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[Fantasia enters Korean closed beta ... on cell phone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/fantasia-enters-korean-closed-beta-on-cell-phone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/fantasia-enters-korean-closed-beta-on-cell-phone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/fantasia-enters-korean-closed-beta-on-cell-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This might just be the beginning of the end for MMO fanatics. Sure, it's possible to whip out a laptop to play your favorite online game on the move, but with the upcoming Korean MMO Fantasia, it will be as simple as pulling your cell phone out of your pocket. Imagine your most boring work meeting, school lecture, or family gathering, then think about how much better it would be to discreetly farm for items under the table or desk -- just don't include the resulting termination/expulsion/disowning in your little fantasy.

Fantasia has just entered the closed beta phase of its testing in Korea, and developer Lemon Co. hopes to release it in the second half of 2009. Whether this will be limited to the Korean market or not is up in the air at this point. The game is said to feature detailed 2D graphics, a large world map, item trading, a mail system, and even an arena for PvP. On top of this, Lemon is working on cell phone specific features, like a system that sends a text message when an item you're looking for shows up, even if you're not logged in. The bar has been set -- now we wait and see if Lemon can deliver a quality product, and also, if other developers are keen to enter the mix.

MassivelyFantasia enters Korean closed beta ... on cell phone originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dcellcell-phonecellphonefantasialemonlemon-co.mobile-phoneWed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top industry CEOs weigh in on the cell phone MMO debate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/top-industry-ceos-weigh-in-on-the-cell-phone-mmo-debate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/top-industry-ceos-weigh-in-on-the-cell-phone-mmo-debate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/top-industry-ceos-weigh-in-on-the-cell-phone-mmo-debate/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After a recent Game Power Panel at this year's CES, GameCyte caught up with a few MMO big-wigs to ask the burning question: can the MMO experience extend to mobile phones? From Turbine to Gaia Online, the companies' CEOs all had differing views.

Dr. Lars Buttler of Trion World Network, and Jim Crowley of Turbine both agreed that the mobile phone is not really the place for a full-blown multiplayer experience. Although they did essentially agree with others like Brett Close of 38 Studios in the thinking that there are certainly extensions of an MMO that can be achieved through a cell. Checking the auction house, training skills or even reading quest text could all be done on-the-go. Check out the entire post over at GameCyte for some more opinions on mobile MMOs.

MassivelyTop industry CEOs weigh in on the cell phone MMO debate originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscell-phonegaia-onlinegamecytemobiletriontrion-world-networkturbineFri, 09 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMOGology: Mobile MMOGs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/mmogology-mobile-mmogs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/mmogology-mobile-mmogs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/mmogology-mobile-mmogs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



Several weeks ago at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Steve Jobs announced the 3G iPhone. The announcement wasn't much of a shock to industry experts since other cell phones have been using 3G networks for several years. In order to remain competitive, it was only natural for Apple to hop on the 3G bandwagon.

What was, perhaps, more unexpected was the consumer friendly price point of $199.00. Of course there are a few not-so-hidden caveats involved with that sweet price point. First you have to qualify for the subsidized price, then there's the mandatory two year contract with AT&T and an increase in the price of the iPhone's data plan. Regardless, what it means to gamers is a budding mobile gaming platform. The iPhone now has its own software developer's kit (SDK), 3G network capabilities, and is priced to sell. Increased accessibility, higher data transfer speeds, and the ability for developers to conjure up new applications can only mean good things for the future of mobile MMOGs - especially on the iPhone.

Of course, maybe the future of mobile MMOGs seems so bright because its current state is so dim. As someone who has never even attempted to play an MMOG on a mobile device, I'm curious as to what exactly is out there and if anything is worth my time. If you're curious too, join me for some more info on mobile MMOGs after the break. I'll discuss the current state and limitations of the platform, some existing offerings, and take a look at what the future might hold.

Continue reading MMOGology: Mobile MMOGs

MassivelyMMOGology: Mobile MMOGs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcell-phonecell-phone-gamingfeaturedjoystiqfeatureslinden-labmaplestorymobilemobile-gamingmobilephonesecond-lifeshadow-of-legendSmartcellSmartcell-Technologyvolleeworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 30 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObile: extensions of our social and gaming networks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/mmobile-extensions-of-our-social-and-gaming-networks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/mmobile-extensions-of-our-social-and-gaming-networks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/mmobile-extensions-of-our-social-and-gaming-networks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

How many times have you wanted to check on your game stats, switch skill training, or buy something at an auction house while you were nowhere near your computer? We have a host of mobile devices and services available to us with speed increases every year, but still connections to our online social networks are quite limited when we're not in front of our computers.

Shouldn't more companies focus on allowing our mobile devices to act as extensions of our computers and consoles? That's what Tom Sperry, CEO and President of Exit Games Inc. thinks. He lays out his vision for how things can improve, in this scenario:

Continue reading MMObile: extensions of our social and gaming networks

MassivelyMMObile: extensions of our social and gaming networks originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gauction-housecell-phoneexit-gamesguildiphonemobilephoneskill-monitorskillsstatsstreamingtom-sperryvirtualvirtual-worldsvolleewi-fiSun, 08 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST