-titlesnews-itemsshoutingsquaresquare-enixWed, 16 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet co-founder Jeff Strain opens new studio]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/arenanet-co-founder-jeff-strain-opens-new-studio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/arenanet-co-founder-jeff-strain-opens-new-studio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/arenanet-co-founder-jeff-strain-opens-new-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Remember Jeff Strain? His August departure from ArenaNet was big news, and we haven't heard a lot from him lately. We found out today what he's been up to, and we couldn't be happier.

Jeff Strain has a shiny (slimy?) new project just officially announced today. Undead Labs is his new studio, which is already at work planning a zombie MMO -- more specifically, a zombie-console-MMO. To quote the Undead Labs site, "Zombie MMO! Hell yeah!" Of course, we already have a million questions, but he was kind enough to answer many of them well in advance. (Points to him for anticipating them and spelling it out right up front, and for making us laugh.)

It's early days yet so we don't have a laundry list of specific details and screenshots, but the site already shows a departure from the traditional way of doing things when it comes to MMO development. A look around Undead Labs sets the tone right off, beginning with the aforementioned answers to questions, and continuing with a fairly amusing etiquette guide. Strain and Undead Labs look to be off to a running start with things, and we are going to be keeping a close eye on the impending zombie apocalypse.

MassivelyArenaNet co-founder Jeff Strain opens new studio originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena-netarenanetBreakingbreaking-newsjeff-strainnew-titlesundead-labsMon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythic's Mark Jacobs leaves EA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/mythics-mark-jacobs-leaves-ea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/mythics-mark-jacobs-leaves-ea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/mythics-mark-jacobs-leaves-ea/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mark Jacobs, the former General Manager of Mythic Entertainment and Lead Designer of Warhammer Online, has left EA on 23rd June, the company announced today. This comes as part of restructuring plans within EA which includes both Mythic and BioWare and have culminated in the formation of a new, as-yet-unnamed, studio which will focus on RPGs and MMOs.

The new studio will be led by BioWare co-founder and General Manager Ray Muzyka, who will become Group General Manager. BioWare's other co-founder Greg Zeschuk will become Group Creative Officer while Rob Denton will succeed Jacobs as General Manager.

You can certainly expect more from us as this story develops.

[Via The Examiner]

MassivelyMythic's Mark Jacobs leaves EA originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mmobreakingbreaking-newsbreakingnewselectronic-artsgreg-zeschukmark-jacobsmergersmythic-entertainmentray-muzykarob-dentonWed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Book 14 release date announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/lotros-book-14-release-date-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/lotros-book-14-release-date-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/lotros-book-14-release-date-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


After several months of preparation, tons of screenshots, videos and more, Lord of the Rings Online's Book 14 has a set release date. According to the official site, the servers will be down on Tuesday, July 22nd from 6AM - 12PM Eastern time for the latest content update, Book 14: The Ring-forges of Eregion.

If you need a refresher course on Book 14's contents, be sure to check out Massively's exclusive tour from last week, as well as our screenshot gallery. The official patch notes for Book 14 are now live on the LotRO website, to give you a complete run-down of the changes and additions made with this content patch. Keep your eyes on Massively for more information on Book 14 once it goes live. Now, we look ahead towards Mines of Moria!

MassivelyLotRO's Book 14 release date announced originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking-newscodemasterslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-book-14release-dateturbineFri, 18 Jul 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO Book 14 hits the preview server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/lotro-book-14-hits-the-preview-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/lotro-book-14-hits-the-preview-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/lotro-book-14-hits-the-preview-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Lord of the Rings Online, Book 14: The Ring-forges of Eregion has just hit the preview server Roheryn, and the extensive patch notes are posted! To see the new content, you will need to download the Turbine Download Manager, which is currently in its second stage of beta itself, allowing new and current players much easier access into the preview content.

So let's get a glimpse into some of the biggest features of this new patch:

  • Monster Play emotes are being introduced, complete with racial-specific emotes that can be achieved through deeds.
  • Monster Play races have several improvements and balance measures, especially with the Weaver.
  • New class improvements including several for the Burglar and Captain, plus the inclusion of varying instrument sounds and animations to correlate with the actual instruments being played by your Minstrel (not just the lute!)
  • The Diminishing Returns system is set into place with vast improvements.
  • Plus changes to Crafting, new dye, new outfits, new quests, UI fixes, new items and much, much more!
Check out the complete patch notes and take the rest of the day off to read through this monstrous list, you won't be sorry!

MassivelyLotRO Book 14 hits the preview server originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking-newscodemasterseregionlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-book-14roheryntest-serverthe-ring-forges-of-eregionturbineMon, 30 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[In-game advertising headed to CoX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/in-game-advertising-headed-to-cox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Double Fusion just announced that they will be providing contextual advertising within the City of Heroes universe. The above photos are only samples, as no deals have been struck with individual advertisers yet.

Before your "DOOM Meter" shoots immediately into the red... take a deep breath and relax. First, the sky is not falling. Second, any advertising will be - say it with us now - optional. So really, there is no reason for anyone to go ballistic over this. However, this is the gaming industry. As such NCsoft anticipated an intense reaction. Brian Clayton, General Manager for the NorCal NCsoft studio, simultaneously released a very detailed and reassuring statement to the community regarding this very touchy subject.

This is not an off the cuff decision. In fact, it's something NCsoft has considered since the initial release of City of Heroes way back in 2004.

Continue reading In-game advertising headed to CoX

MassivelyIn-game advertising headed to CoX originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbreakingbreaking-newsbrian-claytoncity-of-heroescity-of-villainsdouble-fusionin-game-advertisingncsoftncsoft-norcaloptionalThu, 03 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft fires one back across the bow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/ncsoft-fires-one-back-across-the-bow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/ncsoft-fires-one-back-across-the-bow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/ncsoft-fires-one-back-across-the-bow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


A few days ago I wrote about an article in the Korea Times that took aim at NCsoft's 2007 fiscal report by calling Tabula Rasa a "financial disaster." The ensuing explosion both here at Massively (the comments section) and abroad (a direct reply from the Korea Times writer himself) was akin to the Bane dropping a mortar round smack dab into the middle of our little virtual compound.

Other sites reported on the Korea Times article in the same manner. And Amy "Critters" Crider, TR's official Community Coordinator, even issued a public warning about said reporter and said article. But NCsoft didn't stop there. David Swofford, head of NCsoft's North American PR department, fired off a response via a statement given to the gang at Crispy Gamer. It's a doosey! Swofford said, "The Korea Times English edition story is full of inaccuracies... No one at NCsoft said the product is a financial disaster." He comments on a great may things, including the cost of the sci-fi MMO: "The TR development did not cost $100 million... I don't know where that came from."

Ah... justice is served. If you've been following this situation here you owe it to yourself to click on over to the Crispy Gamer site and check out their full article. It's got more searing rebuttal from Swofford (kudos to them for scoring this by the way). Then come on back here 'cuz we so want to hear what you have to say about this!

MassivelyNCsoft fires one back across the bow originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007-fiscal-reportAmy-CriderAustin-Studiobreakingbreaking-newsCrispy-GamerCrittersKorean-TimesLee-Jae-honcsoftPlanetTRrichard-garriotttabula-rasaThu, 21 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We are the Champions!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/we-are-the-champions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/we-are-the-champions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/we-are-the-champions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The WarCry Network is reporting this morning that Cryptic Studios (the original development company that created City of Heroes) has launched a new website and associated forums for their recently announced Champions Online superhero MMO. Additionally, Hero Games (creators of the tabletop RPG which the MMO is based on), will release a new (6th) edition to coincide with Champions Online.

Scanning through the website and screen shots (see the one above) - I'm loving the cell shaded look! Being a big time CoX fan myself -- I can't wait to give Champions a spin! Check out the site and then let us know if you think there's room for another superhero MMO. Do you like what you see (real time fighting!!)? Do you think they'll make their Spring '09 launch date? Let the speculation begin!

MassivelyWe are the Champions! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking-newsChampions-OnlineCryptic-StudiosforumsWarCry-Networkwebsite-launchWed, 20 Feb 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tabula Rasa not in the dumps after all?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/tabula-rasa-news-not-what-it-seems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/tabula-rasa-news-not-what-it-seems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/tabula-rasa-news-not-what-it-seems/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Earlier this morning we posted an article from The Korea Times that -- on the surface -- seemed to herald very bad times for NCsoft and Tabula Rasa. After talking with our contacts at NCsoft, things may not be nearly as dire as the writer of that article made it seem. The cliche "take things with a grain of salt" was coined for a reason, and as you'll see... this appears to be one of them.

According to what we were able to uncover this very same Korea Times staff writer has earned a reputation for writing sensationalized articles about NCsoft. In the last year he apparently has "reported" particulars from conferences that he never actually attended.

Here are a few nuggets of knowledge that Cho Jin-seo "forgot" to mention:

Continue reading Tabula Rasa not in the dumps after all?

MassivelyTabula Rasa not in the dumps after all? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007-fiscal-reportAmy-Criderbreakingbreaking-newsCrittersncsoftPlanetTRrichard-garriotttabula-rasaMon, 18 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tabula Rasa down in the dumps?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/tabula-rasa-down-in-the-dumps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/tabula-rasa-down-in-the-dumps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/tabula-rasa-down-in-the-dumps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

According to a report from The Korea Times, NCsoft's MMO Tabula Rasa has done so poor financially that it's causing the Austin Studio to be reshuffled.

The staff reporter on this piece (Cho Jin-seo) states that the Austin Studio "has inflicted a massive loss to the parent company by failing in a six-year blockbuster project." All of this seems to stem from NCsoft's 2007 fiscal report released on February 13. Jin-seo reports "the Tabula Rasa game has proven to be a financial disaster." During a conference call on February 14 NCsoft's CFO Lee Jae-ho stated that, "Because of this disappointing result, some downsizing in Austin is inevitable."

This is very, very bad news -- and sad news to me personally because I enjoy the game so much -- if it indeed turns out to be correct. We have passed this information along to our sources at NCsoft for further comment, and we'll report back to you the moment we hear anything further. Until then, be sure to read the entire article for the complete lowdown on this developing situation.

Thanks to one of our readers (JohnnyP) for making us aware of this news!

MassivelyTabula Rasa down in the dumps? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007-fiscal-reportAustin-Studiobreakingbreaking-newsKorean-TimesLee-Jae-honcsoftrichard-garriotttabula-rasaMon, 18 Feb 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Stanford University's Metaverse U Conference]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/stanford-universitys-metaverse-u-conference/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/stanford-universitys-metaverse-u-conference/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/stanford-universitys-metaverse-u-conference/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Virtual worlds and online gaming continue to grow in cultural importance, changing the outlook of commerce and entertainment almost daily. To make sense of these changes, Stanford University feels it's high time they convened a group of leading experts in the field to discuss what it all might mean, both today and reaching into the future. To this end, the Stanford University Humanities Lab is hosting the Metaverse U Conference, to take place on campus on February 16th and 17th.

Among the notable names speaking at this event are Raph Koster of Areae's Metaplace; Cory Ondrejka, formerly of Linden Lab; Howard Rheingold, author and critic, credited with coining the term 'virtual community', and many other guests. In fact, those three in particular will be speaking together in conversation on Saturday, an event I expect will be both illuminating and provocative.

I'll be attending with Massively's Barb Dybwad, so look for us and say hi! If you can't make it, however, don't despair -- the organizers have told us that "we are about to announce that the entire conference will be streamed for free into Second Life for anyone who wants to attend there."

MassivelyStanford University's Metaverse U Conference originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areaebarb-dybwadbreakingbreaking-newsconferencecory-ondrejkahoward-rheingoldlinden-labmetaplacemetaverse-uraph-kostersecond-lifestanfordThu, 31 Jan 2008 08:30:00 EST