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[The Soapbox: If you want to sell special items, just do it already]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/the-soapbox-if-you-want-to-sell-special-items-get-to-it-alread/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/the-soapbox-if-you-want-to-sell-special-items-get-to-it-alread/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/the-soapbox-if-you-want-to-sell-special-items-get-to-it-alread/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I've argued before about the merits of being an honest cash-shop salesperson. You have to be upfront, blunt, and willing to take some heat. Bigpoint is one of my favorite examples of a cash-shop dependent developer simply because it says what it means and means what it says. It sells items, sometimes powerful items, in several different titles. Granted, the studio usually offers a way to get those same items through in-game means, but that doesn't make for as good a story.

We reported on Bigpoint a while ago when its reps essentially said that if a developer is going to make an effort to sell in-game items, it should do it the right way by making those items have a significant impact on the game by being either powerful or desirable. I cannot agree more. Bigpoint is a car lot that sells beautiful luxury automobiles. It also sells junkers and even gives out a lot of cars for free, but its charity once again does not make for a good dramatic write-up. I tend to think that if you you are going to make a cash-shop, depending on the style of game, of course, you as a developer have got to consider just what sort of impact you want that cash-shop to have on your players, and you can't be afraid to push your idea from the beginning.

But just get on with it.

Continue reading The Soapbox: If you want to sell special items, just do it already

MassivelyThe Soapbox: If you want to sell special items, just do it already originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbsg-onlinecash-shopccpcylonsdark-orbiteditorialeve-onlinefeaturedlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroMicrotransactionsop-edopinionrantrantssoapboxthe-soapboxvirtual-goodsTue, 10 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Utilizing Windows 8 to help with MMO chores]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/mmobility-utilizing-windows-8-to-help-with-mmo-chores/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/mmobility-utilizing-windows-8-to-help-with-mmo-chores/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/mmobility-utilizing-windows-8-to-help-with-mmo-chores/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Windows 8 preview screenshot
Not so long ago, I told you about my acquisition of an Inspiron Duo netbook, a 10-inch device that was not only a small laptop but also a touchscreen tablet device. It is a very sturdy device, and the flip-around screen works well. The main problem with the device was that it came with Windows 7 while only sporting a dual core processor and two gigs of RAM. The other main issue was that the 10-inch screen has a 1366x768-pixel resolution, meaning that it was often uncomfortable to read on it or play games unless I zoomed in.

Recently Microsoft released the Windows 8 public preview, so I downloaded it after reading that it was really geared for tablet or touchcreen devices. Sure enough, the same 10-inch netbook that was not getting a lot of use around here suddenly became faster and much more friendly to the eyes.

It's perfect timing, as well, especially since I will be starting my "chores" experiment in which I see whether scheduling my gameplay each day will help me with an issue I have been having.

Continue reading MMObility: Utilizing Windows 8 to help with MMO chores

MassivelyMMObility: Utilizing Windows 8 to help with MMO chores originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbsg-onlinecastle-empirechoresdie2niteduof2pfeaturedfree-to-pftpglitchgolden-agegunshineillyriadinspiron-duojagexjunebud-abmilmominitroopersmiramagiamirimagiammobilitymmortsmobilepocket-legendsriotzonerunescaspacetime-studiosstar-legendstouchscreentwinoidFri, 09 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Recently, fans of the upcoming MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic had the pleasure of plopping down 150 clams to pre-order a special collectors edition of their favorite game they have never played. I've seen this before, and have even pre-ordered a few in my day (I'm looking at you, giant Warhammer Online box.) Pre-orders are the oldest form of virtual goods...they were cash-shops before cash-shops appeared in every game. The funnest part is seeing hardcore cash-shop haters gladly paying huge sums of money for a robot pet or a cool looking cape. Somehow, they see it as a different thing altogether than buying a shiny mount or pink dress from in-game.

Still, I understand the impulse. I get it every time I am in the check-out lane and the new flavors of gum have been released. Even worse is when one of my favorite games releases new items in their cash shop. New mounts, housing goods, heck even new weapons or stat-increasing potions...they make me drool.

So, I decided to take a 150 dollar budget and see what I could get for it. Click past the cut and let's look at the list!

Continue reading Free for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars?

MassivelyFree for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanbsg-onlinecash-shopcylonEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playftpillyriadkingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogiNexonwizard-101wurm-onlineWed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Casey says frak edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-mmo-report-casey-says-frak-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-mmo-report-casey-says-frak-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-mmo-report-casey-says-frak-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This week's MMO Report is all about Casey's ego. Not one shred of MMO news bullied its way onto the show this week, unless you count a story about Battlestar Galactica Online reaching two million subscribers as news. OK, maybe you can count Age of Conan going free-to-play, or maybe the newest Minecraft update is technically news. Perhaps Perfect World Entertainment buying Cryptic Studios would be considered news, too. But let's not forget: The MMO Report is really about Uncle Casey's Mail Bag. So that is exactly what will fill the rest of this post.

The Mail Bag this week is all about love, love, and memes. Fans share their love for each other, love for Casey, and love for Morgan Webb. Yes, she's been gone for two weeks, but apparently Casey's manly smell has not ousted the memory of the time Morgan hosted the MMO Report. One fan has not forgotten; he was so inspired that he created a meme about it just to show how much he cared.

Jump past the break if you are interested in catching a glimpse of Casey Schreiner's ego. We have the full video ready to go. Maybe you will catch the news that we missed while staring at Casey's incredible beard.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Casey says frak edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Casey says frak edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointbsg-onlinebsgocasey-schreinercryptic-studiosfuncomg4g4tvminecraftmmo-reportmorgan-webbperfect-world-entertainmentthe-mmo-reportuncle-caseys-mailbagThu, 02 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica Online passes one million player milestone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/battlestar-galactica-online-passes-one-million-player-milestone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/battlestar-galactica-online-passes-one-million-player-milestone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/battlestar-galactica-online-passes-one-million-player-milestone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Bigpoint's browser-based Battlestar Galactica Online is a certifiable hit according to a new press release touting the fact that the title recently surpassed one million registered players. The milestone comes a scant six weeks after the launch of BSGO's open beta period and dovetails nicely with the news that the game is getting an engine upgrade as well as new ship content.

"There is always a risk when you translate a well-known IP into another medium. We built what we believed was a recipe for success; a fantastic gaming experience inspired by an iconic show, with the added benefit of being a free-to-play title," explains Bigpoint CEO Heiko Hubertz.

Head to the official Battlestar Galactica Online website for more info on the game and the new upgrades.

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica Online passes one million player milestone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-million-playersBattlestar Galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlineBattlestarGalacticabigpointbrowserbrowser-basedbsgbsg-onlinef2pfree-to-playheiko-hubertznew-shipsone-million-playerspress-releasesci-fiunity-engineupgradesFri, 15 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica fires up its FTLs for an in-game trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/battlestar-galactica-fires-up-its-ftls-for-an-in-game-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/battlestar-galactica-fires-up-its-ftls-for-an-in-game-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/battlestar-galactica-fires-up-its-ftls-for-an-in-game-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In December of 2003, the SciFi Network (now Syfy) launched a hugely successful re-imagining of the '70s space-opera Battlestar Galactica. Early last year, Bigpoint announced it had procured the license to make a browser-based MMOG set in the same re-imagined universe. Today, we have the first-ever in-game trailer for Battlestar Galactica Online. The press release states that this game is "one of the most ambitious browser-games ever developed," and the trailer features the in-game footage of Cylon Raiders and Colonial Vipers facing off against the Galactica and Basestars. We also get a taste of what actual combat will feel like, with Bear McCreary's musical score as a emotional backdrop. Catch the full, exciting trailer after the break.

Beta applications are being accepted on the game's website, open beta begins sometime soon in Q1, and launch will be shortly after that. When the game launches in the United States, it will be available only through Syfy.com. Stay tuned here for more information. So say we all!

Continue reading Battlestar Galactica fires up its FTLs for an in-game trailer

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica fires up its FTLs for an in-game trailer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowser-basedbsgbsg-onlinebsgobsoin-game-footagespace-combatsyfytrailervideoMon, 24 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The year 2010 was a great year in gaming. If anyone tells you any different, look him in the eye -- you've just met a madman. In fact, 2010 did so much for me, personally, that it might be hard to top it for a while. I actually started getting paid to write my blog entries this year, discovered so many wonderful new developers this year, and played more hours than in all of the previous years combined.

As luck would have it, there are already several new games being announced that are making 2011 look like an even bigger year for me. Browser-based technology is only growing more robust and rich, indie gaming is finally starting to get a lot of the respect it deserves, and I now have the ability to contact almost any developer I want for use in my columns. All of this adds up to some exciting times ahead, for sure. All thanks to Massively, of course.

There are four games in particular that I am very excited about. More will come, I'm positive, but these four have already cast huge spells on me. Click past the cut to see what you should be excited about, too!

Continue reading Free for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011

MassivelyFree for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landankamaankama-gamesbattlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowserbrowser-basedbsg-onlineDofusdofus-2.0end-of-the-year-2010featuredfree-for-allfree-to-playftpglitchIndieindie-gamesmobile-gamingSquare-Enixunityunity-enginewakfuWed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDCO 2010: Bigpoint's Alan Dunton on the next-gen of browser MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/gdco-2010-bigpoints-alan-dunton-on-the-next-gen-of-browsers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/gdco-2010-bigpoints-alan-dunton-on-the-next-gen-of-browsers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/gdco-2010-bigpoints-alan-dunton-on-the-next-gen-of-browsers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bigpoint has had a very successful run as a multi-game publisher over the last few years. If you're familiar with Seafight or Dark Orbit, then you have played some of the company's games. Of course, those titles -- plus the many others -- are just not enough for the devs at Bigpoint. They wanted to host, create and specify a game for the North American market. What they ended up with are a few titles -- The Mummy Online, Battlestar Galactica, and Ruined Online -- all crafted in the same amazing Unity browser engine.

What this will do is allow for more flexibility, accessibility, and possibility. Bigpoint's background in free-to-play and microtransaction-based games will also help to monetize the titles -- a delicate science in itself. We were able to meet up with Alan Dunton, and he explained to us what Ruined Online meant for the company and for the future of Battlestar and The Mummy.

Continue reading GDCO 2010: Bigpoint's Alan Dunton on the next-gen of browser MMOs

MassivelyGDCO 2010: Bigpoint's Alan Dunton on the next-gen of browser MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-duntonbattlestar-galacticabeau-hindmanBigpointborderlandsbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-gamesbsgbsg-onlinebsgof2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfreemiumftpgame-developers-conferenceGDCgdc-2010gdc2010gdcogdco-2010mmofpspost-apocalypticshooterTue, 12 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively.com and GameBreaker.TV: Coming to you live from GDC Online!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/massively-com-and-gamebreaker-tv-coming-to-you-live-from-gdc-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/massively-com-and-gamebreaker-tv-coming-to-you-live-from-gdc-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/massively-com-and-gamebreaker-tv-coming-to-you-live-from-gdc-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GDC Online (formerly GDC Austin) is rapidly approaching, and we here at Massively.com are making sure that we're on the front lines of coverage from the event. We have plenty of interviews lined up with a huge variety of companies, and we're teaming up with our friends at GameBreaker.TV to deliver live coverage of the event via GameBreaker's live show at the Vivox booth!

To get you excited for the coming conference, we've provided the list of companies we're meeting with just after the break! The list isn't fully extensive, as we'll be covering a variety of panels as well, but it will give you an idea of whom we're meeting with. Plus, keep an eye out for a link to the live GameBreaker.TV broadcast on our right-hand sidebar! Their coverage of the event will be starting on Wednesday, October 6th at 12:00 p.m. EDT!

Continue reading Massively.com and GameBreaker.TV: Coming to you live from GDC Online!

MassivelyMassively.com and GameBreaker.TV: Coming to you live from GDC Online! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aikaaika-onlineallodsallods-onlinebattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbsg-onlinebsgocity-of-heroescohdc-universe-onlinedcuogala-netgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-onlinegamebreaker-tvgamebreakrgary-gannongdc-onlinelive-coveragelive-videomytheonmythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftpoisonvillesoesony-online-entertainmentultima-onlineuoutv-true-gamesvivoxwargaming.netwarrior-epicworld-of-tankswotTue, 05 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy wins "Best of Free-to-Play" at Gamescom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/black-prophecy-wins-best-of-free-to-play-at-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/black-prophecy-wins-best-of-free-to-play-at-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/black-prophecy-wins-best-of-free-to-play-at-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gaming publications Gamestar and GamePro were keeping an interested watch on the happenings at Gamescom last week, and earlier this week they handed out their own round of awards.

Gamigo and Reakktor Media received top honors in the free-to-play category for Black Prophecy, beating out several other nominees including Battlestar Galactica Online and Mytheon, another Gamigo game. "We feel quite honored. This award is recognition for all the hard work our team has put in over the past few years," said Kirk Lenke, CEO of Reakktor Media.

The full story can be read on Gamestar's site in the original German or an English translation.

MassivelyBlack Prophecy wins "Best of Free-to-Play" at Gamescom originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlineblack-prophecybsg-onlinef2pfree-to-playftpgameprogamescomgamescom-2010gamestargamigokirk-lenkemytheonreakktorreakktor-mediaWed, 25 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint announces key characters in Battlestar Galactica Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/bigpoint-announces-key-characters-in-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/bigpoint-announces-key-characters-in-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/bigpoint-announces-key-characters-in-battlestar-galactica-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bigpoint, the creator of upcoming browser-based MMO Battlestar Galactica Online, has revealed a part of the game that fans have been speculating on for a while. The names of key characters have been announced, and you'll certainly see plenty of familiar ones.

These characters will be NPCs, placed in the game to "create a deeper connection to the storyline, provide quests and accentuate the dramatic tension that the series is known for delivering expertly."

On the human side, you'll find William and Lee "Apollo" Adama, Starbuck and Apollo and Galen "Chief" Tyrol. The Cylon roster will be made up of One, Two, Six and Eight. (Sorry guys, no Three.)

Bigpoint CEO Heiko Hubertz is pleased with these additions to the game: "These characters brought to life the story and captured the imaginations of a whole new generation of Battlestar Galactica fans and we felt strongly that they needed to appear in the game."

You can sign up for the game newsletter and receive more updates through the BSG Online site.

[Editor's Note: Whoops, we made a mistake in our list! Fixed that for you. ~Sera]

MassivelyBigpoint announces key characters in Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrowser-basedbsgbsg-onlineheiko-hubertznpcsyfySat, 14 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: New gameplay details and screenshots for Battlestar Galactica Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/exclusive-new-gameplay-details-and-screenshots-for-battlestar-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/exclusive-new-gameplay-details-and-screenshots-for-battlestar-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/exclusive-new-gameplay-details-and-screenshots-for-battlestar-g/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When it comes to new MMO titles, a significant portion of the MMO community will hear the the phrase "browser-based" and dismiss the game in question as unworthy without even looking at it.

The folks at Bigpoint have big plans to banish this stereotype with Battlestar Galactica Online. If CEO and founder Heiko Hubertz has his way, turning your nose up at a game because of what you think a browser-based f2p is will become a thing of the past: "Bigpoint's goal is to raise expectations on what can be achieved in a browser-based game. Battlestar Galactica Online is the perfect license to help us elevate the consumer's understanding of this genre of gaming and reach gamers who have never tried a free-to-play game."

Bigpoint shared some exclusive new gameplay information and screenshots with us that give a picture of a much more complex game than you might be expecting.

Follow along after the jump to see what they had to say.

Gallery: Exclusive Battlestar Galactica Online screenshots


Continue reading Exclusive: New gameplay details and screenshots for Battlestar Galactica Online

MassivelyExclusive: New gameplay details and screenshots for Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrowser-basedbsgbsg-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpscreenshotsThu, 22 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: An in-depth look at Battlestar Galactica Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/gdc10-an-in-depth-look-at-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/gdc10-an-in-depth-look-at-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/gdc10-an-in-depth-look-at-battlestar-galactica-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Yesterday at GDC, Bigpoint announced their upcoming Battlestar Galactica MMO. Today, we had the opportunity to speak with Jan Wergin, the Chief Technology Officer from Bigpoint for a closer look at the game.

The initial announcement was met with a bit of apprehension from fans -- they love the IP but aren't sure how well it will translate into an MMO, particularly a browser-based MMO. Follow along after the jump as we take a look at that and much more in our interview with Bigpoint.

Continue reading GDC10: An in-depth look at Battlestar Galactica Online

MassivelyGDC10: An in-depth look at Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-mmobattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointbreakingbsgbsg-mmobsg-onlinefeaturedgdc-2010interviewsjan-werginWed, 10 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST