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[Free for All: Looking for the near-perfect MUD-like browser MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/free-for-all-looking-for-the-near-perfect-mud-like-browser-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/free-for-all-looking-for-the-near-perfect-mud-like-browser-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/free-for-all-looking-for-the-near-perfect-mud-like-browser-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Browser screenshot
I need your help. If you are a reader, then I need you to open your memory boxes and take a look around at the bottom. Shuffle around where all the remnants of favorite past MMOs settle and see if you can find me something. If you are a developer who is reading this, then you might indeed have some special insight into my issue.

I need a game. A special game. It must fit a certain mold that is very particularly fitted to my very specific needs and wants. It's a tall order, to say the least.

Now, I understand how to use Google. At least once a week I am asked something along the lines of "Where do you find these weird games you cover?" I am always tempted to link the questioner to Google and walk away, but generally I tell him it is a combination of different efforts: some searching, some tipping from readers, and more than a smidge of good luck. Also understand that I have a lot of good titles keeping me busy, but I tend to become sort of obsessed with little projects along the way. So what do I need this week?

I need a semi-graphical, browser-based MUD-like MMO that features great customization for characters, text, and interface, that's what.

Continue reading Free for All: Looking for the near-perfect MUD-like browser MMO

MassivelyFree for All: Looking for the near-perfect MUD-like browser MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOsdie2nitedomain-of-heroesf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgraphical-mudmagic-duelmagicduelmudopinionWed, 11 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint surpasses 250 million registered users]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bigpoint-surpasses-250-million-registered-users/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bigpoint-surpasses-250-million-registered-users/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bigpoint-surpasses-250-million-registered-users/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bigpoint logo
The folks at Bigpoint must be feeling quite nice about themselves about now, as a new press release from the company has announced that the studio's games now have a total of 250 million registered users worldwide. Heiko Hubertz, CEO and founder of the browser-focused MMORPG developer, is quite pleased with the development, claiming that "since 2002, [Bigpoint has] strived to bring high-quality games and experiences to the widest possible audience... and we're not done."

The press release goes on to make the bold claims that "Bigpoint introduced the concept of F2P games" and that "over the past decade, Bigpoint has radically improved the quality of... online games." The statement conclues that "the company is planning a series of new launches in 2012, including new titles that leverage world-class Hollywood intellectual property." We already know that Bigpoint is the studio behind the upcoming MMOs based on A Game of Thrones and The Mummy, but what else does the studio have up its sleeve? We'll just have to wait to find out.

[Source: Bigpoint press release]

MassivelyBigpoint surpasses 250 million registered users originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250-million-registered-usersa-game-of-thronesbattle-star-galactica-onlinebigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-mmosbrowsersbsgof2pfree-to-playheiko-hubertzindustryregistered-usersthe-mummy-onlineTue, 31 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The clever design behind War of Dragons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/mmobility-the-clever-design-behind-war-of-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/mmobility-the-clever-design-behind-war-of-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/mmobility-the-clever-design-behind-war-of-dragons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

War of Dragons screenshot
Ah, the things that rev up the imagination of gamers. Right now I can almost feel the excitement as players all over the world are waiting to jump into games like Skyrim or Star Wars the Old Republic. I'm a bit excited as well, but honestly none of those titles tantalizes me like some of the browser-based goodies I have been playing lately. It could be the model railroad world of RuneScape or the epic scale of Illyriad that is inspiring me, making me spend hours of dog walking or drinking tea while daydreaming of game creation.

I've also stumbled across this newish world of semi-graphical, browser-based, MUD-like MMOs. They have shown me that text and description can still be very powerful tools, especially mixed with graphics or even basic animation. Then I stumbled upon War of Dragons, a wonderful browser-based MMO that shows me just how amazing browser-based gaming can be.

Click past the cut and I'll explain.

Continue reading MMObility: The clever design behind War of Dragons

MassivelyMMObility: The clever design behind War of Dragons originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanBethesda-Softworksbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOscoldplayfeaturedgreen-dayMMObilitymudskyrimstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortoolTurn-basedwar-of-dragonsFri, 11 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Just how mobile was E3?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/mmobility-just-how-mobile-was-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/mmobility-just-how-mobile-was-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/mmobility-just-how-mobile-was-e3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

E3 is a massive, loud conglomeration of lights, people, and stress. I spent most of my time there walking from one end to another, trying to find a certain booth or meeting room. Luckily for me, I am in pretty good shape and felt just fine the entire time, despite the fact that I had little to eat, and worse yet, little water. At home I drink water non-stop... no soda, no coffee. Still, it was a blast. Working like that really makes a tiny reporter like yours truly feel wonderful. Conversations with developers can be very, very interesting if games are what you love.

And there were games. A ton of games. A bunch. A lot. Even then, I knew the feeling that was coming over me, the familiar feeling of stumbling into a toy store or comic shop to look for goodies. I was in hog heaven but needed to find my particular fix. I needed indie, tiny or strange games. Games that ran on a toaster but worked well, browser games that would impress me, or phone games that would continue to destroy the idea that immersive, fun gameplay cannot be done on a portable device.

Did I find what I was looking for? Oh, hell yes I did. Click past the cut and I will tell you all about it.

Continue reading MMObility: Just how mobile was E3?

MassivelyMMObility: Just how mobile was E3? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-chopperbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-based-MMOsf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfleckfree-to-playftpgameforgegamigoglobal-agendaillyriadjagged-alliance-onlineMMObilitynivalperfect-world-entertainmentpocket-legendsprime-worldrusty-heartssony-vitaspacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-trek-infinite-spaceTurn-basedufo-onlineTue, 14 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The constants of the console]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/mmobility-the-constants-of-the-console/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Once again I find myself envious of the console gamer lifestyle. If you think about it even for a bit, you can see how they almost have the best of all gaming worlds. Most popular console titles support some version of multiplayer that can simulate an MMO. Granted, players don't have access to potentially thousands of players at once and all that "massive" entails, but if we are even mildly honest, we'd admit that a great many MMO players spend their time in an instanced dungeon with the same handful of people, most of the time.

A console is also portable and standard. If you buy a console game, you pretty much know it will run on your system. Sure, there are hiccups here and there, but those would be generally the same hiccups that all players would have. The games are made for the console, not the other way around. My jealousy has begun to affect how I play -- I am starting to find ways to step further and further away from the standard PC setup, and hopefully I will never utter the words "upgrade my PC" again.

Browser-based and portable gaming are much like the console market. Let's discuss how so and why this really makes me feel good. Click past the cut!

Continue reading MMObility: The constants of the console

MassivelyMMObility: The constants of the console originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOsfeaturedflash-basediphonejavammobilitymobilesmartphoneunityTue, 17 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Illyriad's second tournament asks players to kill bunnies and kittens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/illyriads-second-tournament-asks-players-to-kill-bunnies-and-ki/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/illyriads-second-tournament-asks-players-to-kill-bunnies-and-ki/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/illyriads-second-tournament-asks-players-to-kill-bunnies-and-ki/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

All right, so the title of this news piece might be a little misleading, but in the browser-based game Illyriad, players have been asked by the king to pursue packs of NPC animals in the hopes of netting special specimen creatures. These creatures will eventually find a home in a new Museum of Natural History, so players will be competing to see who can capture the most. Players can control anything from armies of soldiers or individual units, and almost anyone can participate. At the end of the contest, special units will be sent out to collect these specimens and prizes will be given for various categories like Most Complete Unique Collection or Greatest Hunter.

Don't worry: The contest will run for a solid month, so all players have time to take a swing at it. If you would like to find out more information about the game, you can go to the official site, or you can find all the details of the contest right on the forums.

Good luck to all those players smashing bunnies!

MassivelyIllyriad's second tournament asks players to kill bunnies and kittens originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOscontestf2pfree-to-playftpillyriadMon, 11 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Illyriad, a kingdom in your pocket]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mmobility-illyriad-a-kingdom-in-your-pocket/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mmobility-illyriad-a-kingdom-in-your-pocket/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mmobility-illyriad-a-kingdom-in-your-pocket/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

There are a lot of city-building, army-amassing, crop-growing RTS-style games in the browser market. Heck, I will wager that they probably make up about 70 percent of the games I come across while researching (my fancy word for lurking through game sites). The genre works really well in a browser, though, so I can see the appeal of making such a game. Of course, as in any popular genre, you will have your duds. After seeing my billionth army-builder, I have to say that I'm just not really interested that much anymore. It takes a unique one to grab my eye.

In comes Illyriad. It looks pretty similar to other RTS-style browser MMOs, and it plays similarly as well. Something about it was different, though, and I just couldn't put my finger on it. The hand-drawn art was a nice touch, and the world truly felt large, but there was something else.

Join me past the cut as I examine what it was. I also fired off some questions to the developer, Stormcrow, to get his take on the game's success.

Continue reading MMObility: Illyriad, a kingdom in your pocket

MassivelyMMObility: Illyriad, a kingdom in your pocket originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOscash-shopccpeveeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpillyriadIndieMicrotransactionsministry-of-warMMObilitymmortsRTSsmartphonestormcrowTue, 05 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: An interview with Golemizer's lead (and only) developer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/free-for-all-an-interview-with-golemizers-lead-and-only-deve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/free-for-all-an-interview-with-golemizers-lead-and-only-deve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/free-for-all-an-interview-with-golemizers-lead-and-only-deve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ah, the life of the indie developer: long nights followed by more long days followed by long weekends, slugging through mountains of code to find tiny errors that break entire worlds... it would seem like a thankless job. It's ironic that many wanna-be designers and armchair developers often picture development as some kind of glamorous process, one that puts the developer in an office surrounded by character sketches, 3-D models, and walls of monitors.

The truth is that design, at any level, is often tedious and heart-breaking. You will more than likely find a designer surrounded by lists of numbers and spilled coffee before you'd find him tweaking character models. Making games is hard, they say. It's true. So then why are we so fascinated by the process? Why do we daydream of one day making our own world to explore and share with friends?

I decided to ask Dave Toulouse, lead-everything for Golemizer, what he thought about the whole process. Turns out Golemizer is pretty darn fun, complex and open... and it runs within your browser!

Click past the cut and let's see what he has to say about the ever-so-glamorous world of game design.

Continue reading Free for All: An interview with Golemizer's lead (and only) developer

MassivelyFree for All: An interview with Golemizer's lead (and only) developer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrian-greenbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOsdave-toulousef2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpgolemizerindependentIndieinterviewinterviewsmeridian-59psychoavatar-gamesWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 16 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GamersFirst's predictions for the video games industry in 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/gamersfirst-predicts-2011-for-the-video-games-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/gamersfirst-predicts-2011-for-the-video-games-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/gamersfirst-predicts-2011-for-the-video-games-industry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While end-of-the-year predictions are quite commonplace amongst game industry bloggers and journalists, it's a bit rarer to see prognostications coming from game-makers and executives. GamersFirst bucks that trend with a press release outlining its forecast for online gaming in 2011. Unsurprisingly, the free-to-play publisher sees its preferred business model "taking over the video game market," as well as a massive shift to mobile gaming and digital distribution.

Closer to home, GamersFirst senior vice president Rahul Sandil says that 2011 will be a banner year for the company that recently acquired 9Dragons and APB. "We are poised to make noteworthy contributions to the future of F2P online games. We look forward to expanding client-based and web browser F2P MMOs throughout Turkey, Europe, South and North America," he says.

Check out the full list of GamersFirst industry predictions after the break.

Continue reading GamersFirst's predictions for the video games industry in 2011

MassivelyGamersFirst's predictions for the video games industry in 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011-predictions9dragonsall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOsend-of-the-year-2010f2pfree-to-playgamersfirstopinionpredictionsWed, 29 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: RuneScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-runescape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

This week I decided to take a deeper look at RuneScape, one of the web's largest free MMORPGs. I've played it off and on over the years but thought it was the perfect time to take a deeper look. After all, one of my fellow writers is currently taking a look at the game and its developers, so why not round off the discussion with a good solid week of playing? Really, I could have played it for a much shorter time and still come to the same conclusion. From the very beginning, the essence of RuneScape shines through.

But what about the community? Isn't RuneScape a "kid's game?" Isn't it filled with 14-year-old boys named some version of "Pwnzer?" What about the graphics? Aren't they pathetically unrealistic? How does that affect immersion in the game? All I can say is read on! I was not only glad to see my gut feeling about the game being reinforced, but excited to see a game that is doing things that no others come close to doing.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: RuneScape

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: RuneScape originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOseve-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpjagexjagex-game-studiosrise-and-shinyrunescapeSandboxskill-basedskill-based-mmosWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 19 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: MilMo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/rise-and-shiny-recap-milmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/rise-and-shiny-recap-milmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/05/rise-and-shiny-recap-milmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

If there's one thing I think many developers need to learn, it's to keep games accessible. No, I'm not talking about making a game "easy" -- I'm talking about making it available to as many different players as possible. This means making a game that can run on many different PC setups and does not require a degree of some sort to play. Yes, there is a time and a place for uber-realistic, theory-crafting, nerdy-wonderland games, but bear in mind that good design does not automatically translate into complicated design.

As I played through MilMo this week, I realized how much potential this new generation of browser-based games has. The new engines, Unity in particular, give developers the ability to make beautiful games that can be accessed directly through the browser. I was surprised to find a good-looking "kid's game" that presented plenty of challenge and fun for kids of all ages (including 36-year-old game writers like myself).

Read on for more details.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: MilMo

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: MilMo originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-mmobrowser-based-MMOscartooncash-shopf2pfamilyfeaturedfree-to-playftpindependentIndiejunebud-abMicrotransactionsmilmorise-and-shinyvindictusSun, 05 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica Online goes closed beta, releases new screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/bigpoint-releases-new-screens-of-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/bigpoint-releases-new-screens-of-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/bigpoint-releases-new-screens-of-battlestar-galactica-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It looks like Bigpoint is stepping closer and closer to launching the browser-based Battlestar Galactica MMO. Open beta is due this December with launch exclusively on SyFy.com this fall. (Sci-fi on SyFy? Yes!) Fans will be happy to know that the game will be firmly set in the popular television show's universe complete with warring factions, exploration, mission-based PvE and lots of player-obliterates-player combat!

Ah, the joys of exploring the unique sights and ships of the Battlestar universe. Right now, closed beta players are being asked to finish a tutorial mission -- as either human or cylon -- then are sent off to freely explore the universe. They can experiment with mining, PvE or PvP content, or even exploring the Battlestar, space outposts, planet bases or a Cylon basestar! We all know that Cylons rule and humans drool, so this is good news.

Read on!

Continue reading Battlestar Galactica Online goes closed beta, releases new screens

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica Online goes closed beta, releases new screens originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlestar GalacticaBattlestarGalacticabeau-hindmanBigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowser-basedbrowser-based-mmobrowser-based-MMOssci-fisyfysyfy-channelMon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameforge buys majority stake in Frogster]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/gameforge-buys-majority-stake-in-frogster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/gameforge-buys-majority-stake-in-frogster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/gameforge-buys-majority-stake-in-frogster/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MMO business news isn't normally as sexy as the latest press release from BioWare or as divisive as the newest F2P conversion announcement. That said, occasionally an industry-related story comes along that indicates something equally big is in the water. Today's announcement of Gameforge's bid to take control of noted free-to-play publisher Frogster seems destined to turn a few industry heads, including ours.

Gameforge, which heretofore has specialized in smallish F2P games like Cabal, has just acquired a 60 percent majority holding in Frogster, the German publisher known primarily for distributing Runes of Magic. The purchase deal went through at $33 US a share, which places Frogster's overall value in the neighborhood of $85 million US. Frogster, and now Gameforge, is looking to grow its portfolio not only with Runes of Magic but also by publishing the forthcoming Mythos dungeon crawler as well as by securing the European publishing rights to the highly anticipated TERA action MMO from Bluehole Studio.

The Gameforge folks have been busy little bees this summer, as they earlier announced an agreement with CBS to publish several browser-based games centered around the Star Trek intellectual property.

MassivelyGameforge buys majority stake in Frogster originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsBlueHolebluehole-studiobrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOsbusinesscabalcabal-onlinecbsf2pfree-to-playfrogstergameforgemythosrunes-of-magicstar-trekteraworlds-in-motionTue, 03 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Update: Contest Closed] Win a in-game prize pack for Heroes of Gaia with Massively and Snail Games!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/win-a-in-game-prize-pack-for-heroes-of-gaia-with-massively-and-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/win-a-in-game-prize-pack-for-heroes-of-gaia-with-massively-and-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/win-a-in-game-prize-pack-for-heroes-of-gaia-with-massively-and-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Good news everyone! It's Friday, and you know what that means? It means Sera has a reason to give stuff away! (Even though, technically, I have a reason to give stuff away every day.)

This week we're running a contest for 10 special in-game prize packs in Heroes of Gaia, a browser-based MMORTS that we've been following for some time now. Heroes of Gaia is, as you would expect, a free-to-play game, so if you've been looking for something that's a bit more strategic, then you certainly can give this game a go.

To make the pot a little sweeter, we've teamed up with Snail Games USA to provide ten in-game item packs for 10 lucky commenters. Awesome? Yes. Easy to win? Of course! However, you only have a single day to enter! Therein lies "the catch" as they say.

Interested to know how to enter? It's as simple as dropping off a comment after the break, so continue reading for complete instructions!

[Update: The contest is now closed! Thank you everyone for entering, we'll post the winners shortly!]

Continue reading [Update: Contest Closed] Win a in-game prize pack for Heroes of Gaia with Massively and Snail Games!

Massively[Update: Contest Closed] Win a in-game prize pack for Heroes of Gaia with Massively and Snail Games! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbrowser-based-mmoscontestfeaturedgiveawayheroes-of-gaiammortsprize-packsnail-games-usastrategyFri, 11 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Who's your MMO mistress?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/the-daily-grind-whos-your-mmo-mistress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/the-daily-grind-whos-your-mmo-mistress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/the-daily-grind-whos-your-mmo-mistress/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Many in MMO circles look down on what they consider to be the second-class citizens of online gaming: browser-based MMOs. In fact, just about every time that we post a news article about a browser MMO here on Massively, it's inevitable that someone will pish-posh the game on the general principle that "all browser MMOs suck."

Yet that attitude overlooks one of the key demographics of browser MMO players: us. It's not uncommon for many of us to be stuck with a non-gaming computer for a good chunk of time, i.e. at "school" and "work" and "in the Batcave." While we may not talk about it in mixed company out of fear of being ostracized, I believe many of us have an on-the-side MMO that feeds our addiction when we're away from our main gaming rig.

Whether it be on Facebook, a browser or even on a mobile device, what MMO do you visit on the sly when you can't access the real thing? Have you spent time doodling around in City of Eternals, RuneScape or even Pocket Legends when your boss isn't looking? Who's your MMO mistress?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Who's your MMO mistress? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOscity-of-eternalsfacebookmmo-mistresspocket-legendsrunescapesexy-vampire-blood-drooltdgthe-daily-grindvampiresTue, 08 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Browser-centric MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/04/the-daily-grind-browser-centric-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/04/the-daily-grind-browser-centric-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/04/the-daily-grind-browser-centric-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The other day, I watched this demo of Gaikai, a new service being spearheaded by the legendary games developer David Perry. The idea is a simple one: using a browser you can access everything from MMOs to racing games and even the memory-hog that is Photoshop with all the actual software installed on a remote server and accessed via the cloud. Now it seems like an awesome undertaking but I came out of it feeling really impressed. WoW and EVE were running at lightening speed and the prospect of not patching or updating got me a little excited. Now browser-based MMOs are now new. Just look at Free Realms and the plethora of free-to-play titles. But the idea of playing seriously intensive games like EVE? Wow, just wow. You still need some kind of graphics card in your computer but the cloud seems to do the vast majority of the work.

So readers, what do you think? You might well have used browser-centric MMOs in the past and their ease of use is encouraging. Would you play WoW on a browser if it could mimic your current setting or even improve on them? Would it make your life easier knowing that someone else was dealing with all the patches? On the other hand, cloud-based technology is still new and shiny, would you rather stick with actual discs or your own hard drive? Tell us, readers, and drop your thoughts in the box below.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Browser-centric MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOscloudcloud-computingdavid-perryeve-onlinegaikaipatchingthe-daily-grindworld-of-warcraftSat, 04 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST