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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Trion hit with another round of layoffs [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/trion-reportedly-undergoing-massive-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/trion-reportedly-undergoing-massive-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/trion-reportedly-undergoing-massive-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: ,

Trion reportedly undergoing 'massive' layoffs
IGN is reporting "massive" layoffs at Trion. Though the website doesn't cite any sources, it suggests that "well over half the company has been let go," and it also says that those affected may include as much as 80% of the company. An undisclosed IGN source says that "employees are being escorted out of the building and that senior leaders from various Trion teams may not receive severance due to 'undelivered services.'" [These claims have since been rebutted by a Trion Worlds representative, who told Massively directly that while there were indeed layoffs, the 80% number originally suggested by IGN was "grossly exaggerated." She further clarified that no one was escorted out of the building or denied severance as IGN's unnamed source alleged. Additionally, developers emphasized during today's official stream that the RIFT team is not affected by the layoffs.]

Trion recently announced a free-to-play offering for its RIFT MMORPG. It also launched Defiance earlier this year and partnered with Korea's XLGAMES to bring the company's ArcheAge sandbox MMO to western audiences.

Trion also provided the following official statement.
To best position Trion in a rapidly changing industry, we have reorganized our teams and are expanding our free to play offering. With Defiance, we delivered a great game that more than one million gamers registered to play and continue to enjoy. As we progress from launch to ongoing development of the game, we are adjusting our staffing levels to deliver new content and improved features. RIFT, and our other titles in development, were unaffected by these changes. We are very much looking forward to the free to play release of RIFT and are excited by the other new titles currently in development.
[Thank you to everyone who helped us develop this story.]

MassivelyTrion hit with another round of layoffs [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinglayoffstriontrion-layoffsFri, 17 May 2013 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet ceases Guild Wars 1 live development, automates game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ArenaNet ceases Guild Wars live development, automates game
Guild Wars 1 has seen the end of an era of live development today, as ArenaNet stated that it is switching the game over to automation. The studio said that players should not expect any further content other than the systems being put into place to keep the game running on auto-pilot for the foreseeable future.

"Over time, our focus has shifted to updates that not only help maintain Guild Wars but help the game maintain itself," ArenaNet posted. "With this focus in mind, we'll no longer be releasing any new content for the live game except in support of automation. Our goal is to get the game to a place where it can continue to run and be available to all of our fans. We have a lot of love for Guild Wars -- it's the game that made us what we are today -- and we want to continue sharing it with everyone!"

Tournaments, events, and birthday prizes will be moved over to automation during this transition. The studio said that automating the game will keep it running longer and that it will keep a live team on Guild Wars to handle critical fixes and troubleshooting.

MassivelyArenaNet ceases Guild Wars 1 live development, automates game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetautomatingautomationbirthday-prizesbreakingfantasyguild-warsgwlive-developmentlive-teammaintenance-modencsofttournamentsweekend-eventsFri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free-to-play model more than doubled the revenue of Star Wars: The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/free-to-play-model-more-than-doubled-the-revenue-of-star-wars-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/free-to-play-model-more-than-doubled-the-revenue-of-star-wars-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/free-to-play-model-more-than-doubled-the-revenue-of-star-wars-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

So now kitties get to double their lightsabers.
Following the free-to-play announcement, many gamers were quick to mark Star Wars: The Old Republic as a broken shell of a game, with its business model conversion serving as the last gasp of a game in danger of imminent shutdown. The facts do not support that particular viewpoint. According to the most recent Electronic Arts earning call, the game has more than doubled its revenue since the conversion in November of last year.

EA president Frank Gibeau stated in the most recent earnings call that the game's subscriber numbers have remained stable, with more than 1.7 million new players joining the game via the free option. He also restated that the game is aiming to keep up a content delivery schedule around every six weeks. So if you were getting a bit nervous about the long-term viability of SWTOR, it looks like you can rest a bit more easily.

MassivelyFree-to-play model more than doubled the revenue of Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingbusiness-modelseaearningelectronic-artsf2pfrank-gibeaufree-to-playfree-to-play-conversionslucasartsprofitsrevenuesci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsusbcriptionsswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal
Oh ye of little faith. Of course Camelot Unchained got funded. Niche MMOs with die-hard fanbases never say die, even when they're up against an 11th hour Kickstarter goal that looked mighty challenging just yesterday.

And that's pretty much all we have to tell you at the moment. Other than the fact that Massively's Kickstarter watchers can officially get back to work. We'll bring you more details about the newly greenlit project as soon as they become available.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsemark-jacobspvprvrWed, 01 May 2013 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed
Moments ago at EVE Online's tenth anniversary Fanfest, CCP revealed plans for its Second Decade Collector's Edition box. EVE never really had a proper collector's edition, and the tenth anniversary of the game is the perfect opportunity to release one. The box will come with an awesome physical Rifter model that doubles as a USB hub, a CD of the tenth anniversary EVE symphony from this year's Fanfest, and a series of codes to redeem to cosmetic items in EVE Online and DUST 514. The box is due for release in October 2013 and on the EVE store and Amazon and can be pre-purhased right now for $149.99 (€149.99 for those in Europe).

Cosmetic upgrades for EVE include a new golden pod skin that applies permanently to one character, some new bloodline-based in-game clothing, and several collector's edition ships. Players will get a five-run blueprint copy of the tenth anniversary Gnosis battlecruiser and a re-skinned red Tash-Murkon Magnate, and pre-purchasers will get a bonus Nefnatar Thrasher. DUST 514 items include a set of permanant Amarr templar drop suits and weapons with the same stats as normal items but lower skill requirements.

Continue reading EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed

MassivelyEVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-modelsamarranniversarybreakingcollectors-editiondecadedropsuitsdustdust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eve-symphonyeventevent-coveragefanfestgnosisicelandmassively-event-coverageNefnatarnefnatar-thrasherorchestrarekyjavikriftersecond-decadesymphonytash-murkontash-murkon-magnatetemplartemplar-dropsuitthrasherusbusb-hubSat, 27 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

World of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013
When the World of Darkness MMO was first announced in November 2006, it was just an idea and we knew that it wouldn't be released any time soon. The chance to play a sandbox game set in the Vampire: The Masquerade universe nevertheless made fans of the series go nuts, but now over six years later we haven't seen much progress on the game. At EVE Fanfest 2013 today, CCP laid the current state of development bare for all to see and showed some plans for the coming year. There are now 70 people on the WoD team, and they've spent the past week working on everything from art tools and server infrastructure to vampire powers and social options.


"You're a powerful, immortal lord of the night. You don't want to stitch a shirt."
Development plans for 2013 include working on out-of-game web-based social tools, clothing systems, and PvE game environments. There are also plans to work on item creation, but direct crafting is probably not on the cards. As the presenter put it, "You're a powerful, immortal lord of the night. You don't want to stitch a shirt." Though the game is still in the pre-production stage, CCP was keen to show off the tools it's made to speed up the development process. "Some of these videos are a bit dry and technical," joked the presenter, but it came across as more real and honest than another trailer or musings on theoretical gameplay.

Continue reading World of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013

MassivelyWorld of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdevelopmentDirectX-11dx11eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfestgame-developmentgraphicsicelandmassively-event-coveragerekyjaviksandboxvampirevampire-the-masqueradewodworld-of-darknessworld-of-darkness-onlineFri, 26 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Helms Deep expansion coming this Fall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/lotros-helms-deep-expansion-coming-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/lotros-helms-deep-expansion-coming-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/lotros-helms-deep-expansion-coming-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

LotRO's Helms Deep expansion coming this Fall
Lord of the Rings Online's fifth expansion has been announced, and Middle-earth explorers will travel to Helm's Deep sometime in the Fall of 2013. Turbine is raising the game's level cap to 95, while the epic storyline will continue through the western plains of Rohan and allow players to directly participate in the battle at Helm's Deep.

Additionally, Turbine's press release mentions new skills and "completely updated class specializations," as well as locations including Edoras, Dunharrow, and the fortress of the Hornburg.

[Source: Turbine press release]

MassivelyLotRO's Helms Deep expansion coming this Fall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingf2pfantasyforth-eorlingasfree-to-playhelms-deephelms-deep-expansionhornburglord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-expansionturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 24 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney shutters LucasArts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-shutters-lucasarts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-shutters-lucasarts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-shutters-lucasarts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Disney shutters LucasArts
Following Disney's acquisition of Star Wars and its related companies and properties, gaming fans have wondered what might happen to developer LucasArts. Out of all of the possible scenarios, the worst has happened: Disney has stopped development in the studio and laid off its employees.

From the official Disney statement:
"After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games. As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."
Massively conveys its sympathies to those affected by the decision. There's no word yet how this might affect Star Wars: The Old Republic, if at all.

MassivelyDisney shutters LucasArts originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingclosecloseddisneyeaelectronic-artsf2pfiredfiringsfree-to-playlayofflayoffslucaslucasartspink-slipssci-fishutterstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorWed, 03 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: EVE Online Odyssey expansion announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/pax-east-2013-eve-online-odyssey-expansion-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/pax-east-2013-eve-online-odyssey-expansion-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/pax-east-2013-eve-online-odyssey-expansion-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

PAX East 2013 EVE Online Odyssey expansion announced
CCP Games has just announced at PAX East that EVE Online's next expansion will be called Odyssey and will hit the live servers this summer on June 4th. CCP told convention attendees that the focus of the expansion will be on exploration and shaking up the status quo of the classic space sandbox.

The studio has simultaneously unveiled an official website for the expansion; it promises, among other features, "a re-imagined scanning system, intuitive navigation and new exploration modules" that "will aid you as you search the heavens for your next conquest."

[This story is developing -- stay tuned as our PAX attendees post more info!]

Gallery: EVE Online PAX Prime 2013 Gallery

Continue reading PAX East 2013: EVE Online Odyssey expansion announced

MassivelyPAX East 2013: EVE Online Odyssey expansion announced originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccpccp-gamesconconventioneveeve-onlineeventevent-coverageeventsexpansionexpogalleriesgalleryinternet-spaceshipsmassively-event-coverageodysseypaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-exposandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsspreadsheets-onlineSat, 23 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: A first look at WildStar's housing and new zones]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/pax-east-2013-a-first-look-at-wildstars-high-low-and-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/pax-east-2013-a-first-look-at-wildstars-high-low-and-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/pax-east-2013-a-first-look-at-wildstars-high-low-and-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Home, home on the orbital defense ring.
If you've been keeping up with activity here on Massively over the past couple of years, you know that I'm pretty excited about WildStar. So I was pretty happy to sit down and get a look at the game's high and low areas, not to mention the game's housing system. I was a bit less happy that said look didn't include a chance to play the whole thing myself, but if I had that opportunity I probably never would have let go of the demo station.

While the demo was hands-off, it did give plenty of opportunity to see a sample of the game's starting areas, what the high-level regions look like, and what players can expect when they sit down to start building their homes. So let's start out at a region that's both high in level and high above the rest of the game... because it's in high orbit. (And don't forget the housing video past the break!)

Gallery: WildStar PAX East 2013 Housing Gallery (and more!)

Continue reading PAX East 2013: A first look at WildStar's housing and new zones

MassivelyPAX East 2013: A first look at WildStar's housing and new zones originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcarbinecarbine-studiosconconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpofeaturedgalleriesgalleryhalon-ringhouseshousingmassively-event-coveragencsoftpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-expopreviewpreviewssandparksci-fantasysci-fiscreenshotscreenshotstrailertrailersvideovideoswildstarwszonesFri, 22 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch EVE's Battle of Caldari Prime live on Twitch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/catch-eves-battle-of-caldari-prime-live-on-twitch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/catch-eves-battle-of-caldari-prime-live-on-twitch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/catch-eves-battle-of-caldari-prime-live-on-twitch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Catch EVE's Battle of Caldari Prime live on Twitch
CCP is livestreaming the Battle of Caldari Prime, so you'll want to head to the firm's Twitch.TV channel if you're interested in the history of EVE Online.

The battle is part of an ongoing series of story events occasionally advanced by CCP GMs to supplement EVE's player-driven sandbox. Thus far the fight has drawn upwards of 1,600 players, with an additional 8,800 or so watching via livestream. You can read a bit of the lore behind the event at the official EVE website.

MassivelyCatch EVE's Battle of Caldari Prime live on Twitch originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-of-caldari-primebreakingcaldari-primeccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineinternet-spaceshipslivestreamsandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinevideoFri, 22 Mar 2013 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion coming May 21 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/star-trek-onlines-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-coming-may-21/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/star-trek-onlines-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-coming-may-21/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/star-trek-onlines-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-coming-may-21/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Star Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion coming May 21
All those, ahem, Cryptic hints we've been receiving about something Romulan-related making its way to Star Trek Online have finally been revealed this morning thanks to the unveiling of the game's first expansion.

It's called Legacy of Romulus, and it's coming your way on May 21st. Features include the ability to play as a Romulan and captain one of the empire's fearsome Warbird-class vessels. Cryptic and Perfect World are also tweaking STO's trait system and its UI. And of course there will be plenty of new story and mission content in the offing as well.

[Update]: The expansion will be free according to a Cryptic forum post.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion coming May 21 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcrypticcryptic-studiosexpansionf2pfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweromulan-warbirdsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-expansionsto-legacy-of-romulusThu, 21 Mar 2013 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is shutting down next month]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-sunsets-next-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-sunsets-next-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-sunsets-next-month/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Warhammer Online Wrath of Heroes sunsets next month
Mythic's experiment in turning Warhammer Online into a microtransaction-flush MOBA has failed. The studio announced that Wrath of Heroes will be closing on March 29th. Wrath of Heroes went into open beta in late 2011 and never officially released.

Producer James Casey wraps things up with a few bittersweet memories: "I think we created something special and I would not trade the time creating it or playing it (on all those Friday Fight Fests and anonymously almost every day) for anything."

While players' gems will not be refunded, Mythic is planning to release "work in progress" heroes at a quick pace and discounted rate up to the game's shutdown. Additionally, players who purchased and had gems between the first of the year and today will be treated to a free month subscription and a chest of goodies in WAR.

[Thanks to Etaew for the tip!]

MassivelyWarhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is shutting down next month originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingcompensationeaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyjames-caseymobamythicmythic-entertainmentpvprvrshutdownsunsetwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroesWed, 27 Feb 2013 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Chris Taylor's Gas Powered Games acquired by Wargaming.net]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/chris-taylors-gas-powered-games-acquired-by-wargaming-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/chris-taylors-gas-powered-games-acquired-by-wargaming-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/chris-taylors-gas-powered-games-acquired-by-wargaming-net/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chris Taylor's Gas Powered Games acquired by Wargaming.net
Gas Powered Games is the latest acquisition for free-to-play giant Wargaming.net. The company responsible for much-loved franchises like Demigod, Supreme Commander, and Dungeon Siege will join Day 1 Studios and middleware provider Big World Pty Ltd. under Wargaming's expanding umbrella.

Gas Powered was founded in 1998 by Chris Taylor, who is among "a contingent of veteran developers" joining Wargaming.net. "Wargaming's growth in recent years has been tremendous, and we're looking forward to joining one of the fastest growing gaming companies in the world," Taylor said via press release.

Gas Powered most recently made headlines when Taylor canceled the firm's Wildman Kickstarter project with four days (and $600,000) remaining.

[Source: Wargaming.net press release]

MassivelyChris Taylor's Gas Powered Games acquired by Wargaming.net originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbusiness-modelschris-taylorf2pfree-to-playgas-powered-gamesmmo-industrywargaming-acquires-gas-poweredwargaming.netThu, 14 Feb 2013 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[RvR Unchained: Mark Jacobs returns to Camelot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/rvr-unchained-mark-jacobs-returns-to-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/rvr-unchained-mark-jacobs-returns-to-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/rvr-unchained-mark-jacobs-returns-to-camelot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

RvR Unchained Mark Jacobs returns to Camelot
It was no coincidence that Mark Jacobs was open to talking about his Warhammer Online experiences with us recently. If you deduced that it was the prelude to his MMO comeback attempt, you were right.

Jacobs' City State Entertainment announced today that it's working on a new MMO under the working title of Camelot Unchained. And yes, it will be RvR-focused with three realms duking it out: Arthurian, Tuatha Dé Danann, and Viking. Camelot Unchained will tie RvR conflict into player housing and a dynamic economy as well.

Because this tightly focused concept may prove to be too difficult to draw publisher support, the 13-person studio is turning to a future Kickstarter campaign for support. Obviously, we have no shortages of questions about this project, but we contained ourselves to the 10 most burning queries that we presented to Jacobs. Read about the future of Camelot after the jump!

Continue reading RvR Unchained: Mark Jacobs returns to Camelot

MassivelyRvR Unchained: Mark Jacobs returns to Camelot originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aradatharthurarthurian-legendbreakingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-state-entertainmentdaocdark-age-of-camelotfeaturedinterviewinterviewsking-arthurmark-jacobsmudnew-titlepreviewpreviewspvprealm-vs-realmrvrthree-factionwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 05 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Wushu delays launch to 'spring 2013']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/age-of-wushu-delays-launch-to-spring-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/age-of-wushu-delays-launch-to-spring-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/age-of-wushu-delays-launch-to-spring-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Age of Wushu delays launch to 'Spring 2013'
Time to put on your lemon faces, folks, because this news is going to make you pucker up: Snail Games has announced that Age of Wushu is delaying its launch. The release, which was originally scheduled for February 1st, has now been moved to a more nebulous "spring 2013."

The studio says that the delay is the result of testing: "Based on player feedback and data from the second closed beta, we have decided to revise the launch timing to spring 2013. This will allow us to better address community feedback and continue to update the game. When a more precise update on the release timing is available, we will share that information."

MassivelyAge of Wushu delays launch to 'spring 2013' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinage-of-wushuasiabreakingchinachinesechinese-mmodelaygpotatogvgjet-likidnappinglaunchmartial-artsming-dynastypvprelease-daterelease-windowsandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usaspring-2013wushuwuxiaFri, 25 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion to publish ArcheAge in the West]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/trion-to-publish-archeage-in-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/trion-to-publish-archeage-in-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/trion-to-publish-archeage-in-the-west/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - yay
So, about that whole ArcheAge coming to the West thing. Yes, it's actually happening. In fact, XLGAMES is partnering with Trion Worlds to make it happen.

The company responsible for RIFT, Defiance, End of Nations, and the Red Door publishing and development platform will bring Jake Song's fantasy sandpark opus to audiences in North America, Europe, Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand, according to a joint press release. The document makes no mention of either a release date or beta dates for the western market. You can read it in its entirety after the cut.

[Source: Trion/XL press release]

Continue reading Trion to publish ArcheAge in the West

MassivelyTrion to publish ArcheAge in the West originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagearcheage-trionarcheage-westbreakingfantasypvpred-doorsandboxsandparktriontrion-archeagetrion-publishing-archeagetrion-worldsxl-gamesxlgamesThu, 24 Jan 2013 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Elder Scrolls Online beta signups now live, six-minute cinematic released [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/elder-scrolls-online-beta-signups-now-live-six-minute-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/elder-scrolls-online-beta-signups-now-live-six-minute-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/elder-scrolls-online-beta-signups-now-live-six-minute-cinematic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online Alliance cinematic
Bethesda and ZeniMax want you to know that beta signups are officially open for The Elder Scrolls Online.

A new press release trumpets the announcement (though "timing and details of the start of playtests will be provided at a later date"), and the firms have also released a slick new cinematic trailer that will whet your appetite for Tamriel over the course of its whopping six-minute run time.

TESO will make use of ZeniMax's megaserver technology to "avoid the hassle of shard selection." The game will also feature a built-in social network which the company says makes the new MMORPG "one of the most socially enabled games ever created." You can sign up for beta via the game's official website, and we've embedded the new trailer just past the break.

[Source: Bethesda press release]

[Update: ZeniMax has also uploaded an FAQ regarding the beta. Enjoy!]

Continue reading Elder Scrolls Online beta signups now live, six-minute cinematic released [Updated]

MassivelyElder Scrolls Online beta signups now live, six-minute cinematic released [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftbreakingcinematicdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-betaelder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsmorrowindoblivionplease-dont-suckpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesoteso-allianceteso-alliance-cinematicteso-betateso-cinematicthe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptrailervideozenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 22 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 will soon offer paid server transfers and guesting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/arenanet-announces-paid-server-transfers-and-guesting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/arenanet-announces-paid-server-transfers-and-guesting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/arenanet-announces-paid-server-transfers-and-guesting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

THE REAL POINT I'M TRYING TO GET ACROSS HERE IS GUESTING
Paid server transfers and the ability to "guest" to other servers have been in the cards for Guild Wars 2 for, like, ever. Well before launch, players knew that those would eventually be features of the game. Until today, though, we never knew precisely when they'd come about. ArenaNet's Martin Kerstein has given us the final word: Both features will be coming in with the January patch on the 28th. They're part of a series of improvements and updates the company plans to make throughout early 2013.

Guesting gives players the ability to join friends on other servers to participate in pretty much everything but World vs. World. Server transfers will cost an unknown number of gems and be limited to once every seven days, so make sure you're on your desired home server before the patch hits on the 28th. Head on over to the official announcement for a full guesting how-to.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 will soon offer paid server transfers and guesting originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingbuy-to-playfantasygame-mechanicsguestingguesting-abilityguild-wars-2gw2martin-kersteinncsoftserver-transferserversWed, 16 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet sells three million copies of Guild Wars 2, looks to the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/arenanet-sells-three-million-copies-of-guild-wars-2-looks-to-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/arenanet-sells-three-million-copies-of-guild-wars-2-looks-to-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/arenanet-sells-three-million-copies-of-guild-wars-2-looks-to-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ArenaNet sells 3 million copies of Guild Wars 2, looks to the future
We've got a whole passel of Guild Wars 2 news for you today, courtesy of ArenaNet Game Director Colin Johanson, who took to the company's blog to talk about some of the game plan for 2013. Johanson kicked things off by nonchalantly dropping the fact that Guild Wars 2 has now surpassed three million copies sold. (The last million milestone was hit in early September.) He then moved on to goals for 2013 -- specifically, to "build on areas of the game that were successful in 2012" and to "learn and apply lessons from things that didn't work as well."

ArenaNet has plans to add more events (since more events means fewer repeats all around), build new storylines, and give players of all levels a good reason to go back and re-examine content. Some of those good reasons will come in the form of tokens for achievements (which can be traded in for stuff like ascended gear and infusions), re-imagined daily achievements (and eventually, the option to complete only a certain subset of dailies to get the reward), and more vanity items.

Guilds will be getting more love with some new types of content, due "in early 2013," which will allow members to go on missions together. Over time, that system will be expanded with new rewards, missions, and tools to strengthen the importance of guilds within the Guild Wars 2 community. World vs. World will be seeing a lot of the same tweaks as the rest of the game, with the addition of improvements to culling and the introduction of paid server transfers.

PvP will also be getting some polish. Revamped reward systems, matchmaking based on skill, the ability to observe other matches, custom arenas, and leaderboards have all been listed as part of the plan. In case that's not enough for the first half of the year, there are also plans to improve the looking for group tool, fix up the Fractals dungeon, set up leaderboards on the website, redesign world and dungeon boss encounters, continue the war on bots, and otherwise tighten up the game as we know it.

Skip below the cut to let Johanson speak for himself.

Continue reading ArenaNet sells three million copies of Guild Wars 2, looks to the future

MassivelyArenaNet sells three million copies of Guild Wars 2, looks to the future originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133-millionanetarenanetbreakingbuy-to-playcolin-johansondungeonsfantasygame-planguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftpatchpatchesthree-millionupdateupdatesvideovideoswar-on-botsTue, 15 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA going free-to-play in February]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/tera-going-free-to-play-in-february/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/tera-going-free-to-play-in-february/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/tera-going-free-to-play-in-february/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA dungeon boss
TERA is officially going free-to-play this February. The exact date has yet to be released, but En Masse Entertainment has collected all of the other pertinent details in a lengthy F2P FAQ that you can find on the official website.

The new game service will feature three tiers: Founder, Elite, and Standard. Standard is TERA's free offering, while Elite is the usual $14.99 per month subscription option. Founder status is acquired by purchasing and redeeming a copy of the game and is good for life. Some of the free-to-play limitations include character slots (two per server with the option to purchase more), bank slots (72 with the option to purchase more), and various brokerage fees and taxes. There are no race, class, or content limitations, although Elite players do get dungeon cooldown bonuses.

A full list of account tier differences may be found in the official FAQ. You can also check out the F2P announcement trailer after the cut.

Continue reading TERA going free-to-play in February

MassivelyTERA going free-to-play in February originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arboreablueholebluehole-studiosbreakingbrian-knoxen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfree-to-playteratera-f2ptrailervideoWed, 09 Jan 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter's Great Weapon Fighter class revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/massively-exclusive-neverwinters-great-weapon-fighter-class-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/massively-exclusive-neverwinters-great-weapon-fighter-class-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/massively-exclusive-neverwinters-great-weapon-fighter-class-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive - Neverwinter Great Weapon Fighter class revealed
Neverwinter's Great Weapon Fighter isn't to be trifled with. It's not just the mouthful of a name that strikes fear in the hearts of enemies far and wide. Oh no, it's also the medium to heavy armor and the ginormous two-hander that requires years of intense strength training to lift.

Fortunately for Neverwinter fans, learning to play the class doesn't take that long, and the first part of your Great Weapon Fighter education starts with with our class reveal video after the break. We've also got a screenshot gallery for your perusal as well as a few related words from the Neverwinter dev team.

Gallery: Neverwinter: Great Weapon Fighter reveal

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter's Great Weapon Fighter class revealed

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Neverwinter's Great Weapon Fighter class revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobreakingclassescrypticcryptic-studiosdndexclusivef2pfantasyfree-to-playgallerygreat-weapon-fightergreat-weapon-fighter-screenshotsgreat-weapon-fighter-videoneverwinterneverwinter-classesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwescreenshotstwo-handed-weaponTue, 08 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR's Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion set for spring 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel-expansion-set-for-spring-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel-expansion-set-for-spring-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel-expansion-set-for-spring-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Rise of the Hutt Cartel
Ready for Star Wars: The Old Republic's first expansion? BioWare is prepping Rise of the Hutt Cartel for a Spring 2013 release according to the game's official website. The content will be available as a digital download for $19.99 (or $9.99 if you're a subscriber).

New features include the planet Makeb, a level-cap bump to 55, new story content with fully-voiced cinematics, and new gear, skill points, and abilities. BioWare is also gifting pre-order customers with five days of early access to all of the new stuff provided you place your order by January 7th. The company promises further details in the coming days.

MassivelySWTOR's Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion set for spring 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakingeaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playlucasartsmakebrise-of-the-hutt-cartelsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-expansionswtor-rise-of-the-hutt-cartelthe-old-republictorTue, 18 Dec 2012 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion Worlds goes through 'workforce reduction']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/trion-worlds-goes-through-workforce-reduction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/trion-worlds-goes-through-workforce-reduction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/trion-worlds-goes-through-workforce-reduction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Trion Worlds lays off staff
It's a gloomy day for Trion Worlds, as word has come down that the independent developer is handing out pink slips to some of its staff. The studio confirmed the layoffs in an official statement:
As a response to market conditions, product timelines and the natural evolution of our company, we have made some organizational changes, which include a workforce reduction. This was a difficult decision and we wish the best for those affected by these changes. At Trion, we remain focused on delivering top quality online game experiences, and are committed to supporting RIFT and launching our highly anticipated new titles Defiance, Warface, and End of Nations in 2013.
Twitter was ablaze over the subject, saying that as many as 30 people were let go. One staff member wrote, "I managed to survive this time. Lots of REALLY good people got let go though." Another indicated which jobs were lost: "Not a good day. If anyone has a lead for a Sr. EQ or Assistant Lead QA job, please let me know."

Trion recently brought End of Nations in-house after Petroglyph suffered its own round of layoffs.

[Source: Trion Worlds press statement]

MassivelyTrion Worlds goes through 'workforce reduction' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingconquestdefianceend-of-nationsfantasylayofflayoffspetroglyphPetroglyph-Gamespink-slipspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldswarfaceTue, 11 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley clarifies PlanetSide 2's long-term plans: 'NPCs aren't on the table']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/smedley-clarifies-planetside-2s-long-term-plans-npcs-arent-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/smedley-clarifies-planetside-2s-long-term-plans-npcs-arent-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/smedley-clarifies-planetside-2s-long-term-plans-npcs-arent-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Smedley clarifies PlanetSide 2's longterm plans 'NPCs aren't on the table'
Yesterday a bunch of game news sites reported on PlanetSide 2's ambitious long-term plans as quoted from a lengthy post by SOE CEO John Smedley. It was pretty exciting stuff even though the information has been live on Smedley's blog since August of 2012.

His treatise mentioned player-owned bases, harvestables, seamless bodies of water between continents (and water-based vehicles), dynamic weather, e-sports support, and NPCs. This last bit led to some hand-wringing by PS2's hardcore PvP faithful, so we reached out to Smedley in order to set the record straight and determine whether or not the features mentioned five months ago are still in the works. "A lot of it is still being considered," he said. "We are going to tell the community about our longer term plan and let them have a very big say in where we go."

What about NPCs and PvE, though? "NPCs aren't on the table for a long time, if ever," Smedley told us.

MassivelySmedley clarifies PlanetSide 2's long-term plans: 'NPCs aren't on the table' originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfpsjohn-smedleyjohn-smedley-interviewmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-npcsplanetside-2-pveps2sandboxsci-fishootersmedleysoesonysony-online-entertainmentSat, 01 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 updates Lost Shores page with video, schedule]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/guild-wars-2-updates-lost-shores-page-with-video-schedule/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/guild-wars-2-updates-lost-shores-page-with-video-schedule/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/guild-wars-2-updates-lost-shores-page-with-video-schedule/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 updates Lost Shores page with video, schedule
Hey karka, leave our kids alone! If you find yourself saying this at some point this week, it's probably because you're neck-deep in Guild Wars 2's latest content update, The Lost Shores. ArenaNet's updated the official page of the update with lots of time-specific information as well as a teaser video for the big event.

The first stage of Lost Shores begins on November 16th and tasks players to defend Lion's Arch. On the next day, the tides will turn as players seek to retake the town. The 17th is also when the new area, Southsun Cove, opens for business. Finally, there will be a one-time event on November 18th in Southsun Cove, where the invasion and counter-attack will come to a head.

You can watch the trailer after the jump, and don't forget to check out our Lost Shores primer!

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 updates Lost Shores page with video, schedule

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 updates Lost Shores page with video, schedule originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingcontent-patchdojodungeondungeonsend-gameendgameeventevent-previewfantasyfeaturedfractal-dungeonfractalsfractals-of-the-mistsguild-wars-2gw2in-game-eventinfinite-dungeonkarkancsoftpatchschedulethe-lost-shorestrailervideoMon, 12 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's Lost Shores content primer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/guild-wars-2s-lost-shores-content-primer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/guild-wars-2s-lost-shores-content-primer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/guild-wars-2s-lost-shores-content-primer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Attack of the bow-legged crustaceans!
We're just days away from Guild Wars 2's next big content patch and special event. So far the Lost Shores have been shrouded in mystery. Will the shores ever be found? Who lost them? Exactly how absent-minded does one have to be to misplace an entire shore?

There are other, more pragmatic mysteries too. What is the content update all about? What can we expect? What sort of name do you give to a race of evil, bow-legged crustaceans? Happily, we're equipped to shed a little light on all those and more. Read on for our Lost Shores content primer!

Gallery: Guild Wars 2: The Lost Shores

Continue reading Guild Wars 2's Lost Shores content primer

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's Lost Shores content primer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingcontent-patchdojodungeondungeonsend-gameendgameeventevent-previewfantasyfeaturedfractal-dungeonfractalsfractals-of-the-mistsgalleriesgalleryguild+wars+2guild+wars+2+lost+shoreguild+wars+2+lost+shoresguild+wars+2+newsguild-wars-2guildwars2guildwars2lostshoreguildwars2lostshoresguildwars2newsgw2http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/guild-wars-2s-lost-shoreinfinite-dungeonkarkancsoftpatchpatchespreviewpreviewsprimerpvppvp-mapscreenshotscreenshotsspecial-eventspvptemple-of-the-silent-stormMon, 12 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic goes free-to-play on November 15]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/swtor-launches-free-to-play-on-november-15th-no-rumor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/swtor-launches-free-to-play-on-november-15th-no-rumor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/swtor-launches-free-to-play-on-november-15th-no-rumor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR launches freetoplay on November 15th, no rumor!
One question has been on the minds of Star Wars: The Old Republic fans recently: "Has BioWare announced a free-to-play date?" The answer to that question is finally yes. On Thursday, November 15th, SWTOR launches what Senior Producer Blaine Christine calls its "free-to-play option."

Christine and Producer Cory Butler discussed F2P and Update 1.5 with us yesterday. They explained that BioWare is looking to expose its game to the widest audience possible, so it is allowing everyone to download the game for no charge, then play the level 1-to-50 game without having to purchase anything. The producers also gave us a tour of the SWTOR cash shop, called the Cartel Market, and introduced us to Cartel Coins, the cash shop currency.

Read on for all the shiny details of the changes coming to SWTOR next week.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic goes free-to-play on November 15

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic goes free-to-play on November 15 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblaine-christinebreakingcartel-coinscartel-marketcory-butlereaelectronic-artsf2pf2p-launchfeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-launchfreemiuminterviewlaunchlucasartsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionspay-to-winpreferred-accesspreferred-statuspremiumpreviewpreviewssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorUpdate-1.5Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[ZeniMax releases nine-minute Elder Scrolls Online preview clip]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/zenimax-releases-nine-minute-elder-scrolls-online-preview-clip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/zenimax-releases-nine-minute-elder-scrolls-online-preview-clip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/zenimax-releases-nine-minute-elder-scrolls-online-preview-clip/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

ZeniMax releases nineminute Elder Scrolls Online preview clip
Last month we flew to Maryland to report from The Elder Scrolls Online's first press event. While we were getting some hands-on time with the title, we were also watching a nine-minute video that ZeniMax put together in order to introduce the game to a wide audience.

Today the firm has published the clip for the first time, and it features a mixture of fly-through footage, talking head interviews with creative director Paul Sage and lead designer Nick Konkle, and snippets of PvE and PvP gameplay too.

See for yourself after the break.

Continue reading ZeniMax releases nine-minute Elder Scrolls Online preview clip

MassivelyZeniMax releases nine-minute Elder Scrolls Online preview clip originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftbreakingdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefactionsmorrowindnick-konkleoblivionpaul-sageplease-dont-suckpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesoteso-intro-videoteso-videothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosThu, 08 Nov 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 is getting a refer-a-friend free trial weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/guild-wars-2-is-getting-a-refer-a-friend-free-trial-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/guild-wars-2-is-getting-a-refer-a-friend-free-trial-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/guild-wars-2-is-getting-a-refer-a-friend-free-trial-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 to get a referafriend free trial weekend
If you have friends that have been on the fence about playing Guild Wars 2 with you, ArenaNet is offering the perfect opportunity to get them in to check out the game for themselves. Starting on Monday, November 12th, players will be able to invite up to three friends to join them in the world of Tyria. The friends can then enjoy a free trial period running Thursday, November 15th through Sunday the 18th, conveniently coinciding with the Lost Shores event.

All accounts in good standing created before 2:59 a.m. EST November 7th are eligible to participate. We'll keep you posted as more details come in.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 is getting a refer-a-friend free trial weekend originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingfantasyfree-trialguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftrefer-a-friendrefer-a-friend-trial-periodtrialtrial-periodtrial-weekendWed, 07 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island EDC sues Curt Schilling and more over 38 Studios loan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rhode-island-edc-sues-curt-schilling-and-more-over-38-studios-lo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rhode-island-edc-sues-curt-schilling-and-more-over-38-studios-lo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rhode-island-edc-sues-curt-schilling-and-more-over-38-studios-lo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Game title image
Back in May, Project Copernicus developer 38 Studios became embroiled in the controversy of the year when the studio officially shut down and fired all 379 of its employees. The story quickly turned political as the studio had been granted a loan of $75m US by the state of Rhode Island and it became known that the tax-paying public could be hit for an estimated $150.7m US due to the studio's closure.

The story of mishandled taxpayer money has played a big part in the politics of Rhode Island. Today that story developed further as the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which granted the original loan and may therefore be responsible for the public debt, filed a lawsuit against the people who created the deal. The defendants named in the case include 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling, CEO Jennifer McLean, former EDC executive director Keith Stokes, Wells Fargo Securities and even Barclays Capital. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee released a public statement about the lawsuit on YouTube.

Continue reading Rhode Island EDC sues Curt Schilling and more over 38 Studios loan

MassivelyRhode Island EDC sues Curt Schilling and more over 38 Studios loan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBarclays-Capitalbreakingcurt-schillingedcgovernorJennifer-McLeanKeith-StokeslawsuitlegalLincoln-Chafeeloanmmo-industryproject-copernicuspublic-loanrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationstatementsuevideoThu, 01 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 invites us to the dinosaur world of Azteca]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/wizard101-invites-us-to-the-dinosaur-world-of-azteca-embargo-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/wizard101-invites-us-to-the-dinosaur-world-of-azteca-embargo-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/wizard101-invites-us-to-the-dinosaur-world-of-azteca-embargo-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Wizard101 announces Azteca, level cap increase embargo 100 pm EDT 1024
While KingsIsle has been heavily focused on Pirate101's recent launch, the studio wanted to send a strong message that it's still fully behind Wizard101 and has a dedicated team working hard to keep improving and expanding the game. In fact, the Wizard101 team is larger now than it was at launch and has a huge announcement to share.

So what's the big exciting news of the day? Producer Leah Ruben was bursting at the seams to tell us in three words: "Dinosaurs are awesome!"

Actually, the big news is that Wizard101 is preparing to release its ninth new world since launch, a dinosaur world named Azteca. Azteca not only will challenge players to progress through 13 areas but is going to raise the level cap. And the biggest surprise of all? It's going on test servers this week for players to try out.

Keep on reading to find out what Azteca is going to do for the landscape of Wizard101!

Continue reading Wizard101 invites us to the dinosaur world of Azteca

MassivelyWizard101 invites us to the dinosaur world of Azteca originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012-apocalypseapocalypseaztecabreakingdinodinosdinosaurdinosaursextinctionf2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentleah-rubentodd-colemanwizard101Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online $6,000 ship kill may be a hoax]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/eve-online-6-000-ship-kill-may-be-a-hoax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/eve-online-6-000-ship-kill-may-be-a-hoax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/eve-online-6-000-ship-kill-may-be-a-hoax/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online player "stewie Zanjoahir" made history yesterday when he reportedly lost a tiny ship with cargo worth over $6,000 US. Now it appears that the value of the kill may not have been accurate or that the kill could even be a hoax. Evidence that the kill may not be authentic surfaced last night as players found that three Hulk blueprints listed on the kill were marked as originals. That would make them priceless items that change hands for over 500 billion ISK each, which would raise the kill's value to a ludicrous 1.71 trillion ISK ($51,685 US).

It's believed that many of the original blueprints in the kill were actually cheaper blueprint copies. One possible explanation for the aberration is that there was an error in the EVE API that supplied the original kill data to third-party killboard websites. It's also possible that the kill was marked as API Verified without actually being checked, in which case the kill may have never even happened. An alternative version of the kill valued at only 34 billion ISK ($1,024 US) has also surfaced, but this was manually uploaded and so isn't verified at all.

CCP Games posted the kill on its Facebook page and Twitter feed, but didn't officially confirm the kill or its value. We reached CCP for comment, but privacy concerns prevented the company from confirming or denying the kill's authenticity. If this monumental kill turns out to be an error or a hoax, the next-highest value confirmed EVE kill would be Bjoern's Avatar class titan destroyed in March 2011. The titan was kitted out with expensive officer modules and came to a total value of over 128 billion ISK. As the price of PLEX was much lower in 2011, this would have bought 355 PLEX worth a total of $6,212.50 US.

MassivelyEVE Online $6,000 ship kill may be a hoax originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60006000-dollarsatronbillionbillionsblueprintblueprint-copiesblueprint-originalsBluePrintsbposbreakingccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefakefrigatehoaxhulkkillnewsnullsecPLEXpvpsandboxscamsci-fisolar-citizensstewie-Zanjoahirthousandthousand-dollarstiny-shipTue, 23 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint cutting 120 jobs, abandoning U.S. development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/bigpoint-cutting-120-jobs-abandoning-u-s-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/bigpoint-cutting-120-jobs-abandoning-u-s-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/bigpoint-cutting-120-jobs-abandoning-u-s-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bigpoint cutting 120 jobs, abandoning US development
Browser game outfit Bigpoint can be forgiven if it doesn't look fondly on 2012. Last summer the firm noted for Battlestar Galactica Online and an upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff vacated its mobile development business and jettisoned a couple of executives. Now GamesIndustry.biz reports that the free-to-play company is cutting 120 jobs. Bigpoint will shutter its San Francisco development office (approximately 40 jobs) as well as terminate 80 employees at its Hamburg location.

"We have seen that developing games in the U.S. is not really the most efficient way for us at the moment," CEO Heiko Hubertz tells GamesIndustry. "The games that we have developed in the last two years haven't been that successful, and the San Francisco area and Bay Area is quite a competitive market. San Francisco is, after New York, one of the most expensive cities you can live in in the US, so the people are quite expensive."

Hubertz will abdicate his CEO duties for an executive chairman position later this year. Bigpoint has yet to name a replacement. Hubertz also indicated that none of Bigpoint's current titles will be affected and that the company will continue making games.

MassivelyBigpoint cutting 120 jobs, abandoning U.S. development originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbigpoint-layoffsbreakingbusiness-modelsf2pfree-to-playheiko-hubertzlayoffsmmo-industryTue, 23 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online player loses tiny ship worth over $6,000 [UPDATED]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-online-player-loses-tiny-ship-worth-over-6-000/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-online-player-loses-tiny-ship-worth-over-6-000/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/eve-online-player-loses-tiny-ship-worth-over-6-000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online is well known for its sandbox gameplay and ruthless citizens, with monumental kills and record-breaking scams popping up year after year. In 2010, one player lost over $1,000 US worth of 30-day game time codes (PLEX) when he transported them in the cargo hold of a tiny, fragile frigate. Thinking his ship too fast to be caught, that player lost his entire alliance's budget in a single mishap.

That record was thoroughly eradicated today by player "stewie Zanjoahir," who reportedly lost over 213,000,000,000 ISK when he tried to transport a huge cache of valuable blueprints through nullsec in a tiny, unfitted frigate. That much ISK could currently buy around 367 30-day game time codes (PLEX) at around 580 million ISK each, for a combined total of over 30 years of game time. To put that into perspective, 367 PLEX bought with real cash would cost about $6,422.50 US.

Some players doubt the authenticity of the kill report, but the killboard it was posted on claims to have verified it with EVE's automated API service, and CCP Games itself posted about the kill on Facebook. Kills of this scale may have happened before, but it was previously impossible to tell whether a destroyed blueprint was a cheap copy or an expensive original. The value of this kill may even be higher than the reported figure, as several of the blueprint copies that weren't counted are actually worth billions of ISK. Today's kill may be the largest confirmed kill of any ship in EVE's history and could even be the most expensive character death in any MMO to date.

[UPDATE: Evidence has emerged that the kill might not be authentic. EVE-Kill has since updated its report with a revised value of 5.3 billion ISK]

MassivelyEVE Online player loses tiny ship worth over $6,000 [UPDATED] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60006000-dollarsatronbillionbillionsblueprintBluePrintsbposbreakingccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefrigatekillnullsecPLEXpvpsandboxsci-fisolar-citizensstewie-Zanjoahirthousandthousand-dollarstiny-shipMon, 22 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: John Smedley on EQ Next and SOE's future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-john-smedley-on-eq-next-and-soes-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-john-smedley-on-eq-next-and-soes-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-john-smedley-on-eq-next-and-soes-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

SOE President John Smedley on EQ Next and SOE's future
There's been a never-ending news stream this weekend at SOE Live, and underlying all the announcements has been a single theme: a fundamental shift towards emergent gameplay. We had the chance to talk to SOE President John Smedley about that philosophical change and how it fits in to current and upcoming titles. He spoke about the growing popularity of MMOs as viewing entertainment and how it's caught on in PlanetSide 2. And while he wouldn't go into details about EQ Next, he did give some exciting hints about what players will get to experience with this third EverQuest title. Read on for a look at the future of SOE!

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: John Smedley on EQ Next and SOE's future

MassivelySOE Live 2012: John Smedley on EQ Next and SOE's future originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingconconventiondota-2emergent-gameplayeqeq-nexteqneve-onlineeventeverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfan-fairefeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleylas-vegaslolsoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentwowSat, 20 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: PlanetSide 2 launching November 20th, 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/soe-live-2012-planetside-2-launching-november-20th-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/soe-live-2012-planetside-2-launching-november-20th-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/soe-live-2012-planetside-2-launching-november-20th-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

SOE Live 2012 PlanetSide 2 launch date announced
Already alerted to the fact that tonight would be the night, PlanetSide 2 fans have been waiting with bated breath for the official launch date announcement at SOE Live. And now, the magic words have been uttered: PS2 will go live on November 20th, 2012. The beta, which began in July, is held up by devs as a real and honest beta in which systems are tested, rather than a soft launch. But some players wondered whether it'd be finished in time.

During a press conference before the announcement, Creative Director Matt Higby addressed this concern by reminding players that an MMO will never be "finished" as in completed or done. As he put it, the game is "not finished because it's finished; it's finished when it's at a level [SOE] think[s] it should be." He further outlined the state of beta now, saying that the development team has turned the corner, moving from just implementing mechanics that were planned to reacting to beta players' feedback to improve and adjust the game. He emphasized, "Now we know what works better and what doesn't."

Stay tuned as Massively brings you more details about PS2's beta, launch, and upcoming plans.

What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas, at least where SOE Live is concerned! Massively sent intrepid reporters MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan to this year's SOE Live, from which they'll be transmitting all the best fan news on PlanetSide 2, EverQuest II, DC Universe Online, and the other MMOs on SOE's world-class roster.

MassivelySOE Live 2012: PlanetSide 2 launching November 20th, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 23:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingconconventioneventfan-fairefpsjoystiqlas-vegaslaunchlaunch-datemmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentThu, 18 Oct 2012 23:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's Shadow of the Mad King video, content schedule]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/arenanet-shares-shadow-of-the-mad-king-content-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/arenanet-shares-shadow-of-the-mad-king-content-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/arenanet-shares-shadow-of-the-mad-king-content-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

GW2
The Mad King hasn't been seen in Tyria for 250 years, which means it's about time for a reappearance! Guild Wars 2 is on the verge of its first major content update, and ArenaNet just shared a schedule for the Halloween story. Act one will begin on October 22nd, with the subsequent acts following on the 26th, 28th, and 31st. To whet your appetite for this spooky update, there's also a new video with a content tease, so head on over to the content page or check it out past the break.

If Guild Wars is more your speed, remember that traditional Halloween festivities will be commencing Friday, October 19th.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2's Shadow of the Mad King video, content schedule

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's Shadow of the Mad King video, content schedule originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingcontent-updatefantasyguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2halloweenmad-kingncsoftpatchpatchesshadow-of-the-mad-kingupdateupdatesvideovideosThu, 18 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's LotRO Riders of Rohan launch-day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/massivelys-lotro-riders-of-rohan-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/massivelys-lotro-riders-of-rohan-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/massivelys-lotro-riders-of-rohan-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online title image
When you first heard about Lord of the Rings Online, you probably had an idea of which areas from the Lord of the Rings lore you'd want to visit and which events you'd like to take part in. Not all of the areas in Middle-earth were part of LotRO when it launched, but with each expansion the game world gets a bit more complete. Developer Turbine has been hard at work developing iconic areas like the Mines of Moria and Isengard, but the zone players have been anticipating the most is the Plains of Rohan.

The Riders of Rohan expansion goes live today, opening the visually stunning Plains of Rohan area and introducing tons of new content, class updates and gameplay changes. Developers have been careful to capture the feel of the plains in not only the area's art style but also its impressive musical score. The Riders of Rohan expansion adds a new mounted combat feature that lets players fight on customisable war horses. The open plains are filled with roving warbands of orcs and other challenges to be overcome. Read on for a run-down of all the latest news on the Riders of Rohan expansion.

Continue reading Massively's LotRO Riders of Rohan launch-day roundup

MassivelyMassively's LotRO Riders of Rohan launch-day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbreakingburglarcaptainchampionclass-changesexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguardianhunterlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelorelore-masterloremasterlotromines-of-moriaminstrelmountmounted-combatmountsmusicriders-of-rohanrohanround-uprounduprune-keeperrunekeeperturbineturbine-entertainmentwar-horseMon, 15 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[League of Legends tournament cheaters fined $30,000]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/league-of-legends-tournament-cheaters-fined-30-000/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/league-of-legends-tournament-cheaters-fined-30-000/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/league-of-legends-tournament-cheaters-fined-30-000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

League of Legends title image
With $2,000,000 US in prize money up for grabs in the League of Legends World Championship tournament, last week's accusations of cheating by several teams threw the e-sports scene into chaos. Several teams were accused of looking across the room at the enemy team's minimap, which was on display for audience members. Riot Games initially announced that nobody had looked at the minimap, but as viewers at home dug through the recorded streams, the evidence of cheating mounted.

This week Riot carried out a full review of each match that was called into question, investigating both the incidents of players peeking at the opposing team's map and the impact on the match. One team was cleared of all misconduct, three were issued warnings for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Korean team Azubu Frost was fined 20% of its winnings. The $30,000 fine will be donated to Riot Games' charity programme in Korea.

MassivelyLeague of Legends tournament cheaters fined $30,000 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azubu-frostbreakingcharitycheatcheatercheaterscheatingdotae-sportesportsf2pfantasyfinefinedfree-to-playinvictus-gamingkoreakoreanleague-of-legendslolmobapunishedpunishmentriotriot-gamesTaipei-Assasinsteam-solo-midtournamentworld-championshipsworld-eliteWed, 10 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST