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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Weekly updates coming to PlanetSide 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/weekly-updates-coming-to-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/weekly-updates-coming-to-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/weekly-updates-coming-to-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This should see a 50% increase in available things to burn.
Would you like your favorite game to update more often or less often? Odds are you're prefer the former; barring the occasional update that badly breaks something, updates are a good thing. That's why creative director Matt Higby took to the PlanetSide 2 forums to break the happy news that the game's update schedule will be increasing to weekly patches. Yes, that's weekly, starting next Wednesday and continuing through the remainder of the year.

Higby explains that the new schedule will have several benefits, starting with the team no longer requiring frequent hotfixes to take care of minor bugs and performance issues. It also means that each individual update will be a bit smaller, resulting in fewer moving pieces and a lower chance of introducing bugs with any given update. Larger features are still being developed, and they'll be moved into the new weekly schedule, but players will be able to expect at least something once a week.

MassivelyWeekly updates coming to PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jan 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugbugfixesbugsfpshotfixesmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpspatchpatchesplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentupdateupdate-scheduleupdatesweekly-updatesThu, 09 Jan 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How much communication on major bugs is the right amount?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/20/the-daily-grind-how-much-communication-on-major-bugs-is-the-rig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/20/the-daily-grind-how-much-communication-on-major-bugs-is-the-rig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/20/the-daily-grind-how-much-communication-on-major-bugs-is-the-rig/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wish you could have the choice to be here.
A lot of people were very interested in taking part in Final Fantasy XIV's open beta. Unfortunately, for a substantial number of players, the beta started and stopped with Error 3102. Leaving aside debates about whether or not this should or should not have happened, I think one of the big problems for several players was that the developers simply didn't discuss the issue with players until the test period was nearly over, which meant that there was no way of being certain that anything was being done.

You could make the case that it's better for developers to be focusing on actually fixing the problem instead of updating people on the status of the problem. But silence can look a lot like ignorance at a glance, and no one wants to be ignored when something damages the game experience. So today we ask you, readers: How much communication on major bugs is the right amount? Do you want an acknowledgement and nothing more until it's fixed, or do you want hourly status updates from the development team?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How much communication on major bugs is the right amount? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugfixesbugscommunicationdaily-grinddeveloper-communicationdeveloper-updatesenormous-errorserrorsgame-breaking-bugsglitcheshotfixesopinionpatchpatchestdgthe-daily-grindupdateupdatesTue, 20 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red 5 CEO details Firefall fixes, apologizes for open beta issues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/01/red-5-ceo-details-firefall-fixes-apologizes-for-open-beta-issue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/01/red-5-ceo-details-firefall-fixes-apologizes-for-open-beta-issue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/01/red-5-ceo-details-firefall-fixes-apologizes-for-open-beta-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Firefall
Firefall jet-booted into open beta on July 9th, but the transition ended up being a bit trickier than Red 5 expected. Tutorials broke, crafting crashed, abilities vanished from hotbars, and logins were jammed. CEO Mark Kern offered a letter to Firefall players today apologizing for the problems encountered and detailing all the fixes the team has put in place.

According to Kern, login errors are resolved, server capacity is raised in all regions, instances are stabilized, tutorials are un-stuck, and calldown menus function again. Additionally, dropships are cruising along the correct flightpaths and the game's crafting and customization menus are smoother, faster, and more responsive.

Kern conceded that Firefall isn't perfect (or even finished), but wants players to know that he and his team are working on it:
Please accept our apologies for the rocky start, and while we are not past all of it yet, things have improved tremendously and we are working on resolving the remaining issues. Meanwhile, please join us for a series of new content and features that are rolling out regularly. It's been an incredible experience and only made possible by you, the community. Thank you and see you in Firefall.
Red 5 has an open beta Firefall tournament scheduled to start this Sunday, August 4th.

MassivelyRed 5 CEO details Firefall fixes, apologizes for open beta issues originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Aug 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apologyBugFixesf2pfirefallfpsfree-to-playfreemiumloginMark-Kernmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmmo-shooterpatchespremiumpvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fiserver-issuesshooterthird-person-shooterwarThu, 01 Aug 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514's latest build lets you bring the pain from EVE Online allies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/dust-514s-latest-build-lets-you-bring-the-pain-from-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/dust-514s-latest-build-lets-you-bring-the-pain-from-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/dust-514s-latest-build-lets-you-bring-the-pain-from-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

But your shotgun is cool, too.
If you've been waiting for DUST 514 to show off its integration with EVE Online, your wait is over. Now when you're in the midst of pitched fighting for an area, you don't have to wade through enemy fire and struggle against overwhelming odds. No, you can just call in your allies from outer space, bring down an orbital bombardment in the area, and take possession of whatever survived the initial blast. That's the big takeaway from the game's new build, Chromosome, and it's one that's very welcome.

Admittedly the orbital bombardments are currently limited to players on the test server, but seeing as the game is still in beta that's rather appropriate. The latest development blog discussing the update also mentions that this will be the last major push before open beta, and while it's not as flashy as destroying your foes from orbit, there have been a number of bug fixes and improvements. So there's a lot to like in this update, but the best thing is raining death on your enemies with arsenals from the heavens. At least, it's the best thing until the other side has better friends.

MassivelyDUST 514's latest build lets you bring the pain from EVE Online allies originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabugfixesbugsccpccp-gameschromosomeconsolecross-game-integrationdustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsheaven-has-the-best-arsenalsmmofpsorbital-barrageorbital-bombardmentpatchpatchesplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterThu, 20 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest patch notes Star Wars: The Old Republic highlight bug fixes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/newest-patch-notes-star-wars-the-old-republic-highlight-bug-fix/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/newest-patch-notes-star-wars-the-old-republic-highlight-bug-fix/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/newest-patch-notes-star-wars-the-old-republic-highlight-bug-fix/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Patches are a lot like starship maintenance, albeit with slightly less vaccuum.
Bugs are frustrating, and inevitably some of them seep through to launch with a new MMO. Star Wars: The Old Republic produced a fairly polished end product, but there were still issues, most notably certain memory problems with Taris and some harvesting nodes that couldn't be harvested. As a result, the game's first patch has been rolled out following this morning's maintenance, and the first set of patch notes have gone live detailing the bugfixes and minor updates provided.

Aside from the two obvious changes, there has been a handful of balance adjustments. Slicing has seen a slight downgrade to bring its rewards more in line with those of other gathering professions, and the Mandalorian Raiders flashpoint has seen several enemies lose their immunity to crowd control. Players can look forward to more steady adjustments as the game continues, but some quick fixes to noteworthy issues are always good to see -- especially so close to the holidays.

MassivelyNewest patch notes Star Wars: The Old Republic highlight bug fixes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mmobioware-mmorpgbioware-star-warsbioware-swtorbugfixeseaelectronic-artsgame-updateslucas-artslucas-arts-mmolucas-arts-mmorpgnewspatchpatchessmall-patchesstar-wars-gamestar-wars-mmostar-wars-mmorpgstar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-torstarwarsstarwars-the-old-republicsw-torswtorsystem-updatesthe-old-republicupdatesTue, 27 Dec 2011 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE devblog tackles CCP's committment to fixing small issues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/eve-devblog-tackles-ccps-committment-to-fixing-small-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/eve-devblog-tackles-ccps-committment-to-fixing-small-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/eve-devblog-tackles-ccps-committment-to-fixing-small-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Several months ago, EVE Online forumite Akita T began the "thousand papercut project." The aim of the project is to collect a list of all those tiny issues that irritate players about EVE. Putting aside any large balance or mechanic problems, Akita T suggested that all the little issues developers have put off dealing with are now all adding up to have a huge negative impact on players. Supporters of the project will be pleased to know that CCP has taken notice. In a new devblog, game designer CCP Soundwave has explained plans to work on a long list of small issues during the current development cycle.

Having previously worked mainly on large projects like the Sansha incursions, CCP Soundwave's development team "Best Friends Forever" has already been hard at work on a variety of small issues, bugs and improvements that will be deployed soon. Among the many changes are improvements to the recently deployed incursion mechanic, including a much-needed change to deny the use of remote armour repairers and shield transporters on criminals. This closes a loophole griefers were using to trick incursion fleet logistics ships into being destroyed by CONCORD. Incursions should also last longer in highsec, and Sansha's forces shouldn't recapture lowsec or nullsec systems as quickly when encounters aren't being run. Head over to the devblog for a list of the first round of small issues tackled so far by CCP Soundwave and friends.

MassivelyEVE devblog tackles CCP's committment to fixing small issues originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akita-tbest-friends-foreverbugBugFixBugFixesccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-soundwaveeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineincursionincursionspatchteam-best-friends-foreverthousand-papercutFri, 11 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online brings 1.3.5 to be tested]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/warhammer-online-brings-1-3-5-to-be-tested/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/warhammer-online-brings-1-3-5-to-be-tested/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/warhammer-online-brings-1-3-5-to-be-tested/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With all of the billing nightmares apparently resolved, complete with the peacemaking gifts, Warhammer Online is ready to move back to its core focus. The development team has been talking about the improvements set to come with patch 1.3.5, continuing the game's process of strengthening the Realm vs. Realm gameplay by adding fully PvP-focused city sieges. On top of the improvements to Scenarios and the addition of PvP-bought weaponry, the game is playing to its greatest assets. How successful it's been will soon be in the hands of the players, as 1.3.5 is going to the public test server.

The obvious large-scale changes can take some of the flash away from smaller changes, such as allowing Marauders the option to properly dual-wield and improved AFK flagging in scenarios. Numerous bugfixes, changes to NPC locations, and revisions to the Open RvR currency are also present in the patch. And that's not even talking about inventory space... all in all, it promises much for players to be happy about, and little to be disappointed with. Warhammer Online's players can take a hop to the test server Warpstone to take a look at all the changes, and those who'd prefer to abstain can take heart that the changes will likely be going live soon.

MassivelyWarhammer Online brings 1.3.5 to be tested originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugfixescity-siegesea-gamesea-mythicea-warhammerea-warhammer-onlineelectronic-artsmythicmythic-eamythic-entertainmentnpcspatchespvpremovalrvrtest-serverwarwar-eawar-patch-1.3.5warhammerwarhammer-eawarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-eaThu, 22 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies outlines the road ahead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/star-wars-galaxies-outlines-the-road-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/star-wars-galaxies-outlines-the-road-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/star-wars-galaxies-outlines-the-road-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Amidst all the fuss about the new kid in town (or due to arrive in town in a year or so), it's easy to forget sometimes that Star Wars Galaxies has been running for seven years, even with its ups and downs. The game's most recent update brought the Galactic Civil War to the forefront, the ongoing conflict between the Empire and the Rebels forming the centerpiece for large-scale PvP. A recent producer's letter goes into further detail as to what the game can expect for its next major patch, Update 16, which promises to expand the Civil War mechanics as well as adding new tweaks besides.

Region Defense is the next major change to the PvP side of things, allowing guilds and cities to hold regions of space for the Imperials or the Rebels, earning rewards and titles for successful defense of the territory. For players looking for something in a PvE vein, Nym's Theme Park is being revamped and expanded, both for players still leveling up and those at the top of their game. There are also a number of incoming bugfixes and balance tweaks, showing part of why Star Wars Galaxies has endured for so long and shows no sign of dropping.

MassivelyStar Wars Galaxies outlines the road ahead originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugfixesbugscontentpreviewsrevampsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmoswgswg-update-15swg-update-16Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST