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[MMO Family: The state of the game (at school)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/mmo-family-the-state-of-the-game-at-school/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/mmo-family-the-state-of-the-game-at-school/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/mmo-family-the-state-of-the-game-at-school/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

laptop learning
When you think of kids and video games, the question that always comes up is this: What are they getting out of playing them? Usually, MMOs, even MMOs aimed at kids, are big on fun but light on learning. So it was refreshing to see teacher Ben Bertoli launch a Kickstarter project to promote development of his personal project ClassRealm into what could be a potentially valuable tool in the classroom.

So why haven't we seen more educational MMOs, and why has there been a gap when it comes to technology at home vs. at school? In this week's MMO Family, we'll look a few issues with gaming and learning.

Continue reading MMO Family: The state of the game (at school)

MassivelyMMO Family: The state of the game (at school) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-bertolicasualchildrenchildrens-mmosclassrealmfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedibookskaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familyopinionschools-and-gamingschools-and-technologyteachingwhere-in-the-world-is-carmen-sandiegoWed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mmobility-glitchs-new-updates-stretch-players-imaginations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Glitch screenshot
When Tiny Speck, maker of the wonderfully odd browser-based sandbox Glitch, announced that it would be taking the game back to a beta state in order to retool many of the game's most essential systems, I was skeptical. Heck, I've remained skeptical. I stopped streaming the game due to time constraints but continued to log in and enjoy it. More specifically, I didn't feel like continuing to stream it until the new releases were officially released. I tend to enjoy betas but want to hold back my opinions until games are actually open, and this return to beta made me feel the same way.

Lately, however, the changes being tested and implemented into the game have just been too cool to stay hushed about. Housing is receiving wonderful, wonderful updates that will allow for complete creative freedom that is rarely seen in MMO housing. The UI is transforming as well, and new skills and creatures are being introduced.

Beta or not, there is some crazy-cool stuff going on in the land of Ur. In fact, check out these brand new patch notes!

Continue reading MMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations

MassivelyMMObility: Glitch's new updates stretch players' imaginations originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabeau-hindmanbetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playglitchhipsterhousing-changesmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonesandboxsmartphonetiny-specktinyspeckunlauncheningFri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Glitch swaps out XP for imagination, tweaks UI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/glitch-swaps-out-xp-for-imagination-tweaks-ui/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Glitch - No idea what this is to be honest
It's a happy day if you've been yearning to scratch that browser-based sandbox itch. Yes, Glitch has returned with an overhauled user interface and the new imagination system.

What the heck is imagination? Well, glitches now have imagination (iMG) instead of XP. You gain iMG by questing, crafting, and collecting (i.e., by playing the game), and you can spend it on upgrades and various other gizmos still in the works. In short, iMG allows you to "create, grow, and customize the world and your character." It also serves as a nifty way of explaining new game abilities as opposed to boring old XP.

TinySpeck has authored a FAQ on the imagination changeover. Give it a read-through before you log in, as both the level curve and your character's accumulated XP have undergone significant changes.

[Thanks to Halldorr for the tip!]

MassivelyGlitch swaps out XP for imagination, tweaks UI originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playglitchglitch-imaginationglitch-imgglitch-uiglitch-xphipsterimaginationimgsandboxtinyspeckunlauncheningThu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: How helpful are those ESRB ratings?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/mmo-family-how-helpful-are-those-esrb-ratings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/mmo-family-how-helpful-are-those-esrb-ratings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/mmo-family-how-helpful-are-those-esrb-ratings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ESRB Rating
Quick, what's the ESRB rating symbol of your favorite MMO of choice? And if you know that, what are the content descriptors that account for your game's rating? If you got them right, bravo! According to the ESRB's official poll, 85% of parents with children who play video games are aware of the ratings system. For those not familiar, here's the deal: The Entertainment Software Rating Board began in 1994 with the goal of providing a standard set of ratings and descriptors to help adults choose appropriate games for children.

But the real question is, are ESRB ratings accurate when it comes to MMOs? The poll also claims that 65% of parents regularly check a game's rating before making a purchase, but are those ratings as helpful when choosing an MMO for your children? Read on for a look at why the E, T, and AO symbols might actually deserve an F.

Continue reading MMO Family: How helpful are those ESRB ratings?

MassivelyMMO Family: How helpful are those ESRB ratings? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosesrbesrb-ratingseveeverquest-iieverquestiifamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familyopinionwizard101wowWed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Couch potato cat
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.

My folks don't really understand my infatuation with video games (and MMORPGs in particular). "How can you sit there and play a game for two or three hours at a time?" my mom is fond of asking. Ironically, this usually happens on a visit that ends where most of our visits do: on the couch in front of the television.

Don't get me wrong; she's no couch potato, and in fact she has the meanest green thumb you'll ever see. When the sun goes down, though, my parents (like most of their generation, I'll wager) park their butts in front of the TV. That I should park my own posterior in front of the computer is exceedingly strange to them even though online gaming is to the 21st century what television was to the 20th.

I wonder, though, if games are starting to become more passive forms of TV-like entertainment.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchallengecomplexitycouch-potatoeditorialeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgames-vs-tvhardcorehardcore-vs-casualinteractivitylets-playlivestreamlivestreamingmmo-industryop-edopinionpassivepassive-consumptionpassive-gamingpassive-vs-activepassivitypaying-to-skip-contentperils-of-passive-gamingrantrantsskipping-contentsoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-perils-of-passive-gamingthe-soapboxTue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Outspark launches Fiesta Social beta on Facebook]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/outspark-launches-fiesta-social-beta-on-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/outspark-launches-fiesta-social-beta-on-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/outspark-launches-fiesta-social-beta-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fiesta Social - beach scene
It's beta time for Fiesta Social, a new Facebook RPG based on Outspark's Fiesta Online MMO. "With Fiesta Social, when you meet someone in-game, you're hanging out with them in real-time, laughing at their jokes and saving them in battle. It's highly addictive, soul-satisfying bonding you just can't get from the current 2-D turn-based social games," says Outspark CEO Philip Yun.

We're not sure about the soul-satisfying bit, but the trailer has a certain cute factor that you can see by clicking past the cut below.

Outspark says that Fiesta has nearly 10 million registered users and close to 600,000 Facebook fans, so there's always someone to share your personal information with... er, have fun with, day or night. Outspark is also giving away free dance emotes and free mounts. All you have to do is enter the code OTTERGONBEAT.

Continue reading Outspark launches Fiesta Social beta on Facebook

MassivelyOutspark launches Fiesta Social beta on Facebook originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbrowser-gamescasualfiestafiesta-facebookfiesta-socialoutsparktrailervideoThu, 19 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners revisited]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners-revisited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners-revisited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mmo-family-mind-your-massively-multiplayer-manners-revisited/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

south park
In this week's MMO Family column, I want to dig deeper into something that came up as a result of the last edition, and that's the perception of younger gamers as generally being too immature, being too flighty, and lacking the social skills to be fun groupmates and guildmates in our MMOs. There were some great points all around, with some arguing that kids aren't good guildmates because of their age and others even arguing that some kids are more mature than adults.

Let's look at things a little differently this week. Suppose you are guilded or grouped with your son/daughter/little brother/niece/nephew/best friend's kid/etc. You can't blow him off because of your relationship to him or her, so what do you do to make sure he or she isn't that kid who drives everyone crazy in-game? I'm revisiting one of Lisa Poisso's past articles to see what rules of age etiquette we can come up with in this crazy age of gaming.

Continue reading MMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners revisited

MassivelyMMO Family: Mind your massively multiplayer manners revisited originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-etiquettemmo-familymmo-mannersopinionpolite-gamersWed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aeria Games launches Crystal Saga and Roll n Rock in North America]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/aeria-games-launches-crystal-saga-and-rock-n-roll-in-north-ameri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/aeria-games-launches-crystal-saga-and-rock-n-roll-in-north-ameri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/aeria-games-launches-crystal-saga-and-rock-n-roll-in-north-ameri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Image
Aeria Games has been a busy little bee. The free-to-play company has just announced the release of not one but two new browser-based MMOs to the North American market.

Crystal Saga is an open-world game built for competitive PvP. There are five different PvP modes plus an array of traditional fantasy classes like the Rogue, Priest, and Mage. The game also allows players to tame a variety of pets, unlock special soul abilities, and "equip their character with elaborate wings."

For an in-depth look at Crystal Saga, check out our impressions in Rise and Shiny.

Roll n Rock is an altogether different experience. For one thing, the title features a huge number of clothing and customization options. In fact, Aeria says that no two characters will ever look alike. For another, "players will find a fully-realized world of weddings, malls, game halls, and more," according to a company press release. Roll n Rock also boasts multiplayer puzzles, quests, guilds, crafting, and combat. More info on both titles is available via the links below.

[Source: Aeria Games press release]

MassivelyAeria Games launches Crystal Saga and Roll n Rock in North America originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesbrowser-basedbrowser-mmocasualcrystal-sagaf2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunchesroll-n-rockFri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Zandagort]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rise-and-shiny-zandagort/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Zandagort screenshot
Zandagort, a very independent browser-based MMORTS by Zanda Games, really holds a lot of promise. I want to get that out of the way first. Potential, unfortunately, has nothing to do with a player's current experience with the game. No one sits at his PC or laptop and says, "Man, I sure am excited about what this game could be, so I'll keep playing." But that very potential often makes me a little depressed. Potential for good also means potential for bad; if a game is unfinished and has the chance to grow, there's likewise a very real possibility that the game could fester, lose development love, or worse yet, die on the vine. There's no guarantee that even a "AAA" massive-budget game like Star Wars: The Old Republic or RIFT will last forever or even a good amount of time. Who knows?

Usually with an indie game, if it isn't shining and picking up an audience relatively quickly, it just might be in trouble. Zandagort has an audience; I can see players in the outer reaches of space. I am not going to pass judgment on the number of players simply because indie budgets are often easily supported by a smaller playerbase, but I wonder what type of audience it is. I am open-minded and enjoy the occasional slog through an intense "spreadsheets-in-space"-style game, but Zandagort really wore down my patience.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Zandagort

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Zandagort originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancasualf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onLiveStreammassively-tvriftrise-and-shinysci-fisci-fi-mmoscience-fictionspacestreamstronghold-kingdomstwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideozanda-gameszandagortSun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Reaching the MMORTS sweet-spot, slowly]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/mmobility-reaching-the-mmorts-sweet-spot-slowly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/mmobility-reaching-the-mmorts-sweet-spot-slowly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/mmobility-reaching-the-mmorts-sweet-spot-slowly/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Relaxed knight
As a player of many MMORTS titles, I have grown to understand that patience is not only a virtue but a necessity. Many titles from the genre are designed to make you spend real time to do anything. It's not that they are boring or tedious; instead, they are representing what it might be like to actually grow an army or trade hub and to explore the often massive world around you. The pacing is meant to be slow. These are not games of instant leveling or non-stop quest grinding. They're meant to be played in as little as a few minutes per day. This explains a lot of their success -- just imagine how popular they are with time-strapped players.

There is a time, however, after months of toiling away at building up various structures, growing a small army, or finally getting to the maxed out level in a certain area, when you can finally settle down for some real gameplay. It might sound silly to have to wait that long for glory, but come on... this is city-building we are talking about. It takes time.

Continue reading MMObility: Reaching the MMORTS sweet-spot, slowly

MassivelyMMObility: Reaching the MMORTS sweet-spot, slowly originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8realmsaeria-gamesbeau-hindmanbrowser-basedcasualfeaturedgolden-ageillyriadjagexmassive-armiesministry-of-warMMObilitymmortsmobilesnail-gamestradingFri, 06 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/mmo-family-do-kids-belong-in-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Hall in EQII
In my regular columns at Massively, I enjoy taking a look at various topics surrounding family-friendly MMOs and common issues in guild management. So it seemed natural to take the two subjects and combine them for this week's MMO Family. Gamers are growing older, and we're seeing an increasing presence of younger players, even in the more serious "adult" games like Lord of the Rings Online and EverQuest II. For those who play MMOs with their children, it might seem reasonable to seek a guild tag for them, but that might not sit well with your guild peers.

Should kids be allowed in guilds? Are there any benefits to sharing a tag with your children, or are they better off staying unguilded?

Continue reading MMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds?

MassivelyMMO Family: Do kids belong in guilds? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecasualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gamesleadershipmmo-familyopinionWed, 04 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Casual is as casual does]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-soapbox-casual-is-as-casual-does/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-soapbox-casual-is-as-casual-does/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-soapbox-casual-is-as-casual-does/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Just a casual raid. Of roleplayers.
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.

It's time to put an overused MMO term to bed, and by "put to bed," I of course mean that it should be executed with great prejudice. Actually, there are lots of terms that I'd like to see retired permanently. "Toon" can go, for instance, as can "mob" for single enemies. And people have really worn out "nerf" beyond belief. But those are all issues of personal preference.

No, the term I'm talking about is "casual." As in "casual player," a creature as rare and mythical as the Loch Ness monster. Also like the Loch Ness monster, it doesn't actually exist. In the case of the latter, it exists only through a handful of doctored photos and a lot of people who really want to see a pleisiosaur in Scotland; in the case of the former, it's a strawman concept that no longer has any purpose in our collective lexicon.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Casual is as casual does

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Casual is as casual does originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasual-playerscultureeditorialfeaturedgaming-stylesmmo-cultureop-edopinionplay-stylesrantrantssoapboxthe-soapboxTue, 03 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Is free-to-play bad for kid-friendly MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mmo-family-is-free-to-play-bad-for-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mmo-family-is-free-to-play-bad-for-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mmo-family-is-free-to-play-bad-for-kid-friendly-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Super Hero Squad Online
If you've ever gone shopping with kids, you know how much of a nightmare-inducing proposition it can be. Everywhere from toy stores to department stores to seemingly innocuous grocery stores, there's a battle raging between parents and their children, which usually ends with tears, grey hairs, and the infamous word, "Pleeeeeease??" (Pleeeeeease should actually have its own entry in the Oxford Dictionary because it has a completely different meaning from its polite cousin, "please").

The only thing that helps parents get through it is the knowledge that they get a respite once they get home. Not so anymore, though, because there's a second front that's opened, and the new battleground is taking place on our computer screens. Those high-pitched appeals that echo throughout the store aisles are now filling our family rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. And while many people are singing the praises of the free-to-play model in MMO games, it's actually the biggest contributor to the begging-battles at home. Let's take a look at why free-to-play and kids MMOs are not a match made in heaven.

Continue reading MMO Family: Is free-to-play bad for kid-friendly MMOs?

MassivelyMMO Family: Is free-to-play bad for kid-friendly MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedfree-to-playjesse-schellkaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gameslead-genmicrotransactionsmmo-familyopinionWed, 21 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft bringing Order & Chaos Online to your Mac]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/gameloft-bringing-order-and-chaos-online-to-your-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/gameloft-bringing-order-and-chaos-online-to-your-mac/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/gameloft-bringing-order-and-chaos-online-to-your-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Order & Chaos Online - Two avatars fighting
It's been nearly a year since Gameloft released Order & Chaos Online to iOS and Android devices. The mobile fantasy MMORPG migrated to Facebook later in the summer of 2011, and now it's coming to a full-scale Mac near you.

Gameloft has just published a new trailer heralding Order & Chaos as "the MMORPG for Mac," and the video says that the client will be available for downloading in the Mac App store before the end of the month.

Order & Chaos features two playable factions and four classes, and you can get a glimpse of the promotional clip after the cut.

[Source: Gameloft press release]

Continue reading Gameloft bringing Order & Chaos Online to your Mac

MassivelyGameloft bringing Order & Chaos Online to your Mac originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualf2pfree-to-playgameloftmac-mmomac-mmorpgmobileorder-and-chaosorder-and-chaos-mac-clientorder-and-chaos-onlinetrailervideoTue, 20 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Command & Conquer browser MMO enters open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/command-and-conquer-browser-mmo-enters-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/command-and-conquer-browser-mmo-enters-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/command-and-conquer-browser-mmo-enters-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Command & Conquer Tiberium Alliances - concept art
Another beloved IP, another browser-based MMO. This time it's not the gritty fantasy of George R.R. Martin but the sci-fi battlefield of Command & Conquer that is receiving the MMO-lite treatment.

Gamasutra reports that Command & Conquer Tiberium Alliances "is not a Facebook game" like previous Electronic Arts browser titles, which include Lord of Ultima and Tiger Woods PGA Tour Online. Command & Conquer is "hosted on a stand-alone site," marking the first time the storied franchise has tried its hand at the free-to-play model.

The game has been in closed beta since December and is now available to a global audience via its public open beta.

MassivelyCommand & Conquer browser MMO enters open beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-mmocasualCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-tiberium-allianceseaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playopen-betasci-fiThu, 15 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Miracle fundraising finish for Gridiron Heroes' Kickstarter drive]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/miracle-fundraising-finish-for-gridiron-heroes-kickstarter-driv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/miracle-fundraising-finish-for-gridiron-heroes-kickstarter-driv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/miracle-fundraising-finish-for-gridiron-heroes-kickstarter-driv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sports MMOs haven't gotten off the ground as of yet, and whether their lack of mainstream success is due to design challenges or some other factor, they remain obscure oddities for the most part.

Somewhat less obscure is Tecmo's 1980s Nintendo series based on the National Football League. The aptly named Tecmo Bowl was a mainstay on Nintendo's first 8-bit console, and now a group of fans have helped assure that Gridiron Heroes, a new Facebook game inspired by the classic series, will in fact be made.

Kotaku reports on the last-minute miracle finish to the project's Kickstarter drive, with the development team collecting $7,613 (measured against a goal of $7,500).

MassivelyMiracle fundraising finish for Gridiron Heroes' Kickstarter drive originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-football-mmocasualf2pfacebookfacebook-gamesfootball-mmofree-to-playgridiron-heroeskickstartermmo-industrysports-mmotecmotecmo-bowltecmo-mmoFri, 09 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Kid-friendly MMO roundup, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mmo-family-kid-friendly-mmo-roundup-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mmo-family-kid-friendly-mmo-roundup-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mmo-family-kid-friendly-mmo-roundup-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Little space heroes
With all of the buzz centered around "grown-up" MMO titles like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2, it's easy for the kid-friendly games to get lost in the shuffle. There may not be as many kid titles on the horizon, but for the games that are currently out there, there's been an amazing amount of activity going on in these virtual worlds.

I decided to take a peek at some of my (and the kids') favorites, along with a few games that we've done first impressions on, to see what they've been up to lately. Since there are too many great kid-friendly MMOs out there to fit into one column, this will be the first of what will probably be many follow-up entries covering other games, so if you don't see your favorite family-friendly game here, fear not!

Continue reading MMO Family: Kid-friendly MMO roundup, part 1

MassivelyMMO Family: Kid-friendly MMO roundup, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazing-societybrowserbrowser-basedcasualchildrenchildrenschildrens-mmosclone-warsclone-wars-adventurescwaf2pfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedfree-to-playgazillionkaren-bryankidkid-friendlykidskids-gameskids-mmokids-mmoslittle-space-heroeslobbylshmarvelminigamemmo-familyopinionsci-fantasysci-fishsosoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warssuper-hero-squadsuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherotcgthe-amazing-societytrading-card-gamewebkinzWed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hero Squad trading card game to feature bonus MMO content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/super-hero-squad-trading-card-game-to-feature-bonus-mmo-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/super-hero-squad-trading-card-game-to-feature-bonus-mmo-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/super-hero-squad-trading-card-game-to-feature-bonus-mmo-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Super Hero Squad Online - Wolverine, Iron Man, and Captain America
For those of us who grew up as sports fans during the early 1990s, the name Upper Deck is synonymous with baseball cards. Nowadays, the firm has branched out into customizable trading card games, and the latest such is a tie-in to Gazillion's kid-friendly Super Hero Squad Online MMO.

The Super Hero Squad TCG features a 300-card base set chock-full of the usual Marvel suspects. Alongside the Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain America cards are special loot inserts with reward codes that unlock bonus items and exclusive playable characters in SHSO. Look for booster packs at your favorite gaming retailer on April 24th.

[Source: Marvel press release]

MassivelySuper Hero Squad trading card game to feature bonus MMO content originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcustomizable card gameCustomizableCardGamef2pfamilyfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentkidsmarvelmarvel-comicsshsoshso-ccgshso-tcgsuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherotcgtrading-card-gameupper-deckThu, 01 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mmo-family-what-kids-mmos-can-learn-from-markers-jackpot-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Markers
Play is important. Whether you're a kid or a grown-up, play has an important role in our lives, and video games are taking an increasingly large percentage of our playtime these days. But for kids' play in particular, there's always a question about the quality of video game time and whether or not it's actually just a waste of time.

Kid-friendly MMOs are a relatively new segment of the MMO industry, but it often feels like they're just grown-up MMOs with kid-friendly graphics. Sometimes, the games are even stripped of the grown-up features in an attempt to make them easier, but that often results in a less than compelling game. Here's a quest; do it. Here's a creature; zap it. Here's a pet; hug it. Here are some clothes and decorative items; buy them. I may sound a bit jaded, but that's only because I think kid-friendly MMOs can be so much better than they currently are.

To do that, we have to step back and examine how kids play, and studios must concentrate game design around that. In this week's MMO Family, I'll be looking at three areas of kids' play and exploring why games should look to Magic Markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders for inspiration.

Continue reading MMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders

MassivelyMMO Family: What kids MMOs can learn from markers, Jackpot, and Chutes and Ladders originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmoschutes-and-laddersfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-friendly-mmosfeaturedfree-realmsjackpotkaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gameskids-mmosmagic-markersminecraftmmo-and-imaginationmmo-familyopinionWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gazillion shutting down Fortune Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/gazillion-shutting-down-fortune-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/gazillion-shutting-down-fortune-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/gazillion-shutting-down-fortune-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gazillion's new Fortune Online title is headed for the scrap heap, according to our friends at Joystiq. The Diablo-style browser MMO was born of a desire to simplify dungeon crawling for casual gamers, but apparently it's taking too much time (and too many resources) away from Gazillion's Marvel projects.

"We will continue delivering and refining content for Super Hero Squad Online, along with building and developing the Marvel Heroes game," a Gazillion spokesman told Joystiq. The firm also denied speculation that it is preparing for a Disney acquisition, and it declined to announce a timetable or job losses resulting from the Fortune closure.

[Thanks to Space Cobra for the tip!]

MassivelyGazillion shutting down Fortune Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcasualdiablo-clonef2pfortunefortune-onlinefortune-online-closingfree-to-playgazillionmarvel-heroesmarvel-mmoshsosuper-hero-squad-onlineTue, 14 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hero Squad Online gets vocal with new all-star cast of talent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/super-hero-squad-online-gets-vocal-with-new-all-star-cast-of-talent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/super-hero-squad-online-gets-vocal-with-new-all-star-cast-of-talent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/super-hero-squad-online-gets-vocal-with-new-all-star-cast-of-talent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Super Hero Squad Online
Voice-acting in MMOs seems to be all the rage these days, and Gazillion Entertainment, publisher of the free-to-play Super Hero Squad Online, seems to be jumping on the bandwagon. In a press release today, the company announced that each and every hero and villain in the game will be receiving a full vocal makeover, and many characters will be voiced by the same actors who provide voice work for the Super Hero Squad television series.

Jay Minn, vice president of The Amazing Society -- the development studio behind the games -- is obviously quite pleased with the decision to give voice to the game's dozens of characters, stating that "the heroes and villains in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online have always had their own unique personalities and attitudes... We're excited and very proud to let our heroes and villains speak their minds!" The statement adds that the game currently includes over 3000 lines of spoken dialogue (with over 100 attributed to everyone's favorite Merc with a Mouth), so players can expect plenty of witty quips from their characters of choice.

To get in the game and hear the new voiceovers for yourself, just click on through the link below to Super Hero Squad Online's official site.

[Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]

MassivelySuper Hero Squad Online gets vocal with new all-star cast of talent originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualf2pfamilyfree-to-playjay-minnkidsmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-super-hero-squad-onlineshsosuper-herosuper-hero-squad-onlinethe-amazing-societyvoicevoice-actingvoice-actorsvoiceoversWed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint teases Battlestar Galactica Online carrier ships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bigpoint-teases-battlestar-galactica-online-carrier-ships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bigpoint-teases-battlestar-galactica-online-carrier-ships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bigpoint-teases-battlestar-galactica-online-carrier-ships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Battlestar Galactica Online - carrier-class ship
Bigpoint has let us know that it's about to kick off what it calls "space trials" for some new carrier-class ships in Battlestar Galactica Online. The craft will be visible on the Kobol beta server today in both Colonial and Cylon variants.

Carriers function as support and supply vessels and can also serve as mobile outposts with repair and recharge capabilities.

What's that? You say you want to pilot one of these shiny new vessels? Well, this is Bigpoint, so you'll need to enter a lottery via the community forum for your chance to jump in the cockpit of BSGO's latest and greatest. If you're not up for that, the ships will be available to all players on all servers after the completion of the trial period at the end of this month. You'll need to be level 40 (and in possession of nearly 500,000 in-game cubits) to get one for yourself.

MassivelyBigpoint teases Battlestar Galactica Online carrier ships originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrowsercarrier-shipscarrierscasualf2pfree-to-playlotterysci-fiFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime's Dark Legends mobile vampire MMO available Q1 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/spacetimes-dark-legends-mobile-vampire-mmo-available-q1-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/spacetimes-dark-legends-mobile-vampire-mmo-available-q1-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/spacetimes-dark-legends-mobile-vampire-mmo-available-q1-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Spacetime Studios logo - Dudes, pls release some Dark Legends assets
We've reported previously on Spacetime Studios' new Dark Legends vampire MMO, but today we've got a launch window for you. The game will be available in the first quarter of 2012, and it represents the latest entry in the company's mobile Legends series which includes Pocket Legends and Star Legends.

Dark Legends features new gameplay tweaks, including more action via charge attacks and the ability to drain foes. There's also more of a focus on narrative thanks to something Spacetime calls an "interactive storybook" made from both missions and cutscenes. More info will be released at this year's Game Developer's Conference in early March.

[Source: Spacetime Studios press release]

MassivelySpacetime's Dark Legends mobile vampire MMO available Q1 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcharge-mechanicsdark-legendsdrain-mechanicsf2pfantasyfree-to-playhorrorlegends-seriesmobilespacetimespacetime-studiosThu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Glitch wants to give you a free house]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/glitch-wants-to-give-you-a-free-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/glitch-wants-to-give-you-a-free-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/glitch-wants-to-give-you-a-free-house/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Glitch
Massively went gaga for quirky Flash-based sandbox MMO Glitch when it launched last fall, so we were dismayed when it unlaunched just a few short months later. Who unlaunches a game? Tiny Speck, that's who. The company sent the game back into beta for systems overhauls, including more robust housing, as Tiny Speck's Stewart Butterfield told us back in December.

This week, in a question-and-answer session on the official forums, Butterfield explains just how the new housing system will work. For starters, everyone will now begin the game as a homeowner. Existing players will be transitioned from their current, static homes into new base models, which can be upgraded (horizontally, vertically, and thematically) as players invest Imagination and undertake crafting projects. Players will even decide which types of gardens and animal pens will surround their abodes.

There's a whole lot more to the Q&A, including bits about economy overhauls, player-generated content, and the end of Lord of the Rings Online-style neighborhoods, so sandbox aficionados should review it or the summary in person.

[Thanks to Saucelah for the tip!]

MassivelyGlitch wants to give you a free house originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playglitchhousingpatchpatchesstewart-butterfieldtinyspeckMon, 16 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raph Koster: Immersion is not a core game virtue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/raph-koster-immersion-is-not-a-core-game-virtue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/raph-koster-immersion-is-not-a-core-game-virtue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/raph-koster-immersion-is-not-a-core-game-virtue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Star Wars Galaxies - Cantina gambling
Yeah, you read that right, virtual world fans. One of the more celebrated sandbox MMORPG developers is apparently throwing in the towel when it comes to immersion. Raph Koster wrote what can only be termed a lament on his personal blog today, saying that "immersion does not make a lot of sense in a mobile, interruptable world."

Koster characterizes immersion as a style whose time has come and gone, and he concludes that games are no longer for dreamers due to their far-reaching popularity. "I mourn the gradual loss of deep immersion and the trappings of geekery that I love," Koster writes. "I see the ways in which the worlds I once dove into headlong have become incredibly expensive endeavors, movies-with-button-presses far more invested in telling me their story, rather than letting me tell my own."

Whether you agree with him or not, it's a sobering read coming from one of the chief creative forces behind Star Wars Galaxies and Ultima Online.

MassivelyRaph Koster: Immersion is not a core game virtue originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-least-it-has-a-karateka-screenshotcasualdepressingdesignhardcoreimmersionkosterMiscellaneousopinionraph-kosterroleplaysandboxstar-wars-galaxiesswgultima-onlinevirtual-worldsFri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft KOs Punch Monster in Korea]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ncsoft-kos-punch-monster-in-korea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ncsoft-kos-punch-monster-in-korea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ncsoft-kos-punch-monster-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Punch Monster, er, I mean Blue Tears
If you've never heard of NCsoft's Punch Monster, you're not alone. Apparently the few people who have heard of it didn't want to play it, as the Korean gaming giant is closing down the casual MMO as of February 15th.

ThisIsGame says that it's been some time since NCsoft pushed a major update onto the game's live servers, and a company spokesperson confirmed as much. "We decided to close it because we have barely sustained the Korean service. We will continue to develop and publish casual games with [the] experience we have gained so far."

Punch Monster will remain playable in China and Japan for the moment, albeit under the name Blue Tears.

MassivelyNCsoft KOs Punch Monster in Korea originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tearscasualcasual-gamescasual-mmosclosuref2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-closinggame-closurencsoftpunch-monsterwe-just-wanted-to-say-punch-monsterThu, 12 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: A surprising evening of roleplay in RuneScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/free-for-all-a-surprising-evening-of-roleplay-in-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/free-for-all-a-surprising-evening-of-roleplay-in-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/free-for-all-a-surprising-evening-of-roleplay-in-runescape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape screenshot
Roleplay is often treated as the odd cousin of the MMO family. You know the kid I am talking about... your Aunt comes to visit and your mother tells you to hang out with him, and he ends up vomiting in your room. (Did it only happen to me?) The truth is that the odd cousin is often just misunderstood and generally a lot of fun. It might take a small leap of faith and perhaps some time, but roleplay can be a very rewarding experience.

RuneScape might not seem like a prime spot for roleplay. I hardly even heard of roleplay in the community, but I knew that the playerbase was made up of individuals from all age ranges. I thought of trying to find a good roleplay clan or trying to attend a roleplay event or two, but I didn't find the time to investigate. It began to look like roleplay was not something that happened in the game.

That was until last night. I stumbled upon some sort of spontaneous roleplay session, and it was mostly thrilling. I even interviewed a few players to see how the whole thing worked. Click past the cut and I'll tell you what I found out!

Continue reading Free for All: A surprising evening of roleplay in RuneScape

MassivelyFree for All: A surprising evening of roleplay in RuneScape originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcasualEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playftpjagexLARPlarpingroleplayRolePlayingrunescapeSOESONYSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 04 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: LEGO Universe, autism, and heartbreak]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/mmo-family-lego-universe-autism-and-heartbreak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/mmo-family-lego-universe-autism-and-heartbreak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/mmo-family-lego-universe-autism-and-heartbreak/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Lego Universe
Often when the topic of video games comes up, it's followed by comments about the negatives, such as violence, antisocial behavior, or inappropriate content. But if they do have harmful effects (and it's arguable how many players really are affected in a negative way), they can also be helpful as well, yet you rarely hear a news story about the good. I've written before about how companies like IBM have studied MMO guilds in order to improve team-building and organization within their company. More recently, MMOWGLI focused on global issues, such as the future of piracy, to study what solutions players could cooperatively generate.

There are also positive benefits to children as well, and while we've touched on a few in recent columns, this week we'll focus on the impact LEGO Universe has had on autistic children. Sadly, the game will be shutting down in a few weeks, and while many parents are thankful for how much it's helped, they're also concerned about what will happen once the game is gone. Read on for a bittersweet look at how this LEGO-based game is leaving behind a legacy.

Continue reading MMO Family: LEGO Universe, autism, and heartbreak

MassivelyMMO Family: LEGO Universe, autism, and heartbreak originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspergersautismcasualchildrenchildrens-mmosf2pfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryankid-friendlykidskids-gameslegolego+gameslego+universelego+universe+game+autismlego-universelegogameslegouniverselegouniversegameautismmmo-closingmmo-familymmo-kidsmmo-shut-downopinionstar-wars-galaxiessunsettabula-rasaWed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint's DarkOrbit turns five this month]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/bigpoints-darkorbit-turns-five-this-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/bigpoints-darkorbit-turns-five-this-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/bigpoints-darkorbit-turns-five-this-month/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DarkOrbit - internet spaceships
If you'd never heard of Bigpoint's browser MMO known as DarkOrbit prior to last month's space drone microtransaction brouhaha, you're not alone.

According to the company, though, lots of people have heard of the game, which launched in 2006 and is currently celebrating its fifth anniversary. Bigpoint claims a community of over 65 million registered players, and a news release says that DarkOrbit is "the most popular and biggest space game worldwide."

DarkOrbit is a 2-D flash game that puts players in control of a spaceship while working for one of three corporations.

[Source: Bigpoint press release]

MassivelyBigpoint's DarkOrbit turns five this month originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65-million-usersbigpointbrowsercasualdark-orbitdarkorbitfifth-anniversarypress-releasesci-fispaceshipsTue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Conquer Online now available on iPad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/conquer-online-now-available-on-ipad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/conquer-online-now-available-on-ipad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/conquer-online-now-available-on-ipad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Conquer Online - martial artist concept art
NetDragon Websoft claims that Conquer Online was the world's first free-to-play MMO. Given that it debuted way back in 2003 when MMOs (nevermind F2P) were decidedly uncool, we're a little fuzzy on whether it was in fact the first of its type.

What we do know is that Conquer Online is now available in the iTunes Store, and NetDragon says that the game is "the first ever completely free MMORPG arriving on the iPad; [there's] no charge to download and no monthly subscription fee."

The game is set in ancient China and features six martial arts-based classes, player housing, and plenty of questing and monster-killing. There's even a player marriage mechanic if you tire of more traditional MMO gameplay. We've got a launch trailer for you behind the break, and you'll find more info at the iTunes Store and the game's official website.

Continue reading Conquer Online now available on iPad

MassivelyConquer Online now available on iPad originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualconquer-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playiosipaditunesmobilenetdragonnetdragon-websofttrailervideoTue, 06 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA-BioWare acquires KlickNation, rebrands it BioWare Social]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-bioware-acquires-klicknation-rebrands-it-bioware-social/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-bioware-acquires-klicknation-rebrands-it-bioware-social/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-bioware-acquires-klicknation-rebrands-it-bioware-social/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BioWare logo
All the cool kids are into social gaming these days, so it should come as no surprise when some of the bigger gaming firms start testing the waters. BioWare looks to be next on that list according to a report at GamesIndustry.biz that details Electronic Arts' acquisition of KlickNation.

KlickNation operates social games including SuperHero City and Six Gun Galaxy, and while the company's monthly active user base has declined from 1.3 million to 400,000, EA and BioWare see it as a growth opportunity. KlickNation's expertise in building innovative and compelling RPGs for social platforms makes them a seamless tuck-in with the BioWare team at EA," says Ray Muzyka.

The new unit has been renamed BioWare Social, and thus far the company has not announced any concrete plans relating to new or existing titles.

MassivelyEA-BioWare acquires KlickNation, rebrands it BioWare Social originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioware-socialbusiness-modelscasualcasual-gamingeaea-biowareelectronic-artsklicknationmmo-industryray-muzykasix-gun-galaxysocialsocial-gamingsuperhero-cityFri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Galaxy Facebook game coming to the big screen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/monster-galaxy-facebook-game-coming-to-the-big-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/monster-galaxy-facebook-game-coming-to-the-big-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/monster-galaxy-facebook-game-coming-to-the-big-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Monster Galaxy - logo
The list of films based on video games is long, if not particularly distinguished. The list is about to get a bit lengthier thanks to an upcoming collaboration between Gaia Interactive and Radar Pictures.

The two firms have just released a new press blurb trumpeting the fact that they've formed an alliance to bring Monster Galaxy to the big screen. What the heck is Monster Galaxy, you say? Well, it's a Facebook title that "has reigned as a top 10 game on the platform for six consecutive months," according to the release.

The film version of Monster Galaxy will feature its unique "Moga" characters as well as "rich story and charming artwork." Gaia Interactive was founded in 2003 and claims to be one of the world's most active social gaming communities. Radar Pictures is owned by Ted Field, an entertainment executive with producer credits on films including Pitch Black, The Last Samurai, and Jumanji.

[Source: Gaia press release]

MassivelyMonster Galaxy Facebook game coming to the big screen originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualculturefacebookfacebook-gamesfilmgaiagaia-interactivemonster-galaxymoviesradar-picturessocial-gamingsounded-like-a-good-idea-at-the-timevideo-game-moviesMon, 07 Nov 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GhostX Ultimate offers classless gameplay with nanobots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ghostx-ultimate-offers-classless-gameplay-with-nanobots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ghostx-ultimate-offers-classless-gameplay-with-nanobots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ghostx-ultimate-offers-classless-gameplay-with-nanobots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

GhostX Ultimate - combat gameplay screenshot
If you've never heard of GameKiss, you're not alone. The company hopes to change that, though, and the first step toward raising its profile is a new MMO called GhostX Ultimate. GameKiss says that the title "delivers a stand-out gameplay experience for gamers with an appetite for a completely different kind of adventure," and that it's unique in "a sea of repetitively-themed MMORPG games."

Bold claims, to be sure, but how exactly does GhostX come by its uniqueness?

For one thing, there are no classes or jobs. Instead, players develop their own catalogue of nanobot weapons that can instantly change an avatar's combat abilities from melee to short- or long-range styles. GameKiss's latest press release also says that GhostX has a "real storyline," and you can learn more about that, and download the free-to-play title, at the official website.

MassivelyGhostX Ultimate offers classless gameplay with nanobots originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualf2pfree-to-playgame-kissgame-mechanicsgamekissghostxghostx-ultimatenanobotspress-releasesci-fiMon, 31 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Online 2011: BioWare's Damion Schubert takes a wrecking ball to the casual vs. hardcore model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/gdc-austin-2011-biowares-damion-schubert-takes-a-wrecking-ball/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/gdc-austin-2011-biowares-damion-schubert-takes-a-wrecking-ball/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/gdc-austin-2011-biowares-damion-schubert-takes-a-wrecking-ball/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GDC - Damion Schubert
"I'm trying to finish a product, Star Wars: The Old Republic, which I am not going to talk about today." Thus began BioWare's Damion Schubert's seminar, Double Coding: Making Online Games for Both the Casual and the Hardcore, at this year's GDC Online. "This is more of a weary man, sort of stream-of-consciousness design theory talk."

Schubert wanted to call the talk "Moving Beyond Double Coding," which is a term that comes from cartoons, of all places. Double coding is content that reaches two different groups of people at the same time. Looney Tunes, for example, would entertain both adults and kids because the writers and animators designed it so.

With MMOs, Schubert says that devs are often trying to double code the games for both casual and hardcore players. This is where the well-known slogan "easy to play, hard to master" originates. He held up Blizzard as a primary example of this model. Blizzard's "donut," as Schubert calls it, has a casual outer ring and a hardcore center for both types of players. By double coding, Blizzard ensures that casual players can invite their hardcore friends to experience the game and vice-versa.

However, this model is faltering, and Schubert pinpoints why after the jump!

Continue reading GDC Online 2011: BioWare's Damion Schubert takes a wrecking ball to the casual vs. hardcore model

MassivelyGDC Online 2011: BioWare's Damion Schubert takes a wrecking ball to the casual vs. hardcore model originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benchmarksbiowareblizzardcasualclassesconventiondamien-schubertdamion-schubertdesign-theoryeventfeaturedgame-design-theorygdcgdc-2011gdc-onlineGDC-Online-2011hardcoreinvestmentlifestylemetricspainrolesspectrumstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 13 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: The separation of newbie and expert]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/behind-the-mask-the-separation-of-newbie-and-expert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/behind-the-mask-the-separation-of-newbie-and-expert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/behind-the-mask-the-separation-of-newbie-and-expert/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Champions Online screenshot
Last week on Behind the Mask, we got into a little discussion about why Champions Online's Elite difficulty needs to be buffed (and possibly also the very hard difficulty as well). This led to a discussion of whom Elite would be tailored for. I'm sure this is a big issue over at Cryptic right now. If Elite is increased in difficulty, whom should it be designed to suit?

I was asked this burning question a few times, and I've made my opinion clear: that Elite should be for the top tier, the tip of the iceberg of player ability. Don't take that to mean Gold players only. There is a sharp divide between an expert Silver player and a poor Gold player. In fact, the poor Gold player is likely to be worse than a bad Silver player. How good is good enough? This week, we'll find out.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The separation of newbie and expert

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The separation of newbie and expert originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasual-playerchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdifficulty-leveldifficulty-slidereliteelite-difficultyelitistfeaturednoobnoviceperfect-world-entertainmentpvewe-love-casualsThu, 06 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint buys out sports game development firm]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/bigpoint-buys-out-sports-game-development-firm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/bigpoint-buys-out-sports-game-development-firm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/bigpoint-buys-out-sports-game-development-firm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bigpoint logo
The Bigpoint browser monster has gobbled up another game development firm, and it's still hungry, according to a news blurb at Reuters.

49Games is Bigpoint's latest acquisition, and the former is best-known for its winter sports games on the Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 consoles. 49Games is based in Germany (as is its new parent) and boasts around 40 developers. Bigpoint now features over 700 devs and says that it is the "world's largest browser-based online game provider" thanks to more than 200 million registered users.

Bigpoint is best known for its Battlestar Galactica MMO as well as its controversial stance on selling in-game advantages.

MassivelyBigpoint buys out sports game development firm originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>49-gamesacquisitionsbigpointbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-gamescasualconsolesf2pfree-to-playmmo-industryps3sportswiixbox-360Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/eve-evolved-a-new-nullsec-for-everyone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Several weeks ago, EVE Online developer CCP Greyscale published possibly the single most important devblog of the past two years. Titled Nullsec development: Design goals, the blog laid the ground rules for high-level discussion on EVE's upcoming nullsec revamp. For those who live in nullsec, territorial warfare and nullsec life represent the true endgame of EVE. It's in these massive lawless regions of space that players forge alliances, build their own empires, and lead massive fleets of ships into enemy territory to kick over some space sandcastles.

Over the past two weeks, I've been delving into the discussion surrounding the upcoming nullsec revamp and speculating on what changes we might see. I started with a look back at the early days of nullsec industry and went on to give some ideas aimed at reclaiming those glory days. I followed that up with last week's summary of EVE Online's empire-building history, the problems faced by today's territorial warfare mechanics, and further speculation on how the system could be radically changed for the better.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I conclude this series of articles on the upcoming nullsec revamp with an examination of the discussion surrounding PvE, the local channel, and the potentially revolutionary smallholding system that could give even casual and solo players a taste of nullsec.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone

MassivelyEVE Evolved: A new nullsec for everyone originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancecasualccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-greyscaleeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationfeaturedfleetfleet-commandfleet-warfarefleetshomesteadintelintelligencelocalmissionmission-runningnullsecplayer-owned-starbasepvepvpsandboxscoutscoutingsmallholdingsmallholdingssolostarbasewarSun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/massively-exclusive-referee-ruby-shows-off-free-realms-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

All right, Free Realms fanatics, it's time for another visit from the fabulous Referee Ruby. Today she's focused on Free Realms' housing options. After giving viewers a small sampling of the housing lots available to players (as well as a... toilet theme park?), she shows us how a player can take their creative masterpiece -- such as, Ruby suggests, a theme park dedicated to a certain referee -- and share it with the rest of the world. To watch the full video, and maybe get some ideas for your own Free Realms lot, jump on past the cut!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Referee Ruby shows off Free Realms' housing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualf2pfree-realmsfree-to-playhouseshousinghousing-lotslotsrefereereferee-rubyrubyshrugsoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 10 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari creator to work on Glitch MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/katamari-creator-to-work-on-glitch-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/katamari-creator-to-work-on-glitch-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/katamari-creator-to-work-on-glitch-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Tiny Speck has just added one of gaming's wunderkind developers to the team working on its Glitch MMO. Keita Takahashi, renowned as the brains behind Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy, left Namco Bandai last year and has been keeping a low profile ever since.

He's also apparently been having serious discussions with Tiny Speck, and founder Steward Butterfield says that Takahashi has a lot in common with the existing creative team. "We shared the same values -- deep beliefs in curiosity, humor, absurdity, and above all a belief in the positive power of play," Butterfield told GamaSutra.

Glitch is a browser-based side-scrolling casual MMO that is currently undergoing beta testing. The game will launch sometime in 2011 according to the its official website.

MassivelyKatamari creator to work on Glitch MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowserbrowser-basedcasualf2pfantasyfree-to-playglitchkeita-takahashimmo-industryside-scrollerstewart-butterfieldtiny-specktinyspeckSun, 10 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's Titan a 'casual' MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/blizzards-titan-a-casual-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/blizzards-titan-a-casual-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/blizzards-titan-a-casual-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In case you were worried about a lack of new and accessible MMOs coming down the pike over the next couple of years, the king of casual is riding to the rescue. At least, that's what an analyst at Sterne Agee hinted at on Gamasutra recently.

Arvind Bhatia is quoted on the game industry website as saying that Blizzard's product pipeline includes "expansion packs for StarCraft and World of Warcraft, a new Diablo game, [and] a new casual MMO." That casual MMO is of course Titan, the secretive WoW followup that has reportedly gobbled up Blizzard's most experienced designers.

While no one outside of Blizzard has any inkling as to Titan's setting, mechanics, or target audience, Bhatia's prediction makes a certain amount of sense given the realities of the MMO marketplace and the costs inherent in developing and marketing AAA titles. Head to Gamasutra for the full report.

MassivelyBlizzard's Titan a 'casual' MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityaccessibleanalystsarvind-bhatiablizzardcasualcasual-mmoin-other-news-water-is-wetmmo-industrypredictionsrumorsspeculationstern-ageesterne-ageetitantitan-mmoWed, 29 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST