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[Blizzard congratulates itself on Diablo III's anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/blizzard-congratulates-itself-on-diablo-iiis-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/blizzard-congratulates-itself-on-diablo-iiis-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/blizzard-congratulates-itself-on-diablo-iiis-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Blizzard pats itself on the back for one year of Diablo III
Diablo III is a year old, and Blizzard's celebratory anniversary gesture is one of those mile-long infographic things featuring selected statistics designed to make you ooh and ahh.

Said statistics include 67.1 million characters created world-wide, 3.3 trillion monsters killed world-wide, and 22.4 million characters that have killed Diablo. Interestingly, Blizzard left off the number of hours lost to launch server login issues, nor is there any mention of D3's much-maligned real-money auction house. You can see the full graphic after the break.

Continue reading Blizzard congratulates itself on Diablo III's anniversary

MassivelyBlizzard congratulates itself on Diablo III's anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Soapbox Diablo III's Auction House ruined the game
After his departure from the Diablo III development team, Game Director Jay Wilson released a statement that the introduction of an auction house "really hurt the game." While players predicted doom the moment the Real Money Auction House was announced, Jay argued that the gold auction house was equally to blame for the game's fall from grace following an absolutely stellar launch sales. I don't normally agree with what Jay has to say on Diablo III, but in this case he does have a very valid point.

Diablo II was consistently popular for over a decade thanks to its immense replayability. At its core, D2 was a game about building new characters and gearing them up by any means necessary. Every enemy in the game was a loot pinata just waiting to be popped, and players farmed endlessly for a few sought-after unique items. You almost never found an item that was ideal for your particular class and build, but you could usually trade for what you needed via trade channels and forums.

Blizzard claimed that the auction house was intended just to streamline this process, but when Diablo III launched, it was clear that the entire game had been designed to make the auction house almost necessary for progress. The fault here lies not just with the concept of an auction house but with the game designers.

That's right: I'm here to argue not only that Jay Wilson was right about the auction house ruining Diablo III but also that it was his own damn fault.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Diablo III's auction house ruined the game

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Diablo III's auction house ruined the game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop
What will RIFT's free-to-play version look like? While we won't get to see it in action until the game makes the transition on June 12th, Trion Worlds has posted a screenshot of the new item store and some of its offerings for players to peruse.

The store screenshot includes a preview pane of a character wearing a fancy outfit and a top hat, as well as a list of several items. These include 30-day patron pass, faction changing scroll, character rename scroll, rename guild scroll, transfiguration bauble, rune unsocketing apparatus, and planar essence removal device. Later on in the thread, the studio posted a picture of a different cosmetic outfit being worn by a female character.

To "ensure a successful transition," Trion has sent out surveys to all current subscribers about the free-to-play switch.

MassivelyRIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diablo 3 video talks us through developing console controls
Diablo III, as you (savvy, informed reader that you are) surely know, is being released for the PS3 and PS4 at some point. Bringing the game over to a new platform has been an exciting challenge for the devs, which they discuss in this shiny new dev diary video. The crucial part of porting the experience, they say, is the controller. It acts as your connection to the character and really your agency in the game world.

Skip below the cut to hear the devs talk about giving console gamers dodging, a quick equip option, and use of the touchpad.

Continue reading Diablo III devs talk about creating console controls

MassivelyDiablo III devs talk about creating console controls originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diablo III restores auction house, donates duped proceeds to charity
Is there a light at the end of Diablo III's auction house woes? Blizzard is putting its best foot forward in an attempt to make it so. After a nasty gold duping exploit and the subsequent suspension of all services, the Diablo III auction house is back online -- and Blizzard is looking to save face with its return.

Production Director John Hight gave a lengthy explanation of what happened with the situation and why Blizzard responded the way it did. "Only a relatively small number of players had the billions of gold necessary to exploit the bug, and only 415 of those players chose to use this exploit for personal gain," Hight wrote. "We elected not to roll back the servers in the Americas and are instead working to remove duplicated gold from the economy through targeted audits and account actions (as indicated above) without taking away progress that our players rightfully earned."

Hight said that the studio is donating all proceeds from auctions conducted by dupers to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

MassivelyDiablo III restores auction house, donates duped proceeds to charity originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DLC purchasers will unlock new abilities, including Shoot More, Shoot Even More, and Shoot The Most.
Now that Defiance is live and has gone through the usual slew of launch-day messes, it's time for the developers to start thinking about the future. That means DLC. The latest development blog explains both what the team is doing to address the game's issues and how DLC will be released in a tiered system, with every major DLC update containing upgrades to the cash shop, a paid DLC component, and a free update for everyone.

The first DLC is already en route, and its $10 paid component allows players to make a Castithan character, access a unique storyline, and gain some special vehicles and outfits. Even if you don't pay for the DLC, you'll have access to new Castithan Blades, and a new open world game mode called Siege, and can earn new Charge Weapons. The game's store, meanwhile, will allow you to tint your Castithan Blades, buy new lockboxes or vehicles, and re-customize your character. There's a little something for everyone playing the game, and that's the ultimate goal.

MassivelyGet some Defiance DLC with a side of free updates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallb2pbuy-to-playcash-shopdefiancedlcdlc-updatesmmo-shooterplayer-racespvpracessci-fishootersyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvweaponsxboxThu, 09 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III auction house down for 'at least another 24 hours']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/diablo-iii-auction-house-down-for-at-least-another-24-hours/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/diablo-iii-auction-house-down-for-at-least-another-24-hours/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/diablo-iii-auction-house-down-for-at-least-another-24-hours/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Diablo III
Diablo III's auction house continues to be the stuff of legends.

You may remember that a couple of days ago, the Diablo III auction house went down for a time due to a gold duplication bug that was being rampantly exploited by players. Thankfully, a patch was deployed in a nice, timely manner, and everything ended up all right.

Or did it? Rather than performing a server rollback, which would set all Diablo III players back, Blizzard has decided to perform a complete audit of the transactions made on the auction house in order to find players guilty of utilizing the gold duplication exploit. Unfortunately, Blizz was a bit conservative in its estimate of how long the auction house would be down. While there's currently no new ETA for the auction house's return, a post by Blizzard CM Lylirra states that the studio anticipates the AH being down for "at least another 24 hours" while the audits are in progress.

MassivelyDiablo III auction house down for 'at least another 24 hours' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgahauction-houseauditsbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiiexploitexploitsfantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgThu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III gold dupe bug fixed with no rollback]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/diablo-iii-gold-dupe-bug-fixed-with-no-rollback/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/diablo-iii-gold-dupe-bug-fixed-with-no-rollback/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/diablo-iii-gold-dupe-bug-fixed-with-no-rollback/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Diablo III gold dupe bug fixed with no rollback
Oh Diablo III's auction house, you are the stuff of legends.

Late last night, Blizzard took Diablo III's auction house offline to deal with a gold duplication bug that was discovered to be exploited by players. All gold trades were halted at the time, and Blizzard had a patch in place within 30 minutes.

But it's the later update that concerned many D3 fans as Blizzard announced that it wouldn't be rolling back the server, but instead, dealing with each individual offending account on a case-by-case basis. This is more time-consuming for the dev team, but has much less of an impact on the community as a whole.

MassivelyDiablo III gold dupe bug fixed with no rollback originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not So Massively MOBA patch week, Star Citizen hits $9 million, and Diablo II ladder reset
This week is packed with MOBA news as almost every major title released a new patch. Infinite Crisis introduced new champions Poison Ivy and Gaslight Catwoman and announced that the game's closed beta will start in two days' time on May 8th. SMITE introduced new Norse god Fenrir the Unbound, and League of Legends released a champion spotlight on new Ice Witch champion Lissandra. Dota 2 also released new hero Elder Titan based on the original DotA hero Tauren Chieftain, and Heroes of Newerth released several months of balance changes at once in its colossal version 3.1 update.

Star Citizen celebrated hitting $9 million US in its ongoing crowdfunding campaign, and to celebrate, developers controversially gave all current backers free lifetime insurance on their ships. The title's success has also spurred EVE Online developer CCP Games to show off its own virtual reality dogfighter called EVR that uses the upcoming Oculus Rift headset.

Diablo III's first anniversary is just over a week away; details of any celebrations haven't yet been released. Developers confirmed that the PlayStation 4 version will not be getting mouse and keyboard support and that the PC version won't be getting support for analog controllers. For those of you up for some oldschool dungeon-crawling, Diablo II also announced that its ladder will be reset on May 14th this week and all players will start the game fresh again.

Continue reading Not So Massively: MOBA patch week, Star Citizen hits $9 million, and Diablo II ladder reset

MassivelyNot So Massively: MOBA patch week, Star Citizen hits $9 million, and Diablo II ladder reset originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diablo III preorder banner
Rumors of Diablo III coming to consoles have been around since before the game ever launched, and not long ago it was confirmed that the ever-polarizing action RPG would be making its way to the PlayStation 3. Well, the time has almost come for console players to set foot in the treacherous lands of Sanctuary. Blizzard announced on its official site today that preorders for the PS3 edition of Diablo III are officially open.

Players who preorder the game will be given a gift in the form of the PS3-exclusive Infernal Helm. Each character created on the PS3 version will start with this stylish chapeau that grants its wearer a bonus to experience gained. There's still no official release date for the PS3 edition of the game, however, and the studio states that it will announce the game's release date as launch draws nearer (in case that wasn't blindingly obvious). In the meantime, Diablo devotees can go ahead and lay down their preorders.

MassivelyDiablo III PS3 preorders available now originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopconsoleconsolesd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerplaystation-3preorderpreordersps3roguelikerpgMon, 29 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Revisiting The Lost Titans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mmobility-revisiting-the-lost-titans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mmobility-revisiting-the-lost-titans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mmobility-revisiting-the-lost-titans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Lost Titans screenshot
It's pretty impressive that The Lost Titans, a new browser-based MMO by ZQGame, launched in China and was supporting 600 servers within six months, but China is a unique, browser-eating beast. I've talked about the foreign browser market before and often marvel at how so many players in the West scoff at browser games. It's not as though "browser" is a genre; it's a delivery system. But here we are, getting ready to scroll through comments to read about how "browser games" suck. That's like saying, "MP3s are bad music."

Still, I cannot deny that some browser-based games do indeed suck. In fact, the last time I played The Lost Titans live, I found myself so bored I almost could not finish the stream, but I thought I'd try again with a fresh perspective. Despite finding many of the same issues I had before, I was surprised at how much further the game has come. I sat down with ZQGame's Laura Stephens during this latest livestream to talk about the game.

Continue reading MMObility: Revisiting The Lost Titans

MassivelyMMObility: Revisiting The Lost Titans originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopfeaturedmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepvpsmartphoneThe-Lost-TitanszqgameFri, 26 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

APB reloaded screenshot
I could make this a very short piece by saying that APB: Reloaded is simply as fun now as it has ever been. The game is a blast in more ways than one. Heck, I could close it right now by telling you that not only was my return to the game well worth the effort but also that it also served to slap me on the side of the head to say, "Hey, dummy, remember how fun it is to run over people?" I'd rather give you more details, though, especially for those of you who might not have played the game or haven't played it in a long time.

APB: Reloaded is essentially a lobby-based shooter. The lobby -- or social district, as it is called -- and the instanced battle arenas are massive places. While I livestreamed the game last week (you can watch the embedded video after the cut), someone accurately commented that watching it was like watching "GTA Online." I agree, but it's also so much more than that. Join me past the cut and I promise not to run you over.

(EDIT: I was able to order an APB: Reloaded box from Newegg.com for $7.99 USD which contains "over $50 value" like a permanent Magnum gun, a Cisco car, 500 G1 credits and 30 days of premium. I paid no shipping fees at all and received it within three days of ordering, but after this article went live.)

Continue reading Second Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded

MassivelySecond Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ecol Tactics Online screenshot
I took a look at Ecol Tactics Online not so long ago and mostly enjoyed what I found. When the game recently launched into open beta, I knew I had to check it out again. It's possible that the game I experienced before the open beta would be vastly different from the one I'd find later on, but everything felt familiar even though I was given access to higher-level play and cash shop.

I enjoyed the storyline and quest text much more this time around. Last time, gameplay appeared pretty standard, but now that I know what to expect with combat and performance, I can enjoy the story a bit more. But a player can ignore the story completely and still find the game enjoyable. That's an issue with many MMOs in general. A lot of the time the story has no bearing on a player's character. This time I slowed down and read up most of the quests I came across and discovered some pretty cute tales and toons.

The combat is still fun as well. Of course, turn-based combat is what this game is all about.

Continue reading Free for All: Ecol Tactics Online has a fun story but weak combat

MassivelyFree for All: Ecol Tactics Online has a fun story but weak combat originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlizzCon's golden tickets going on sale in two batches
Grabbing one of the year's hottest tickets will be a tricky prospect, especially considering how fast BlizzCon typically sells out. However, Blizzard is giving everyone a fair chance at grabbing one of these tickets by announcing the dates and times that they'll be going on sale.

Dates plural? Yes indeed! BlizzCon tickets will be sold in two batches, first on Wednesday, April 24th, at 10:00 p.m. EDT and second on Saturday, April 27th, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The tickets for the two-day convention are $175, although if you want to package in the Children's Hospital benefit dinner with the show, you'll be looking at parting with $500.

The studio also assured fans that it will once again be selling virtual tickets to BlizzCon, although specifics regarding these have yet to come. BlizzCon is taking place on November 8th and 9th at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.

MassivelyBlizzCon's golden tickets going on sale in two batches originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgactivisionbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2013cash-shopconventiond3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasymike-morhaimemultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgsaleticketsvirtual-ticketswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 04 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III gets massive multiplayer improvements in 1.0.8]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/diablo-iii-gets-massive-multiplayer-improvements-in-1-0-8/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/diablo-iii-gets-massive-multiplayer-improvements-in-1-0-8/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/diablo-iii-gets-massive-multiplayer-improvements-in-1-0-8/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diablo III gets massive multiplayer improvements in 108
The Diablo III team has decided that its multiplayer co-op is in need of improvement. The game's 1.0.8 patch will be bringing in some changes to support and improve the system.

Matchmaking tags such as Questing, Full Act Clear, and Keywarden are being added to public games. Explicit bonuses will be added into mulitplayer mode, giving players XP, Gold Find, and Magic Find boosts. Additionally, monster health is getting dropped down from an extra 70% per additional player to 50% per additional player.

The UI is going to be working in favor of co-op, too. Whenever a player deals damage to or takes damage from Elite packs or Treasure Goblins, a notification will be sent out and the player's map location will be marked for easy regrouping. Private chat channels with up to 99 other users will be made possible.

You can check out the full list of updates on the official dev blog.

MassivelyDiablo III gets massive multiplayer improvements in 1.0.8 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopco-opcoopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgWed, 03 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III's auction house 'really hurt the game']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/diablo-iiis-auction-house-really-hurt-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/diablo-iiis-auction-house-really-hurt-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/diablo-iiis-auction-house-really-hurt-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Diablo 3's acution house 'really hurt the game'
Diablo III's joint in-game gold and real-money auction house has played a fairly major role in the game since its launch. Remember that one time when a guy used the real-money side of things to bank a cool $10,000? That apparently wasn't really what Blizzard foresaw when creating and implementing the auction house. According to former Diablo III Game Director Jay Wilson, the auction house "really hurt the game."

Apparently, Blizzard anticipated that very few players would make use of the auction house and that item prices would limit the number of transactions going on. That, uh, wasn't the case. Nearly every one of Diablo III's roughly 3 million monthly users make use of the auction house, and item trading has "damaged" the item rewards in the game.

Without giving up any juicy details, Wilson has mentioned that the team is working on a viable solution to the current problems posed by the auction house.

MassivelyDiablo III's auction house 'really hurt the game' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgauction-housebattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieconomyfantasygothic-fantasyjay-wilsonmultiplayeronline-multiplayerreal-money-auction-houseroguelikerpgThu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Allods Online's Pearl Ring, selling power, and the Astral]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/rise-and-shiny-allods-onlines-pearl-ring-selling-power-and-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/rise-and-shiny-allods-onlines-pearl-ring-selling-power-and-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/rise-and-shiny-allods-onlines-pearl-ring-selling-power-and-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Allods Online screenshot
Allods Online has long been a game that immediately conjures up some form of controversy any time it is mentioned. Whether it's because of cash-shop policies, changes to game mechanics, or the alleged mishandling of player issues, the game just can't seem to catch a break. Since the very beginning, I knew that the players who were complaining the loudest also loved the game the most -- a standard for the industry -- and that, meanwhile, thousands of players have enjoyed the game since being introduced. I have always loved it, but from the point of view of someone who is a constant newb and explorer. I have never understood the raider mentality or at least never wanted to; if I wanted to work at a game, I would get a job playing games. Oh, wait.

This week I sat down to go through the newest bit of content, The Pearl Ring, to see just how fun the game could be on a character fitted with good gear and attached to a super-friendly yet hardcore raiding guild. I also wanted to explore the more general gameplay and pay another visit to the shining light of the Allods universe: the Astral.

What I found surprised me and made me remember just how incredible this game is.

Gallery: Allods Online Pearl Ring screenshots

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Allods Online's Pearl Ring, selling power, and the Astral

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Allods Online's Pearl Ring, selling power, and the Astral originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlinebeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgpotatohands-onlivestreammassively-tvpvprise-and-shinysalemsalem-the-gameselling-powerstreamtwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 24 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: Diablo III console video sizzles, Blizzard hints at other platforms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/pax-east-2013-diablo-iii-console-video-sizzles-blizzard-hints/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/pax-east-2013-diablo-iii-console-video-sizzles-blizzard-hints/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/pax-east-2013-diablo-iii-console-video-sizzles-blizzard-hints/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Diablo III console video sizzles, Blizzard hints at other platforms
Diablo III's console edition is the cornerstone of Blizzard's booth at PAX East this weekend (but by no means the only product on display), so it stands to reason that the team would have cut together a new trailer to promote the coming console conquest.

As we mull over the prospect of Blizzard winning over large swaths of the current console market, the PA Report discovered that Diablo III might not stop at just the PlayStation 3 and 4. In an interview, Blizzard did not want to make any official announcements but did state that the Diablo III console edition was "not necessarily a Sony exclusive."

You can watch the "sizzle reel" of Diablo III with the adjusted UI after the jump!

Massively's on the ground in Boston during the weekend of March 22nd to 24th, bringing you all the best news from PAX East 2013. Whether you're dying to know more about WildStar, DUST 514, or any MMO in between, we aim to have it covered!

Continue reading PAX East 2013: Diablo III console video sizzles, Blizzard hints at other platforms

MassivelyPAX East 2013: Diablo III console video sizzles, Blizzard hints at other platforms originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopconconventiond3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieventevent-coverageeventsexclusivityexlusiveexpofantasygothic-fantasymassively-event-coveragemultiplayeronline-multiplayerpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-expoplaystationroguelikerpgsonytrailervideoFri, 22 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: Blizzard showing off console Diablo III, 'something new' at PAX East]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/blizzard-showing-off-console-diablo-iii-something-new-at-pax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/blizzard-showing-off-console-diablo-iii-something-new-at-pax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/blizzard-showing-off-console-diablo-iii-something-new-at-pax/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Blizzard showing off console Diablo III, 'something new' at PAX East
We're still getting over the shock that Blizzard is coming off the mount to attend PAX East this weekend, but we'll work through that to bring you some of the new details about the studio's appearance at the show.

Blizzard will be planting roots at booth #1036 in the Expo Hall and has promised to show "something new" in the Naga theater at 10:00 a.m. EDT tomorrow morning. If you're not there, don't worry; Blizzard is streaming the event on Twitch.tv as well.

The PlayStation 3 version of Diablo III will be available to check out via demo stations. This edition has been tailored to the console with a "reimagined" interface, new monsters, and different character controls. The team is also giving away lots of swag to those who pop by during the day.

Massively's on the ground in Boston during the weekend of March 22nd to 24th, bringing you all the best news from PAX East 2013. Whether you're dying to know more about WildStar, DUST 514, or any MMO in between, we aim to have it covered!

MassivelyPAX East 2013: Blizzard showing off console Diablo III, 'something new' at PAX East originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopconconventiond3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieventevent-coverageeventsexpofantasygothic-fantasymassively-event-coveragemultiplayeronline-multiplayerpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-exporoguelikerpgThu, 21 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Kartuga]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/rise-and-shiny-kartuga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/rise-and-shiny-kartuga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/rise-and-shiny-kartuga/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kartuga screenshot
MMOs are a very serious business these days. If you ask someone what type of MMO she prefers, you're more likely to get an explanation that sounds as if she's telling you what political party she belongs to. As a person who writes about games, it's easy to slip up and suggest that these virtual worlds we play in should offer different types of gameplay and even offer different ways to pay for them. If you're not careful, your readers can get angry and call you insensitive and inaccurate names like noob, sell-out or, even worse, journalist.

In steps Innogames. On the surface, the developer and publisher doesn't seem to be more than a peddler of semi-challenging browser-based games, but spend a few weeks with the lineup and you'll find yourself appreciating not only the innovation in the German game-maker's lineup but also the variety.

Kartuga is the latest to come from Innogames, and it's fun. I know, I know... fun seems to have become a dirty word when it comes to MMOs (it's not immersive or hardcore?!), but I for one am so happy it came along.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Kartuga

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Kartuga originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbetabrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopclosed-betaf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-oninnogameskartugalivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinyselling-powerstreamtwitchtwitch-tvvideowarstory-europe-in-flamesSun, 10 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III plans itemization changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/diablo-iii-plans-itemization-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/diablo-iii-plans-itemization-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/diablo-iii-plans-itemization-changes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Diablo III plans itemization changes
Because Diablo III is such a loot-centric game, players pay attention when the developers start talking about making significant itemization changes in the upcoming months.

The first part of Blizzard's future itemization philosophy is to more strongly equate rarity with power. Legendary items will drop less frequently and become a lot more powerful, and there will be a greater amount of diversity across the board. "It will take time, but our goal is to try to provide players with compelling alternatives to trifecta items when talking about what items they want to acquire," game designer Travis Day writes.

Other changes include reducing the drop rate on rares, making gold sinks more exciting, and giving players better reasons to farm mobs instead of merely camping out at the auction house.

MassivelyDiablo III plans itemization changes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgauction-housebattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3dev-diarydiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyfarminggothic-fantasyitemizationitemsmultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgTue, 05 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lineage II offering augmented Adenian underwear promo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/lineage-ii-offering-augmented-adenian-underwear-promo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/lineage-ii-offering-augmented-adenian-underwear-promo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/lineage-ii-offering-augmented-adenian-underwear-promo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lineage II augmented underwear promo
While wading into virtual battle in your skivvies may invite the wrath of the PC police, doing so in the world of Lineage II will give you substantial stat bonuses.

NCsoft is running a Choose Your Underwear promotion from now through March 13th. The unmentionables in question are broken down into five cash shop sets, each of which grants the wearer base stat bonuses in the form of +35 to physical defense, +15 to magical defense, +7 to speed, and +15 to elemental attributes (fire, water, wind, etc.). The garments can be augmented with additional stats and skills via life stones and gem stones.

Lineage II's business model relies completely on the cash shop, as 100% of the game's content is available to all players for free.

[Thanks to everyone who tipped us!]

MassivelyLineage II offering augmented Adenian underwear promo originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adenian-underwearcash-shopf2pfantasyfree-to-playlineagelineage-2lineage-2-underwearlineage-iincsoftrighteous-indignationskimpy-armorunderwearThu, 28 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Wakfu's bizarre first year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/free-for-all-wakfus-bizarre-first-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/free-for-all-wakfus-bizarre-first-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/free-for-all-wakfus-bizarre-first-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Wakfu screenshot
Wakfu is not what many would consider a standard MMORPG. Its developer, Ankama, has never pushed out normal products. After all, this is a French company we're talking about. That's right, as in France, the same place that brought us amazing (but unusual) creations like Ryzom's plant-planet and the incredible art of Moebius. There's something going on over there, something that is refreshingly different from the typical game or art design. When I attended GDC Online 2011, I was floored by a session featuring Ankama's David Calvo called Chaos in Motion: Transmedia as a Living Community Experience. The panel implored developers to take a chance on development, to give players something unique to experience and world to have an impact on.

That was a while ago, however. The game launched a year ago, but the studio had an imperfect year. Let's follow the timeline from then to now.

Continue reading Free for All: Wakfu's bizarre first year

MassivelyFree for All: Wakfu's bizarre first year originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamabeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedffaffxivfinal-fantasy-xivfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionpoliticssandboxseSquare-EnixSquareEnixsquenixstrategystrategy-mmosubsubscriptionturn-based-combatvelvet-ropewakfuWed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III playable offline on PS3 and PS4]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/diablo-iii-will-play-offline-on-ps3-and-ps4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/diablo-iii-will-play-offline-on-ps3-and-ps4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/diablo-iii-will-play-offline-on-ps3-and-ps4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diablo III will play offline on PS3 and PS4
Thanks to last week's announcement, players already knew that Diablo III was headed for both the PlayStation 3 and 4 consoles. Now, Blizzard Production Director John Hight and Senior VP Chris Metzen have revealed that the game will not need an internet connection for local multiplayer games on either console.

In the video interview with GameTrailers, Hight also talked about new features, including a new evasion ability and having all four players in co-op mode on the same screen instead of spit onto four separate ones. Players eager to test the game out on the consoles can look forward to a hands-on experience at PAX. In the meantime, you can watch the full interview after the cut.

Continue reading Diablo III playable offline on PS3 and PS4

MassivelyDiablo III playable offline on PS3 and PS4 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopChris-Metzend3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasyJohn-Hightmultiplayeroffline-multiplayeronline-multiplayerPlayStation-3PlayStation-4roguelikerpgTue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III, Destiny coming to PlayStation 4 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/diablo-iii-destiny-coming-to-playstation-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/diablo-iii-destiny-coming-to-playstation-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/diablo-iii-destiny-coming-to-playstation-4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Diablo III coming to PlayStations 3 and 4
Diablo III is slated to roar into the console market, Blizzard Senior VP Chris Metzen announced at the Sony PlayStation 4 event today in New York City. Metzen said that the action-RPG will be coming to both the PlayStation 3 and 4 and that the company is excited to show it off at PAX.

"Blizzard and Sony have entered into a strategic partnership, through which we will take over the world," Metzen said.

Bungie's recently unveiled Destiny will also be headed to the PS4. Bungie president Harold Ryan told the audience that the PS3 and PS4 editions will feature exclusive PlayStation-only content.

The PlayStation 4 is due out for the holiday 2013 season.

[Updated: Our sister site Joystiq reports that "Diablo 3 on PS4 and PS3 will feature all major PC updates." Joystiq's also nabbed a few of the very first screenies from the game on console.]

MassivelyDiablo III, Destiny coming to PlayStation 4 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbungiecash-shopd3destinydiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerplaystation-3playstation-4ps3ps4roguelikerpgsonyWed, 20 Feb 2013 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon returns in November]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-returns-in-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-returns-in-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-returns-in-november/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BlizzCon returns in November
After skipping a year, BlizzCon is back, baby! The near-annual Blizzard convention is scheduled to take place on November 8th and 9th at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. The event will provide hands-on time with Blizzard's titles, an e-sports tournament, dev panels, and contests.

Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime is looking forward to the return of the convention: "BlizzCon gives us a chance to connect with our players and share our latest projects in a very personal way. Members from all of our gaming communities have helped make this event bigger and better every time, and we look forward to meeting up and celebrating with them in November."

While tickets are not yet on sale, the official BlizzCon site has posted hotel info for those looking to make Anaheim their temporary place of residence come this fall.

MassivelyBlizzCon returns in November originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgactivisionbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2013cash-shopconventiond3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasymike-morhaimemultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 19 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you rather have more money or more time for gaming?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/the-daily-grind-would-you-rather-have-more-money-or-more-time-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/the-daily-grind-would-you-rather-have-more-money-or-more-time-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/the-daily-grind-would-you-rather-have-more-money-or-more-time-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind Would you rather have more money or more time for gaming
Money and time: Two things we always wish we had more of and yet come up short. When it applies to gaming, these are the two factors that can take a fun experience and pump it up. So which is better?

As a married father of three, time is always in short supply in my household. Some website is always making me write about games instead of playing them, and I would be lying if I said I didn't have fantasies about creating a clone who could game 24/7 on the side. Having more time for gaming is always a perk.

But money for gaming ain't half bad, either. It can be used to purchase games, buy merchandise, pay subscriptions, snap up groovy cash shop items, and even (sometimes) make up for a lack of time to play.

So would you rather have more money or more time for MMO gaming?

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: Would you rather have more money or more time for gaming? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopdaily-grindmoneyopiniontdgthe-daily-grindtimeSun, 17 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valentine's Day around the virtual world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/valentines-day-around-the-virtual-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/valentines-day-around-the-virtual-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/valentines-day-around-the-virtual-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valentine's Day around the virtual world
Do you hear the chirping of songbirds in love? Do you see the flirtacious glance that cute Orc is giving you from across the battlefiend? Do you smell the flowers of romance in bloom all around you? If so, man, you've got it bad.

Fortunately for those suffering from VDAS -- Valentine's Day Addiction Syndrome -- plenty of MMOs are on hand to provide you with a temporary fix until you get proper medication and are carted away to a professional love care facility. It may not be the biggest of holidays in the virtual world, but when love arrives in February, it cannot be denied.

And who knows for you single folk? The man, woman, or one-eyed Gnome of your dreams might just stumble over you on this fine day! Read on as we sum up some of the larger Valentine's events in MMOs today.

Continue reading Valentine's Day around the virtual world

MassivelyValentine's Day around the virtual world originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallodsallods-onlinecash-shopcomedycostumesdc-universe-onlinedcuoEQ2eq2xeqiieverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedfestivalfree-to-playfunguild-wars-2heartholidayholidaysicarus-studiosin-game-eventslovey-doveyncsoftnexonromancesarcasmsoesony-online-entertainmentspot-the-princess-bride-referencetlbbvalentinevalentinesvalentines-dayvalentines-day-2013vdasvindictusvirtual-worldThu, 14 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Art of Wushu: Paying doesn't mean winning]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/the-art-of-wushu-paying-doesnt-mean-winning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/the-art-of-wushu-paying-doesnt-mean-winning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/the-art-of-wushu-paying-doesnt-mean-winning/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Art of Wushu Paying doesn't mean winning
Age of Wushu has come under a lot of fire as a pay-to-win game. There are ways to get in-game power for out-of-game money, so there are a lot of reasons to assume that real cash can turn you into one of the top fighters in Jianghu.

Fortunately for the dedicated players (and to the chagrin of cash shop whales), the truth is a bit more skewed. There are varying degrees of pay-to-win cash shops, but Age of Wushu's cash shop provides very few outlets to directly buy power. The main culprit is the simple fact that spending real money can give a player silver to spend on anything he or she wants.

Silver is king in Age of Wushu. The entire player market revolves around silver, and the largest source of it comes from the cash shop. Does this mean you need to pay to have a chance?

Continue reading The Art of Wushu: Paying doesn't mean winning

MassivelyThe Art of Wushu: Paying doesn't mean winning originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinage-of-wushuart-of-wushucash-shopcash-shopschinachinesechinese-mythologycolumncultivationepic-mountfeaturedgoes-fasthorseinternal-cultivationkung-fumartial-artsmartial-trainingmountneigongopinionpay-to-winpay-to-win-debatesandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usatangmentangmen-goes-fastwushuwuxiaWed, 13 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Aion adopts lockboxes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/wings-over-atreia-aion-adopts-lockboxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/wings-over-atreia-aion-adopts-lockboxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/wings-over-atreia-aion-adopts-lockboxes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia Aion adopts lockboxes
It was bound to happen. Rare is the free-to-play game that evades incorporating this quintessential cash-shop concoction. The good news is, if you entered a pool for when NCsoft would introduce lockboxes into Aion and your date was January 30th, congratulations -- you won! Of course, this may have been one pot that you were secretly hoping no one would ever claim; there are certainly those who have a deep-seated hatred for lockboxes and all they purportedly represent. Those who enjoy the random nature of that treasure, however, probably wondered what took so long.

Love them or loathe them, lockboxes are a now permanent part of Atreia's landscape. But is that a good or a bad thing? Are lockboxes a fun feature or one step on that slippery slide toward nickel-and-diming players like a number of other F2P offerings? One of the best things Aion has going for it is the unique free-to-play mode that allows folks who choose not to pay to experience the same exact game as those who drop cash in the shop. Can Aion maintain its Truly Free philosophy while pushing lockboxes?

I believe the answer is yes.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Aion adopts lockboxes

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Aion adopts lockboxes originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionBlack-Cloud-MarketplaceBlackCloud-Marketplacecash-shopf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgamblinglockboxlockboxesncsoftopiniontruly-freewings-over-atreiaSat, 09 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: What would you like added to SWTOR's cash shop?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/hyperspace-beacon-what-would-you-like-added-to-swtors-cash-sho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/hyperspace-beacon-what-would-you-like-added-to-swtors-cash-sho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/hyperspace-beacon-what-would-you-like-added-to-swtors-cash-sho/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon What would you like added to SWTOR's cash shop
I wondered for a long time whether western MMOs could survive a free-to-play transition, especially since many of them were bent on having both a cash shop and subscription fee. Star Trek Online is a key example of this. You couldn't even play that game without a subscription, and yet it still had a cash shop. Then you also had hybrid models like EverQuest II and Lord of The Rings Online, which didn't require subscriptions but seemed to force players into one. And despite my initial thinking, even these games thrived -- STO especially surprised me. Now, Star Wars: The Old Republic has picked up a similar model, and despite the negativity from the comments on gaming news sites, Electronic Arts says it is pleased with the results. In fact, SWTOR was listed as a major contributor to the company's $185 million in F2P revenue.

As I've stated before, I don't really spend money in SWTOR's cash shop. But at the same time, I don't have any moral opposition to it. Plus BioWare is giving me 600 Cartel Coins a month thanks to my subscriptions and security key. It's just easier for me to buy items from the Galactic Trade Market, and no item on the Cartel Market has excited me enough to buy it right away. I know that eventually everything will end up on the GTN, so I just wait.

However, since this model seems to be working well for the game, I thought about where there could be an item that would compel me to immediately buy it from the Cartel Market. I also asked some of my friends whether there are any items that they would immediately buy if they were to appear on the Cartel Market. I received some very interesting results.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: What would you like added to SWTOR's cash shop?

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: What would you like added to SWTOR's cash shop? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barber-shopBarbershopbiowarecartel-coinscartel-marketcash-shopcash-shop-itemscharacter-transferdye-kitsdye-setseaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhood-togglehyperspace-beaconLegacylegacy-weaponslucasartsopinionRace-Changesci-fispecies-changestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 05 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA: Rising's cash shop will be delayed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/tera-risings-cash-shop-will-be-delayed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/tera-risings-cash-shop-will-be-delayed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/tera-risings-cash-shop-will-be-delayed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

TERA Rising's cash shop will be delayed
You may have heard a bit about TERA transforming into TERA: Rising and going free-to-play on February 5th (or, as we like to call it, tomorrow). That's still happening: You'll get to log in for free and play for free and do things for free and it'll be just wonderful. However, if you were hoping to drop some dough to pick up things like a mount, costumes, or elite status, you'll be out of luck for a few days.

Valkyon Outfitters, the place where meatspace money turns into cyberspace loot and 1337ness, will take a few extra days to be ready for business. You'll have to make do with checking out all the awesome new content without the benefit of a brand-new costume until the shop is ready to open its doors.

We know it'll be tough, but you can do this. Just wait a few more days to start flinging your money at the game.

MassivelyTERA: Rising's cash shop will be delayed originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscash-shopen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfree-to-playteratera-risingvalkyon-outfittersMon, 04 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Givin' SWTOR props]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/hyperspace-beacon-givin-swtor-props/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/hyperspace-beacon-givin-swtor-props/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/hyperspace-beacon-givin-swtor-props/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon Givin' SWTOR props
All MMOs could use improvements, but that doesn't negate what they have done right. And despite the negativity, SWTOR is doing well. In fact, in a recent forum post Systems Designer Damion Schubert said that the free-to-play push was working quite well: "The success of the market (and it has been quite successful) has given us the time and resources to do some ambitious things on Makeb and plan some very ambitious things beyond." Without even looking at the specific numbers, I can tell that the Cartel Market cash shop is working really well because of the sheer number of items I see on the Galactic Trade Network (auction house). As much as I hate to admit it, if the Cartel Market does well, so does the rest of the game.

I also see other hints that BioWare might be changing up its game a little bit. Direct discussion with the community appears to be on the rise, and BioWare has also admitted and is attempting to properly fix its mistakes. In the wake of Stephen Reid's departure, direct communication had become lax, and besides Ilum, I don't remember BioWare ever truly admitting to mistakes.

Let's take a look at a few of the changes BioWare has already made this year. Maybe it will give us a clue as to where SWTOR is going in the near future.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Givin' SWTOR props

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Givin' SWTOR props originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorbiowarecartel-coinscartel-marketcash-shopdamion-schuberteaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhyperspace-beaconilumlucasartsopen-world-pvpopinionPvProleplaysci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 22 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's Rob Pardo asks players to direct Diablo III blame to him]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/blizzards-rob-pardo-asks-players-to-direct-diablo-iii-blame-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/blizzards-rob-pardo-asks-players-to-direct-diablo-iii-blame-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/blizzards-rob-pardo-asks-players-to-direct-diablo-iii-blame-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The truest sacrifice is taking a bullet when you don't need to.
When Jay Wilson announced that he was leaving his position as director of Diablo III, the forums were filled with responses. To the surprise of absolutely no one who has visited any forum in the history of the Internet, many of those responses were some variety of blaming Wilson for every issue the game might have or claiming that the game is clearly being abandoned completely. That didn't sit well with executive producer Rob Pardo, who took to the forums to tell players that if they want someone to blame, blame him.

Pardo explains that he's extremely proud of the game and that everyone remains dedicated to making it the best it can be. At the same time, he stresses that he was responsible for hiring and overseeing Wilson's work, and he takes full responsibility for the game as a whole. The odds of this actually defusing forum vitriol are still roughly nil, but it does ensure that at least in Pardo's eyes it will be directed in a more deserving direction, and it's a classy move no matter what you think of the game.

MassivelyBlizzard's Rob Pardo asks players to direct Diablo III blame to him originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblameblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopcommunitycultured3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyforumforum-culturegothic-fantasyjay-wilsonmultiplayerofficial-responseonline-multiplayerresponserob-pardoroguelikerpgsolidarityMon, 21 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III's Jay Wilson steps down as game director]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/diablo-iiis-jay-wilson-steps-down-as-game-director/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/diablo-iiis-jay-wilson-steps-down-as-game-director/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/diablo-iiis-jay-wilson-steps-down-as-game-director/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Diablo III's Jay Wilson steps down as game director
It's hard to imagine working on the same game for seven years, but for Diablo III's Jay Wilson, that was his reality. The game director won't be making it eight, however, as Wilson is stepping down to move to another position in Blizzard.

"While it's been one of the most challenging and rewarding periods of my life, I've reached a point creatively where I'm looking forward to working on something new," Wilson wrote in his farewell letter. "The powers that be at Blizzard have been gracious enough to give me that opportunity."

Wilson stressed that the ongoing development of Diablo III will "carry forward as normal" and that he'll remain available to the team for consultation and advice.

He discusses the creation, launch, and development of the action RPG, ending with a sentimental wave to fans: "You are the most passionate, dedicated group of gamers a designer could hope to have. I wish you all the best, and want to thank you for making this an amazing experience for me."

MassivelyDiablo III's Jay Wilson steps down as game director originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygame-directorgothic-fantasyjay-wilsonmultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgThu, 17 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Allods Online Russia opens up subscription-based server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/allods-online-russia-opens-up-subscription-based-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/allods-online-russia-opens-up-subscription-based-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/allods-online-russia-opens-up-subscription-based-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

allods opens sub server in russia see team email, thank tipster
The Russian branch of Allods Online made an interesting move and opened up a subscription server for an otherwise free-to-play MMO. The catch and selling point of the server is that its players won't be able to access the cash shop at all. Every character will be on an even playing field in terms of perks and boosts. Certain quality of life items will be available for gold or as quest rewards, but no one will be able to just buy perks outright.

You can read the full FAQ here. (If you don't read Russian, we suggest a translator.)

[We don't speak Russian, so thanks to intrepid tipster Tandarighttanon for bringing this to our attention.]

MassivelyAllods Online Russia opens up subscription-based server originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalcash-shopf2pfantasyfree-to-playgala-netgpotatomail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesp2ppay-to-playserverssubscriptionsubscription-serverWed, 16 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III lays out the welcome mat for patch 1.0.7 testing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/diablo-iii-lays-out-the-welcome-mat-for-patch-1-0-7-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/diablo-iii-lays-out-the-welcome-mat-for-patch-1-0-7-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/diablo-iii-lays-out-the-welcome-mat-for-patch-1-0-7-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Diablo III lays out the welcome mat for patch 107 testing
You know that good feeling from an all-around patch that fills gaps, patches up broken supports, and leaves you with a stronger structure? Prepare to feel that when Diablo III's 1.0.7 comes to town. Currently the patch is in testing, although Blizzard has posted the contents of this "kitchen sink" update.

One of Patch 1.0.7's chief features is the addition of a dueling zone to the game. This anything-goes, just-for-fun area is called the Scorched Chapel, and it's there that groups of two to four people can hang out and go all fight club on each other. While dueling has neither score nor rewards, the studio figures people might want to do it just for the fun factor.

Other improvements coming with 1.0.7 include tweaks to Wizards and Monks, more crafting recipes, an increase to the amount of XP that the monster power system produces in Inferno mode, and an end to the increasing resurrection timer for consecutive deaths.

MassivelyDiablo III lays out the welcome mat for patch 1.0.7 testing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.0.7action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiiduelduelingfantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerpatch-1.0.7patch-previewpreviewpvproguelikerpgMon, 14 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Think Tank: What elements make up your perfect business model?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/the-think-tank-what-elements-make-up-your-perfect-business-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/the-think-tank-what-elements-make-up-your-perfect-business-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/the-think-tank-what-elements-make-up-your-perfect-business-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Think Tank What elements make up your perfect business model
The topic of the MMO business model is a hot one lately as studios are in the Wild West of experimentation, discovery, and limit-testing. New games are going free-to-play every week it seems, and we, as consumers, are accepting more and more as these business models become standard.

But that's certainly not always the case. Among the Massively staff, pricing opinions run the gamut, and we're not afraid to tell you what we think. That's why this week's Think Tank column is all about how we would assemble our own perfect business models from the pieces of others. Who does it right? Who does it wrong? Read along for more on our thoughts for the perfect business model.

Continue reading The Think Tank: What elements make up your perfect business model?

MassivelyThe Think Tank: What elements make up your perfect business model? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscash-shopcash-shopseditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgroup-editorialitem-shopmassively-staffmassively-teamopinionopinionsp2ppay-to-playroundtableroundupthe-think-tankthink-tankThu, 10 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard to fix exploit with Diablo III's votekick system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/blizzard-to-fix-exploit-with-diablo-iiis-votekick-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/blizzard-to-fix-exploit-with-diablo-iiis-votekick-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/blizzard-to-fix-exploit-with-diablo-iiis-votekick-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Crap. Everyone else hates me so I just... froze like this. Could you demons stay put for a few seconds until we can get back to fighting? Or... yeah, rip out my viscera, that's probably better.
Playing Diablo III in Hardcore mode is a harrowing experience. No matter how good you are as a player, there's always the real worry that one careless move will mean the end of a character you've worked hard to level. Unfortunately, sometimes that careless move is simply playing in a public game, as griefers have been exploiting the votekick system to cause players to die and lose everything through no fault of their own.

As it currently stands, a player who has been kicked by popular vote will be rooted in place for 10 seconds while the character is ejected. Griefers have used this to kick players in the middle of monster-heavy rooms, resulting in 10 seconds of uninterrupted monster beatdowns with no chance of reprieve.

So how to fix this? Well, Blizzard plans to remove the 10 second lockout in the near future to ensure that a kicked player can still move and respond rather than get pointlessly murdered. There's no word on whether this will be a hotfix or rolled into a larger patch, but it's definitely on the horizon. Until it goes live, though, you might not want to have your hardcore characters on a public game.

MassivelyBlizzard to fix exploit with Diablo III's votekick system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygame-mechanicsgothic-fantasygriefgriefergriefersgriefinghardcorehardcore-modehotfixjerksmultiplayeronline-multiplayerpatchpatchespublic-gamesroguelikerpgvote-kickvotekickTue, 08 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft releases a new member of the sparklepony family]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/world-of-warcraft-releases-a-new-member-of-the-sparklepony-famil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/world-of-warcraft-releases-a-new-member-of-the-sparklepony-famil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/world-of-warcraft-releases-a-new-member-of-the-sparklepony-famil/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I think it looks nice, but mileage may vary. (Image from MMO-Champion.)
The Internet exploded with rage when World of Warcraft released a mount for $25 the first time around. But it sold well, and as a result we've seen several new mounts released for the game over the years. So the new Swift Windsteed likely won't raise many eyebrows over its release or its now-familiar price point, which is the same $25 you have probably come to expect.

As with previous special mounts, the Swift Windsteed can operate as a flying mount and will scale to match your highest riding speed, making it a purely cosmetic option. The unlock is account-wide once purchased, giving all present and future characters a free mount for all-purpose use in perpetuity. So if you collect mounts or just feel like you could use a qilin to carry you across the skies of Azeroth, you've got reason to be excited.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft releases a new member of the sparklepony family originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopfantasymicrotransactionmountmountssparkle-ponyswift-windsteedwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 08 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST