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[CCP's North American president steps down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/ccps-north-american-president-steps-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/ccps-north-american-president-steps-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/ccps-north-american-president-steps-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mike Tinney
It's been a long run heading up work on spaceships and vampires, but after 19 years at the helm, North American CCP President Mike Tinney is saying goodbye. Tinney announced that he is departing the studio on February 29th to work at an unnamed company that will combine health and fitness with games.

Tinney has no regrets with his prior role but is excited about the future: "CCP has gone through a fast-paced growth cycle. It's been a fun run and a lot of good experiences and memories. But I would like to move to a younger, earlier stage company, and plan to start one myself."

CCP's management expressed gratitude toward Tinney's service: "We are grateful for Mike's energetic and effective leadership and for all his valuable contributions to CCP. We will miss him. We wish him well with his next endeavors. And we're eager to see what he comes up with next."

Tinney's 19 years of service includes being CEO of White Wolf, which was snatched up by CCP in 2006. He will continue to assist CCP in an "advisory capacity" for several months to help the transition.

MassivelyCCP's North American president steps down originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesceodust-514eveeve-onlinemike-tinneypresidentwhite-wolfworld-of-darknessTue, 28 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GamersFirst sees a management shakeup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/gamersfirst-sees-a-management-shakeup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/gamersfirst-sees-a-management-shakeup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/gamersfirst-sees-a-management-shakeup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not pictured: management.
GamersFirst is in the minds of gamers for its successful relaunch of APB: Reloaded, which went from a lightning-fast shutdown to a successful free-to-play title. The company is also developing new games based on original IPs for future release. But there's some rumbling going on behind the scenes at the company, as the company's parent corporation, K2 Network, saw the resignation of its CEO, Joshua Hong. Bjorn Book-Larsson, former COO and CTO, has been promoted to the CEO position, with Hong's future uncertain.

The official statements claim that the transition of power was amicable and pre-arranged, but it also comes on the heels of worldwide layoffs from K2 and rumors of a power struggle behind the scenes. Rahul Sandil, the company's public relations chief, claimed that there was no truth to these rumors and that the plan was to move forward from simple localizations of titles developed in foreign markets. Sandil went on to confirm that APB: Reloaded continues to be a large-scale success for the company and that further development will be centered around work that Book-Larsson had already seen during his time as CTO and COO.

MassivelyGamersFirst sees a management shakeup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbapb-reloadedbjorn-book-larssonbusinessbusiness-newsceocooctof2pfree-to-playgame-industrygamersfirstjoshua-hongk2-networklayoffsmanagementmmo-industryrahul-sandilThu, 16 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Setting the record straight: Massively's interview with Pando Networks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/setting-the-record-straight-massivelys-interview-with-pando-ne/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/setting-the-record-straight-massivelys-interview-with-pando-ne/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/setting-the-record-straight-massivelys-interview-with-pando-ne/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pando Media Booster
In a recent installment of The Daily Grind, we mentioned the use of third party downloaders for MMOs, asking your opinions on the topic. The general consensus seemed to be an overall negative opinion of these clients, including a (sometimes quite strong) dislike for Pando Media Booster -- a piece of software that's mostly known in MMO circles from games like Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online.

After the post ran, Pando Networks contacted Massively hoping to clear up some of the questions and concerns surrounding the Pando Media Booster. We called up CEO Robert Levitan, who was eager to set the record straight with much to say about the technological features -- both real and misunderstood -- about his company's product.

Follow along after the jump for the complete interview.

Continue reading Setting the record straight: Massively's interview with Pando Networks

MassivelySetting the record straight: Massively's interview with Pando Networks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoexclusiveinterviewpandopando-media-boosterpando-networksrobert-levitanMon, 02 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Everything there is to know about Crucible]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/eve-evolved-everything-there-is-to-know-about-crucible/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/eve-evolved-everything-there-is-to-know-about-crucible/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/04/eve-evolved-everything-there-is-to-know-about-crucible/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
This summer's lackluster Incarna expansion and the ensuing microtransaction drama took a massive toll on EVE Online's player community and development staff. Players were quitting in droves, and CCP eventually had to lay off 20% of its staff worldwide. Two years of half-implemented expansions, broken features, and "first steps" that were never iterated on left players begging for a content-heavy expansion like Apocrypha or those released in EVE's early years. EVE is known for being practically a new game every six months, but since the blockbuster Apocrypha expansion, daily life in New Eden hasn't changed much at all.

To pull things back from the brink, CCP refocused development on EVE Online and gave developers a free pass to work on hundreds of small features and improvements. The company began flooding us with details on new ships, graphical updates, new gameplay mechanics, and desperately needed balance tweaks, and we loved every bit of it. Although it's mostly small features and gameplay tweaks, the Crucible expansion feels like a genuine rebirth for EVE Online. The types of changes made show that CCP knows exactly what players want from EVE and that the company is now willing to deliver it. With CCP's renewed focus on internet spaceships, the Crucible expansion feels like the start of a new era in the sandbox.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I pull together everything there is to know about the Crucible expansion that went live this week, from its turbulent origins to the awesome features and PvP updates it contains.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Everything there is to know about Crucible

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Everything there is to know about Crucible originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebattlecruiserbattleshipblasterscapital-shipcapital-shipsccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-pannceocruciblecustoms-officedev-diarydevblogdubstepengine-trailseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedgdc-2011graphicshilmarhybridhybrid-weaponslayoffsnaganebulanebulaenerfnewsoracleplayer-owned-starbaseplayer-owned-stationpvproundupship-spinningstarbasesupercapital-nerfsupercapitalstalostime-dilationtornadotrailervideowubwubwubwubpewpewpewSun, 04 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview with CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson discusses recent events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/interview-with-ccp-ceo-hilmar-petursson-discusses-recent-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/interview-with-ccp-ceo-hilmar-petursson-discusses-recent-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/interview-with-ccp-ceo-hilmar-petursson-discusses-recent-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The recent EVE Online controversy over the direction CCP is taking with the game's development took the game's developer CCP Games completely by surprise. What started as a quirky story about virtual clothing being sold for more than real clothing rapidly got out of hand with the leak of an internal company newsletter discussing previously rejected ideas for gameplay-affecting microtransaction options. The ensuing controversy quickly escalated with the convenient leak of global company email from CEO Hilmar Petursson and CCP's abject silence in response to player concerns.

CCP eventually released joint statements on the contentious issues with EVE's democratically elected player advisory council, followed by a thorough press conference to address any concerns not handled in the statements. The only person we haven't heard from yet is Hilmar Petursson himself. In an interview with gamesindustry.biz today, Hilmar answered some frank questions on recent hot topics ranging from feelings inside CCP following the leaks to the company's reasons for implementing microtransactions now.

At popular EVE fansite Failheap Challenge, players have posted a transcript of the interview and have begun discussing the issues it addresses. The discussion highlights that this interview was performed the day before the CSM met in Iceland for its emergency meeting and so represents Hilmar's views before that event. Among the important answers is confirmation that CCP has a commitment to discuss all future microtransaction options with the CSM before implementation, something players have been asking for since the initial statement came out.

MassivelyInterview with CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson discusses recent events originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesceocouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefearlesshilmar-peturssoninterviewleakleaked-memoleaksmacrotransactionsMicrotransactionsmonoclegatenewsThu, 07 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA["Full stop": John Riccitiello predicts digital sales dominance in 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/full-stop-john-riccitiello-predicts-digital-sales-dominance-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/full-stop-john-riccitiello-predicts-digital-sales-dominance-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/full-stop-john-riccitiello-predicts-digital-sales-dominance-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Out with the old, in with the new -- these words are often used every January, but for John Riccitiello they also signify the balance tipping between digital and physical sales. As Electronic Arts' CEO put it bluntly to Industry Gamers: "At the end of [2011], the digital business is bigger than the packaged goods business, full stop."

Riccitiello drew this conclusion after looking at the recent market trends of titles like Lord of the Rings Online and EA's own free-to-play games. In fact, he admits that the "dirty little secret" of EA is that some of its F2P titles end up being the games players drop the most money on per month, such as those who pay upwards of $5,000 a month for FIFA Ultimate Team.

With EA on the cusp of launching Star Wars: The Old Republic this spring (fingers crossed), the question of EA's MMO pricing structure is still up in the air. However, Riccitiello thinks that we're in for a year of transition to mostly digital purchases: "I think these business models are going to find their own feet. We're very careful about making sure we price appropriately for platform and also for the intellectual property."

Massively"Full stop": John Riccitiello predicts digital sales dominance in 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelceodigital-businessdigital-salesdirty-little-secreteaea-ceoElectronic-Artsf2pfifa-ultimate-teamfree-to-playJohn-riccitiellolord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropricing-modelstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortorturbineMon, 10 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab names new CEO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For some time now there's been a question as to who would eventually be stepping into the shoes of CEO over at Linden Lab. In June, Mark Kingdon (aka M Linden) stepped down with very little warning after a series of layoffs, and Philip Rosedale (aka Philip Linden) stepped in as interim CEO while the company was reevaluating its direction and future technology potential. Now, news comes today that Rod Humble will be stepping into the CEO spot at Linden Lab in January.

Humble has been in the games industry since 1990, during which time he's racked up involvement in over 200 different games. Prior to making the jump to CEO at Linden Labs, Humble was the President of Product Development on EverQuest, and worked on other SOE titles such as EverQuest Online Adventures and Star Wars Galaxies. Most recently, Humble worked as label lead on The Sims at EA, later attaining Executive Vice President for that division. His expertise in large online games and connection to a crazy hot title like The Sims may prove to be the combination needed to lead Second Life into an even more promising future.

[Via Tateru Nino]

MassivelyLinden Lab names new CEO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoeaelectronic-artslinden-labPhilip Rosedalephilip-rosedalePhilipRosedalerod-humblesecond-lifethe-simsThu, 23 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What would your MMO dream job be?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-daily-grind-what-would-your-mmo-dream-job-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-daily-grind-what-would-your-mmo-dream-job-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-daily-grind-what-would-your-mmo-dream-job-be/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'll be Frank and you'll be Ernest, and we'll both admit that we as players have the tendency to be armchair game designers. No, no, don't deny it; it just makes you look defensive. If there's a single theme that pervades every official MMO forum out there, it's that the players think they know what's best for the game, even more than the devs themselves, and if they were making the calls, Game X would be mopping the floor with World of Warcraft.

So hey, why not indulge in the daydream -- what if tomorrow you could have any job in the MMO industry? If you could make a very real, very direct impact on the games that are being made or are operating in live mode, what would it be? Would you be a writer, finally free to pen the perfect quest? Would you be a project manager, in charge of the direction and goals of the teams at your disposal? Would you be a big-shot CEO, making the major calls and shaping the future of the company? Or would you settle into a creative role as an artist or composer, helping to contribute to the game's frills?

No, wait, I got it. You'd totally want to be a quality assurance tester. Those guys and gals get all the glory, am I right?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What would your MMO dream job be? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artistceocomposerdream-jobopinionproject-managerqaquality-assurancetdgthe-daily-grindworld-of-warcraftwowwriterFri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex pregnant with its third MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Look who's expecting: Jagex, the maker of RuneScape, not only has one bun in the oven (Stellar Dawn) but another MMO cooking as well. In an interview with Eurogamer, Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard announced that the company is working on a new fantasy title.

"A lot of what we've done to push the boundary for Stellar Dawn will benefit RuneScape and another MMO we're working on," Gerhard said. "We've got the advantage in that we share the same MMO tech platform. From there it's really down to the studios to decide how its [sic] used."

While he was reluctant to share the name of the baby, er, new game, Gerhard said that it was not a sequel to RuneScape. This follows their recent announcement of Stellar Dawn, the company's "biggest MMO to date." You can read the full article at Eurogamer.

MassivelyJagex pregnant with its third MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingceoeurogamerhes-having-a-babyjagexmark-gerhardnew-mmonew-titlerunescapestellar-dawnThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon America's financials continue to impress in Q3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/nexon-americas-financials-continue-to-impress-in-q3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/nexon-americas-financials-continue-to-impress-in-q3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/nexon-americas-financials-continue-to-impress-in-q3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We reported back in August that Nexon America had begun the third Quarter of 2009 with a very solid July; their revenue for the month grew 35% over the numbers for July 2008. Now that Q3 is over, they are happily touting some additional (and still impressive) figures. August 2009 beat out last year's August revenues by 32%, and September hit a lofty 44% growth in revenues compared to the same time in 2008. Overall, Nexon America's third quarter revenue grew 36% compared to Q3 2008.

Nexon America's CEO David Kim pointed out that this success comes without the bump that releasing a new game often brings: "Increasing our revenues without having added any new games to the company's portfolio for more than a year tells me that we are on the right track. Dungeon Fighter Online is just ramping up, so no revenues generated by that game are reflected in the outstanding third quarter we've had.

Dungeon Fighter Online is still in open beta, but an item mall has just been launched for the game. We can only imagine that Nexon's growth will continue when these revenues begin to show up on future financial reports.

MassivelyNexon America's financials continue to impress in Q3 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceodavid-kimdungeon-fighter-onlineearningsfinancialsitem-mallmaplestorynexonnexon-americaq3revenuesthird-quarterFri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard's CEO is a funpire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/activision-blizzards-ceo-is-a-funpire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/activision-blizzards-ceo-is-a-funpire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/activision-blizzards-ceo-is-a-funpire/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Bobby Kotick isn't just the CEO of Activision Blizzard. He's also the CEO of Activision Blizzard who recently said, "You have studio heads who five years ago didn't know the difference between a balance sheet and a bed sheet who are now arguing allocations in our CFO's office pretty regularly," Then again, as Ars Technica has pointed out, his incentive program that, "rewards profit and nothing else." may have something to do with that.

That's not all Bobby Kotick recently said, however. He's also known for this uplifting little diddy, "We have a real culture of thrift. The goal that I had in bringing a lot of the packaged goods folks into Activision about 10 years ago was to take all the fun out of making video games." Now that quote may be out of context, but what kind of context can make that look... well, good or even mildly acceptable?

Something smacks of bad omens here. Sure, things are going good right now for the company that puts out Blizzard games and Call of Duty, but when a company's Chief Executive Officer is saying things like, "We are very good at keeping people focused on the deep depression," it may be time to double-check your neck for bite marks and then get the hell out of Irvine.

MassivelyActivision Blizzard's CEO is a funpire originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardars-technicablizzardbobby-kotickcall-of-dutyceofunpirefunsuckerworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 17 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom to open Montréal studio]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/funcom-to-open-montreal-studio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/funcom-to-open-montreal-studio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/funcom-to-open-montreal-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Word got out earlier today that Funcom is establishing a new game development studio in Montréal. If your French is up to snuff, you can read all about it on Les Affaires, but Funcom was quick to make an announcement of their expansion plans. According to their official release, the new studio is being established in cooperation with Investissement Québec, with Ole Schreiner as CEO of the Montréal studio.

Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas made a statement on Funcom's reasons for establishing a Québec studio: "We are excited about the opportunity that Montréal represents to our company, not only because of the great incentives offered by Québec, but also the authorities' strong commitment to training qualified video games personnel and building a video games cluster in Montréal and Québec."

Continue reading Funcom to open Montréal studio

MassivelyFuncom to open Montréal studio originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanceofuncommmo-industrymontrealole-schreinerquebecthe-secret-worldtrond-aastrond-arne-aasTue, 01 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios plays CEO hot potato]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/38-studios-plays-ceo-hot-potato/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/38-studios-plays-ceo-hot-potato/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/38-studios-plays-ceo-hot-potato/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Brett Close has left the building, folks. The former 38 Studios CEO has recently resigned, being replaced by Jennifer MacLean, who until now had been senior vice president of business development. "I've had the privilege of building 38 Studios to become an established force of IP creation and entertainment," said Mr. Close, "I leave with confidence in the future success of the company and have no doubt its products will excite gamers worldwide." Of course, he's talking about Copernicus, which we're still in the dark on since the developer hasn't been keen to reveal it to the public.

Most noted for its founder and former MLB right-handed pitcher Curt Schilling, 38 Studios has been somewhat quiet for a while now. We're hopeful that their upcoming title encounters smooth sailing, but this industry certainly has its ways of tossing out a typhoon or two. If you're looking for some official word on the matter, then look no further,

Massively38 Studios plays CEO hot potato originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbreakingbrett-closeceocurt-schillingjennifer-macleanmlbFri, 21 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Matt Mihaly talks microtransactions and Earth Eternal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/matt-mihaly-talks-microtransactions-and-earth-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/matt-mihaly-talks-microtransactions-and-earth-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/matt-mihaly-talks-microtransactions-and-earth-eternal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


It looks like we're not the only ones on the block to talk to Matt Mihaly, as Gamasutra has recently sat down with the Sparkplay Media CEO. The topic of the conversation: microtransactions.

Matt's no stranger to microtransactions, having utilized them back with Iron Realms Entertainment and their many MUD games. His talk with Gamasutra starts out focusing on how microtransactions can generate a very modest income, but mainly center on a small segment of the game's population paying the most to play the game.

Beyond microtransactions, Matt gives a few very interesting details about the development of Earth Eternal and how it reached the form it's in today. Did you know that originally Earth Eternal was going to be a hyper-violent and hyper-sexualized fantasy MMO before it evolved into the playful multi-race animal/fable theme? No? Then you might want to check out the full article, as there's more where that came from regarding the game's evolution.

MassivelyMatt Mihaly talks microtransactions and Earth Eternal originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoearth-eternalfablefantasy-mmogamasutraincomematt-mihalymicrotransactionsprofitsparkplay-mediaFri, 07 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Emergent behavior to be produced in Trion's Heroes of Telara]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/emergent-behavior-to-be-produced-in-trions-heroes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/emergent-behavior-to-be-produced-in-trions-heroes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/emergent-behavior-to-be-produced-in-trions-heroes-of-telara/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Trion World Network is trying a very different approach with their fantasy based MMO, Heroes of Telara, by pushing into an area currently untouched by most MMOs -- emergence.

Emergence is one of the aspects that many MMOs aspired to, only to drop in favor of static storytelling. The problem with emergence is that simple decisions would have a compounding impact on the world. Heroes would solve problems, only to perhaps create further problems with their implemented solutions. Most game architecture can't handle decision making of that nature, as it would need developers to constantly code in the new events that would occur.

However, Heroes of Telara seems to be aspiring to that using server-side gaming. Their proposed method, as it appears in an interview between Trion's CEO, Lars Buttler, and GamesIndustry.biz, is to run the game entirely server side, letting developers change and alter the game on the fly. As Buttler puts it, "There are small events, there are big events, there is even emergent behaviour in the game that changes the game world. A lot of it is not even known to us, it's like the ghost in the machine. The game is almost alive, and that allows you to create heroes."

MassivelyEmergent behavior to be produced in Trion's Heroes of Telara originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceodecisionsemergenceheroheroes-of-telaralars-buttlerlive-eventsstorytellingtelaratrion-world-networkTue, 07 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively speaks with Sparkplay Media's CEO on Earth Eternal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massively-speaks-with-sparkplay-medias-ceo-on-earth-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massively-speaks-with-sparkplay-medias-ceo-on-earth-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massively-speaks-with-sparkplay-medias-ceo-on-earth-eternal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


With Sparkplay Media's first game, Earth Eternal, going into beta, we got the chance to sit down with the CEO of the company, Matt Mihaly, and pick his mind on a variety of things related to setting up shop in the free to play genre.

Matt's no stranger to the massively multiplayer space, holding a strong background as the CEO and founder of Iron Realms Entertainment, a company dedicated to creating multi-user dungeons (MUDs) including Imperian, Aetola, Achaea, and Lusternia. If that wasn't enough, Achaea was one of the first games to introduce the sales of virtual goods, making him one of the pioneers of the base that free-to-play games now stand on.

So what's his thought process behind Earth Eternal? What are some of the things we can expect from the MMO that's sporting over 22 races? Hit the continue reading link, and find out!

Continue reading Massively speaks with Sparkplay Media's CEO on Earth Eternal

MassivelyMassively speaks with Sparkplay Media's CEO on Earth Eternal originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoearth-eternaleefeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playfusion-fallhabbo-hotelinterviewiron-realms-entertainmentjoystiqfeaturesmassively-interviewsmatt-mihalymudsrunescapesparkplay-mediaTue, 30 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaeho Lee moving to Seattle, not running NC West from Korea]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/jaeho-lee-moving-to-seattle-not-running-nc-west-from-korea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/jaeho-lee-moving-to-seattle-not-running-nc-west-from-korea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/jaeho-lee-moving-to-seattle-not-running-nc-west-from-korea/#commentsFiled under: ,


When the news came out last week that Jaeho Lee, former chief financial officer for NCsoft, would be taking over as CEO of NCsoft West, a lot of people (including press) assumed that he would be calling the shots from Korea -- after all, NCsoft had said that the change was about "global management" and working together across business units. However, we are now being told that Lee will make the journey to Seattle to join the NCsoft West team. In response to the earlier reports of NCsoft shifting leadership of its Western division to Korea, a rep had this to say to Gamasutra:

"Jaeho Lee is moving to Seattle, so nothing has shifted except him. A similar change of personnel happened in our Japan office, so this was a strategic move on the part of our headquarters in Seoul to streamline global management."

The rep also mentioned that Lee ran other departments such as marketing and production while in his position as chief financial officer.

MassivelyJaeho Lee moving to Seattle, not running NC West from Korea originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceochief-financial-officeglobal-managementjaeho-leekoreanc-westncsoftncsoft-westseattleTue, 19 May 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft West gets a new CEO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/ncsoft-west-gets-a-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/ncsoft-west-gets-a-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/ncsoft-west-gets-a-new-ceo/#commentsFiled under: ,


There's been another shift in the staffing over at NCsoft West. This time, former CEO Chris Chung will be moving aside to let Jaeho Lee take his place. Lee was the chief financial officer of NCsoft, and his appointment at NC West was made with the intention of improving the subsidiary's communication with home base in Korea. NCsoft's corporate PR director Jae Sung Lee gave a comment to Kotaku regarding the move:

"As part of the corporation's global strategy, global management grows increasingly important, and the need to work together across business units becomes paramount to our success. This personnel change increases our ability in each market to remain competitive."

Chris Chung hasn't been turfed out on to the front doorstep as a result of the move and will remain where he is at NCsoft West, albeit with a lesser job title.

MassivelyNCsoft West gets a new CEO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceocfochief-executive-officerchief-financial-officerchris-chungjaeho-leenc-westncsoftncsoft-westncwestFri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon America appoints new CEO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/nexon-america-appoints-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/nexon-america-appoints-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/nexon-america-appoints-new-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Nexon, creators of popular MMO titles such as MapleStory and Mabinogi, announced today that they've appointed a new CEO for Nexon America. Chris Remo reports for Gamasutra that Daniel S. Kim has been named as the CEO of Nexon's US subsidiary.

Kim isn't new to the company, having already served as executive VP with Nexon's global strategy group in Korea, Gamasutra reports. Kim is stepping into the role previously held by Nexon America's former president and CEO John H. Chi, who is no longer with the company.

MassivelyNexon America appoints new CEO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsceochris-remodaniel-kimdaniel-s-kimf2pfree-to-playgamasutrajohn-chijohn-h-chimabinogimaplestorymicrotransactionsmmo-industrynexonnexon-americaTue, 03 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Got PotBS questions? Ask Rusty!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/got-potbs-questions-ask-rusty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/got-potbs-questions-ask-rusty/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/got-potbs-questions-ask-rusty/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Flying Lab Software's CEO Russell "Rusty" Williams has been fairly vocal about his company's game Pirates of the Burning Sea in the past, doing the rounds with media outlets and spreading the word. His latest project has just been announced on the PotBS official site, and will allow him to maintain his parlance with the game's community; a new podcast series called "Ask Rusty" will be featured on the site on a regular basis, and players will have the chance to do as the name would suggest and Ask Rusty questions about PotBS.

For the first podcast, questions were taken from the old "Ask an FLS developer" forum, but in the future, the questions will come from submissions to community AT flyinglab DOT com (make sure to use "Ask Rusty!" as the subject line). Russell is joined by lead designer Kevin Maginn and producer Michelle Williams in this first installment. There is a direct link to the podcast for those looking to download it or listen in their browser, and there is also an RSS feed that can be subscribed to if you like what you hear.

MassivelyGot PotBS questions? Ask Rusty! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-rustyceoflsflying-lab-softwarekevin-maginnlead-designermichelle-williamspirates-of-the-burning-seapodcastpotbsproducerrussell-rusty-williamsrussell-williamsrustyrusty-williamssoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 29 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare CEO is confident in the state of PC gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/bioware-ceo-is-confident-in-the-state-of-pc-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/bioware-ceo-is-confident-in-the-state-of-pc-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/bioware-ceo-is-confident-in-the-state-of-pc-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka is standing behind PC games, directly opposing all of the naysayers that shout the doom of PC gaming from on high.

A recent article over at Computer And Video Games.com pointed to Muzyka's confident stance as well as his expression of changing the definition of PC gaming, such as counting in the large growth of MMOs, flash games, and other casual experiences that any PC user can easily access.

"MMOs are one way that's occurring... And there are more people playing flash-based games and casual games, even core games that are played in a casual way, so maybe [they have] a more core experience and you only play them for short bursts or for half an hour or something," Muzyka was quoted as saying.

One only needs to look at the success of games such as World of Warcraft or any other MMO, as well as the very healthy Steam distribution service to note that PC gaming is far from dead.

MassivelyBioWare CEO is confident in the state of PC gaming originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecasual-gamesceocomputer-and-video-gamesflash-gamesmmospc-gamespc-gamingray-muzykasteamTue, 20 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW's invincibility 'nonsense', claims WAR lead designer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/1-billion-to-compete-with-wow-ridiculous-says-mythic-vp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/1-billion-to-compete-with-wow-ridiculous-says-mythic-vp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/1-billion-to-compete-with-wow-ridiculous-says-mythic-vp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're not going to get into those arguments again. You know, the ones that focus on whether any given game is a (cough)-killer or not. All the same, the thrust and riposte between corporate figures is always a delight to read. The latest comment is very much in the 'we could take you all down with only one Dalek' vein.

We're indebted to mtv.com for bringing us a lengthy interview with Mark Jacobs, who is VP of Mythic as well as being lead designer for Warhammer Online. Jacobs takes the opportunity to dismiss the figure of one billion dollars, the sum cited by Activision Blizzard CEO as the sum it would take for a competitor to take on World of Warcraft, as 'ridiculous numbers'.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

Continue reading WoW's invincibility 'nonsense', claims WAR lead designer

MassivelyWoW's invincibility 'nonsense', claims WAR lead designer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardceoea-mythicwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 29 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom CEO sells company stock]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/funcom-ceo-sells-company-stock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/funcom-ceo-sells-company-stock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/funcom-ceo-sells-company-stock/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Sure it may be completely innocent, but it's interesting nonetheless. According to a recent announcement, Funcom's CEO Trond Aas has recently sold 400,000 shares of his company's stock. The announcement also states that these shares were sold "primarily to cover Mr. Aas' acquisition costs of the shares as well as accumulated wealth tax costs of the past six years as a result of the holdings in Funcom." This 400,000 number represents only a fraction of the shares owned by the CEO.

While this Brighthub article tends to focus on the timing of the sale, pointing out that Age of Conan has already lost nearly half of its customers, no official connection has been made. However, the stock's price has fallen quite dramatically lately, closing at $13.60 per share on August 22, 2008, which is down from $55.50 per share on Age of Conan's release in May.

Update: This is a take on the Brighthub article more than anything, blaming AoC for everything, not to be confused with this original post. Plus, we get a look at the actual announcement about the stock sales itself. Sorry for any confusion of duplicates.

MassivelyFuncom CEO sells company stock originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocceofuncomstocktrond-aasMon, 25 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jade Constantine is a veteran player of EVE Online, long known for having a forceful personality and a flair for writing. As the CEO of Jericho Fraction and the head of The Star Fraction alliance, Jade has become a pioneer in EVE roleplay, upholding ideologies of freedom that run counter to some of the very systems that define the game.

Along the way, Jade has made some enemies, but clearly some allies as well, having garnered the most votes in the Council of Stellar Management (CSM) election. As Chairman of the CSM, Jade Constantine is a magnet for controversy, but as an elected delegate, is also in a unique position to deal directly with CCP Games and potentially change EVE. Massively recently spoke with Jade on the state of roleplaying in EVE Online, the challenges that the CSM faces, and what it's like to be under the magnifying glass.

Continue reading EVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine

MassivelyEVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceamarrbackstorycaldaricapsuleerccpccp-gamesceocommunitycommunity-spotlightcorpcorporationcouncilcsmempyrean-ageeveeve-community-spotlighteve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfactionfactional-warfarefeaturedgallentegame-mechanicsjadejade-constantinejericho-fractionjoystiqfeaturesmilitiaminmatarpoliticsroleplayroleplayingrpsandboxstar-fractionWed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The high price of trust in EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/the-high-price-of-trust-in-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/the-high-price-of-trust-in-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/the-high-price-of-trust-in-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Trust is a rare commodity in EVE Online, and is one of those aspects of the game that makes it at once interesting and frustrating. That friendly person who offers you assistance in a mission, wants to sell you a faction module, or seeks to join your corporation may very well be waiting to backstab you when you least expect it. This might sound bad, but it's not necessarily a terrible thing in terms of enjoying the game. Indeed, some may feel that it adds to the risk inherent in EVE, and thus the thrill. The fact that players can manipulate trust within the rules of the game is one of the aspects of EVE that sets it apart from most other MMOs.

The risk vs. reward stakes are raised when trust comes into play with groups of players. Collective action through corporations or alliances will, at some point in time, entail trust. It may be a CEO or director lifting restrictions on access to resources for a member of the corp, hoping that the faith placed in the recruit wasn't a bad move. In other scenarios, the situation is reversed -- a director decides to cut and run, seizing assets and leaving the corporation shocked and understandably enraged.

Continue reading The high price of trust in EVE

MassivelyThe high price of trust in EVE originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online's futuristic setting of New Eden is one of sprawling galactic Empires and megacorporations, imposing order on uncharted frontiers through massive industrial infrastructures, elaborate networks of trade routes, and military fleets that ensure the galaxy remains firmly in the grasp of the technocratic elite.

But beneath this orderly paradigm in New Eden, criminal organizations thrive. They prey upon those who cling to the illusion of safety in an unsafe galaxy. They reject your system of values and play by their own rules. They are relentless in pursuit of their goals and completely without mercy. One notable criminal organization devoted to piracy is Veto Corp, headed by their CEO Ethan Verone, who is without a doubt one of New Eden's more notorious pirates. Under his guidance, Veto Corp has been linked to numerous incidents of ransoming, hijacking, and illegal arms sales, among their many other crimes. Their modus operandi of shunning territorial control in favor of remaining fast and free ensures that Veto can conduct 'business' and hit targets anytime, and practically anywhere. Massively recently managed to lock down Verone for a line of questioning, and discussed the allure of life as an outlaw.

Gallery: Outlaws of EVE Online: Verone

Continue reading Outlaws of EVE Online: Verone

MassivelyOutlaws of EVE Online: Verone originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online has been getting increased mainstream media coverage. Recently the New York Times covered EVE's Council of Stellar Management (CSM) summit in Reykjavik, as well as the self-styled 'bad guy' alliance Band of Brother's initiative to annihilate their rivals in New Eden, wiping them from New Eden's star maps.

A new MMO article at Forbes takes a close look at the corporate paradigm of EVE Online, both in-game and out. The piece touches on the views of Goonswarm alliance leader and CSM delegate Sean Conover (aka Darius Johnson, CEO of Goonfleet) and the real-world CEO of CCP Games, Hilmar Veigar Petursson. The Icelandic CEO states: "There isn't a lot of difference between what you can apply within the game and out of it... It's more about social skills than gaming skills. It's very hard to stay on top."

Continue reading Leadership in EVE Online applicable to real-world ventures

MassivelyLeadership in EVE Online applicable to real-world ventures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceband-of-brothersbobccpccp-gamesceocorpcorporationentrepreneurentrepreneurshipeveeve-onlineforbesgame-mechanicsgoonfleetgoonswarmguildhardcorehilmarleadershipmainstreammaxmedianew-york-timesnytpoliticsreykjavikskillssocial-skillsTue, 22 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision CEO: Blizzard merger best way to enter industry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/activision-ceo-blizzard-merger-best-way-to-enter-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/activision-ceo-blizzard-merger-best-way-to-enter-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/activision-ceo-blizzard-merger-best-way-to-enter-industry/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick told Gamasutra that his company explored avenues by which it might enter the MMO industry, but decided that the only sure way to succeed was to join forces with Blizzard.

That reality was a driving force behind the merger. "We kept looking at it, and realizing that even if we put hundreds of millions of dollars of capital towards it, and had the very best intellectual property, we still would very likely be unsuccessful," he said. "So the merger was really our mechanism to get access to Blizzard's talent, Blizzard's capability, their infrastructure."

Kotick has already said in the past that taking on World of Warcraft directly would be next-to-impossible even with virtually unlimited coffers. But others, such as EA Mythic's Mark jacobs, believe there's room for more than one 800 pound gorilla in the market. Perhaps the problem isn't so much competition as it is the fact that the production values bar has been set so high that MMOs have become too risky. They cost more to produce than most other games, and their success rate is uninspiring.

MassivelyActivision CEO: Blizzard merger best way to enter industry originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardbobby-kotickceogamasutrainterviewvivendiworld-of-warcraftThu, 29 May 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision execs reap payday from recent mega-merger]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/activision-execs-reap-payday-from-recent-mega-merger/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/activision-execs-reap-payday-from-recent-mega-merger/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/activision-execs-reap-payday-from-recent-mega-merger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just in case you weren't feeling a particularly strong sense of class envy today, the Financial Times is reporting that Activision's two top executives will be receiving "change of control" payments to the tune of $40 million, as part of the deal that will see Vivendi merge their Vivendi Games unit into Activision. Both Robert Kotick, Activision Chairman and CEO, and Brian Kelly, co-chairman, will receive bonuses totalling $10 million each as well as 363,637 shares of the newly formed company, worth about $10 million on the market today.

While some industry analysts have looked at the deal as an attempt to catch up with EA's runaway growth, particularly in the MMO sphere, one mustn't ignore the immediate financial windfalls for the men at the very top of the company as a motivating factor. One can only hope they'll be down counting their money in time to start developing some more MMO properties for the new year.

[Via The Escapist]

MassivelyActivision execs reap payday from recent mega-merger originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbrian-kellyceoclass-envymoneyrobert-kotickvivendiThu, 13 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST