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[SWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SWTOR
A long time ago on a server far, far away, the Imperial forces BioWare prepared a Star Wars: The Old Republic update to rule the online world: patch 1.3. Called Allies, patch 1.3 will usher in a group finder, character transfers, and legacy perks.

The group finder will aid in banding together interested adventurers to tackle operations and flashpoints. Lead Designer Daniel Erickson said that the time is ripe for the feature, as players are spread out in levels and are rolling plenty of alts. Saying that BioWare wants to "respect the communities" that have formed, Erickson reports that the group finder will not be cross-server.

He also revealed some of the other key features for patch 1.3. Additional perks to the Legacy system will allow players to customize their experience; we'll see new ports, earlier access to mounts, and bonus XP modifiers for PvP. The patch will also change social gear to fit the armor type of the class using it, server transfers, and the ability to add augments to any crafting items. Looking past 1.3, Erickson promises a "return to big content" with patch 1.4.

If you're a fan of the SWTOR novels, you'll also be delighted to hear that Drew Karpyshyn announced that his next novel, Annihilation, is scheduled for November 13th.

You can watch the patch 1.3 preview video after the jump!

Continue reading SWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks

MassivelySWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.31.3-patch1.3-updateadaptive-gearalliesannihilationaugmentsbiowarecharacter-transfercharacter-transferscraftingdaniel-ericksonDrew-Karpyshyndungeon-findereaelectronic-artsgroup-finderinterviewlegacylegacy-perkslegacy-systemlucasartspatchpatch-1.3people-finderpreviewsci-fiserver-transferserver-transfersstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorupdateupdate-1.3videoMon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR preps character transfer service for this summer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/swtor-preps-character-transfer-service-for-this-summer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/swtor-preps-character-transfer-service-for-this-summer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/swtor-preps-character-transfer-service-for-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR
Feeling grounded on a particular Star Wars: The Old Republic server while your friends are hyperjumping on a different one? BioWare says relief for player segregation is in sight, as the studio is preparing for character transfers in SWTOR starting "in early summer."

According to Senior Producer Dallas Dickinson, the service will be made available in waves. The studio will begin by offering free transfers to and from specific servers, but later on there will be a more widespread system that will allow anyone to transfer to the server of their choice. The service should help alleviate issues with low population servers by offering transfers to high-pop ones.

It's important to note that while some of these transfers will be free, others will require a real-world fee.

SWTOR recently released in new territories including the Middle East and has plans for additional playable races for later this year.

MassivelySWTOR preps character transfer service for this summer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecharacter-transfercharacter-transferscommunity-q-and-aDallas-Dickinsoneaelectronic-artslucasartsq-and-asci-fisegregationserver-transferserver-transfersstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorMon, 30 Apr 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Waaaghon Ho!: Warhammer Online merging servers following free transfers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/waaaghon-ho-warhammer-online-merging-servers-following-free-tr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/waaaghon-ho-warhammer-online-merging-servers-following-free-tr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/waaaghon-ho-warhammer-online-merging-servers-following-free-tr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WAR
Saddle up, rough riders: It's time to head to more fertile lands! Starting next week, select Warhammer Online players will be given the option to transfer between servers for free. The decision is Mythic's attempt to merge underpopulated servers, and the company hopes that this move will drive up the action in RvR for previously quiet locations.

Players on the Gorfang (North America) and Karak Azgal (Europe) will be able to move house to Badlands and Karak Norn, respectively, starting December 14th. Once this happens, Gorfang and Karak Azgal will be marked as "Legacy" servers, keeping new players from rolling on them, and then after three weeks, the two servers will be shut down completely. Any characters left on those servers will not be playable until they transfer to their new homes.

Mythic is also paving the way for guilds to move wholesale to new servers, with more information about this coming next week.

MassivelyWaaaghon Ho!: Warhammer Online merging servers following free transfers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badlandsbioware-mythiccharacter-transfercharacter-transfersea-mythicgorfangKarak-AzgalKarak-Nornlegacymergemythicretireretiredretired-serversserverserver-mergeserver-mergesserver-transferserver-transfersserverswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Hartsman: 'Happy customers stick around longer']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/scott-hartsman-happy-customers-stick-around-longer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/scott-hartsman-happy-customers-stick-around-longer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/scott-hartsman-happy-customers-stick-around-longer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"Here's the overall philosophy behind all this: Happy customers stick around longer," Scott Hartsman said in an interview with Gamefront. "That's what we think. That's the beginning and end of it." It may seem like common sense, but for Hartsman and the team at Trion Worlds, it's a lesson they feel is easy to forget.

He cites this as the driving force behind one of the game's major upcoming changes: the ability to transfer characters between servers for free. Trion hopes that the character transfers will help friends connect without the obstacle of separate servers getting in their way. Hartsman said that the tech behind the transfer is impressive -- not to mention "instantaneous" from a customer standpoint.

Hartsman says that the team places a premium on talking frankly and frequently with players. If Trion doesn't always come across as perfect, he hopes that the company makes up for it with communication and sincerity: "We don't want to hide behind a big wall, and we don't want everything to come through a formal mouthpiece. I'd rather have us all out conversing with people and occasionally making a mistake here or there on the assumption that because we are talking to people more means that overall, things are going to be better."

The lengthy interview covers a wide range of pressing topics, from the "bumpy" River of Souls event to the LFG system and the free trial program.

MassivelyScott Hartsman: 'Happy customers stick around longer' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transfercharacter-transferscustomer-servicegamefronthappinesshappy-customersinterviewlfglfg-systemlfg-toolriftrift-planes-of-telarariver-of-soulsscott-hartsmanserver-transfertrialtriontrion-worldsTue, 07 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT offering free character transfers with patch 1.3 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-offering-free-character-transfers-with-patch-1-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-offering-free-character-transfers-with-patch-1-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-offering-free-character-transfers-with-patch-1-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's always tough when you roll a character on a server but find out that your good friends are on another. The question of "Do I reroll or stay put?" is an agonizing one, fortunately one that RIFT players will not have to struggle with too much longer.

Trion Worlds has announced that with the advent of patch 1.3, RIFT will allow players to move to select servers once per week -- for free. These free character transfers include a wholesale move of all of the character's items, achievements and titles. Also, Trion has stated that initially there will be no limit to the number of times your character can hop to a different server.

Scott Hartsman thinks this will strengthen the game's community: "MMOs are all about playing with your friends no matter which server they're on, and that's why we're offering this as a free service to our subscribers. RIFT is both a game and a service, and adding free server transfers is just one more way we can make this the best possible MMO experience available."

Patch 1.3 will also allow guild leaders to transfer over their guilds' details, including levels and experience. The patch is scheduled for "early summer."

[Update: Trion has posted a Free Character Transfer FAQ on the forums with specifics as to this service. Check it out!]

MassivelyRIFT offering free character transfers with patch 1.3 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transfercharacter-transfersfreefree-character-transferguild-transferguild-transferspatchpatch-1.3riftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmantriontrion-worldsupdateMon, 23 May 2011 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The industry's obsession with shards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-soapbox-the-industrys-obsession-with-shards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-soapbox-the-industrys-obsession-with-shards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/the-soapbox-the-industrys-obsession-with-shards/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

The MMO genre is now over a decade old, and in that time we've seen countless innovations in game design, graphics technology and hardware infrastructure. Some of these innovations have become so essential that without them a game looks cheap, old or backward. A functional market or auction mechanic now replaces the old meet-and-trade style barter of some early MMOs, for example, and an MMO without copious map or chat tools is seen as grossly incomplete. The limits of what is possible have been pushed gradually forward, and yet certain ideas that were formed in the genre's infancy still seem to stick to new titles like glue.

Sharded server models made a lot of sense in the early 2000s, when server hosting was expensive and the teams working on the server code were small. Those limitations have been rapidly shattered in recent years, but still new MMOs shard their communities into small groups. There are even alternative server models out there that are just as cost-effective as the sharded model but are devoid of the negative side-effects of smashing the community into hundreds of pieces.

Read on as I take a look at why developers rely on the sharded server model, the problems surrounding splitting communities and what alternative server models are out there.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The industry's obsession with shards

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The industry's obsession with shards originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gameschampions-onlinecharacter-transfercommunitydatabaseeveeve-onlineeverquestfeaturedhardwareopinionrunescapeserverserver-firstserver-modelshardshardingshardssoapboxthe-soapboxultima-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftTue, 29 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Soul of the Ultimate Nation heading back to Webzen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/soul-of-the-ultimate-nation-heading-back-to-webzen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/soul-of-the-ultimate-nation-heading-back-to-webzen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/soul-of-the-ultimate-nation-heading-back-to-webzen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

First we heard that NHN, running under ijji.com, would be transferring control of Huxley back to its developer Webzen here in North America. Now, news has reached us that NHN has decided to follow suit with the other Webzen game ijji.com has held for the last year -- Soul of the Ultimate Nation. Thankfully, those who are a part of the world of SUN need not fear: Plans are underway to make sure that all active characters are transferred smoothly between hosts. (Those of you who tasted the banhammer are SOL, even on the new host.)

The cash shop in Soul of the Ultimate Nation is already closed; character transfers are already open and will continue until January 21st, 2011. For those who have already set themselves up to make the jump, Webzen's SUN servers will be online as of December 15th, ready to welcome veterans and new players alike. If you choose to opt out of the transfer altogether, ijji.com is offering a pro-rated refund of cash shop items that your character may have had before the 22nd of November. For more details, check out the detailed FAQ on the ijji.com site.

MassivelySoul of the Ultimate Nation heading back to Webzen originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transferf2pfree-to-playijjiijji.comnhnnhn-gamesNHN-USApro-rated-refundsoul-of-the-ultimate-nationsunwebzenFri, 26 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DAoC Producer's Letter puts on training wheels, er, windows]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/daoc-producers-letter-puts-on-training-wheels-er-windows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/daoc-producers-letter-puts-on-training-wheels-er-windows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/daoc-producers-letter-puts-on-training-wheels-er-windows/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Like fine wine, Dark Age of Camelot is improving with age, at least according to the recent Producer's Letter for the game. Stuart Zissu crowed about the success of the dev team's first Live Event -- called "Infernal Awakenings" -- which saw developer-controlled demons rampaging across the world. Apparently, it was such a success that the dev team is deep into planning the next Live Event.

Belford was also excited to talk about the new training window UI, which is set to arrive in the game very shortly. This updated interface lets players map out their specializations in advance via sliders so that they can create the exact character build they desire. Once a desired build is found, the game will automatically refashion your character's stats and abilities to match.

The DAoC team is also working on ways to make the game more accessible to all, including additional character transfers and payment methods. You can read Andy Belford's full Producer's Letter at The Camelot Herald.

MassivelyDAoC Producer's Letter puts on training wheels, er, windows originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-belfordbioware-mythiccamelotcamelot-heraldcharacter-transferdaocdark-age-of-camelotea-mythicinfernal-awakeningslive-eventmythicMythic-Entertainmentpayment-methodsproducers-letterred-red-winetraining-window-uiSun, 01 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion offers six free server transfers per character]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/aion-offers-six-free-server-transfers-per-character/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/aion-offers-six-free-server-transfers-per-character/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/aion-offers-six-free-server-transfers-per-character/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With NCsoft's upcoming Aion server merges looming, chances are you've taken the time to figure out where your daeva's new home is going to be (as well as marked your calendar to be sure you get first dibs on keeping your name). What you may not know is that you've got plenty of opportunities to test out the various Aion server communities after the merges are complete.

In its weekly Eye on Community featurette, NCsoft answers a player-generated question about transfer specifics. "During the free character transfer period, characters you submit for transfer are placed in a collated list, together with transfer requests from other players. The transfers outlined in this list will all be executed at the same time during weekly maintenance. Because transfers are moved in a batch each week, you will be able to transfer your character up to six times before the 18th of August, when the free character transfer period ends. Our intent is to let you test the waters so that you can decide which server best suits you," says the featurette.

MassivelyAion offers six free server transfers per character originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-the-tower-of-eternitycharacter-namescharacter-transfereye-on-communitymergenamesncsoftserver-mergeserver-transferSun, 04 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Server merge hints are confirmed for Aion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/server-merge-hints-are-confirmed-for-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/server-merge-hints-are-confirmed-for-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/server-merge-hints-are-confirmed-for-aion/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"SGDCZ DUZGZ RKZMC DCVHS GRDQU DQLDQ FDZMC BGZQZ BSDQS QZMRE DQCDS ZHKR" was the mysterious message posted by Aion's Andrew "Tamat" Beegle yesterday. The jumble of letters on Twitter and the Aion notice page was decoded pretty quickly by players: "THE DAEVA HAS LANDED WITH SERVER MERGE AND CHARACTER TRANSFER DETAILS."

Aion confirmed the server merge and character transfers today with more details as well as a comprehensive FAQ covering all the details. The merge will happen on July 7th, and character transfers will begin on the 8th. Players can take advantage of free unlimited character transfers until August 18th, and then they will continue to be available for a fee. Once the server merge happens and transfers begin, there will be a number of contests and events coming both in and out of game.

Check out all the details on the Aion site.

MassivelyServer merge hints are confirmed for Aion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-server-mergeandrew-beeglebreakingcharacter-transferncsoftserver-mergeWed, 23 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythic taking over DAoC Europe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mythic-taking-over-daoc-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mythic-taking-over-daoc-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mythic-taking-over-daoc-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mythic Entertainment today announced that GOA's license to publish and maintain Dark Age of Camelot in Europe will not be renewed, and that Mythic plans to take hold of the reins for European support. The news post says the transition will occur "in the coming weeks" which hopefully means a gradual shift is being planned, rather than a sudden one.

The developer makes sure to assuage any fears of rocky times ahead by saying, "We are currently working with GOA to take over operation of the game and its European community, and will soon be providing details about pressing player questions such as existing subscriptions, character transfers, game versions, localization, and more." It sounds like everything is well under control, but an effort like this is most certainly a delicate one. Hopefully things go smoothly, as we'd rather report good news over bad.

MassivelyMythic taking over DAoC Europe originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transfercharacter-transfersdaocdark-age-of-cameloteuropegame-versiongoalocalizationmythicmythic-entertainmentThu, 07 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online merges two more servers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/warhammer-online-merges-two-more-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/warhammer-online-merges-two-more-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/warhammer-online-merges-two-more-servers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It wasn't entirely unexpected -- after all, Jeff Skalski gave some indications this might be coming in our recent interview with him -- but it's still unbalancing. Warhammer Online community manager Andy Belford confirmed today that two of the game's servers, Dark Crag and Phoenix Throne, will be shutting down. The population of these servers will be allowed a free transfer to two other servers each -- Iron Rock or Badlands for Dark Crag, Gorfang or Volkmar for Phoenix Throne. He also mentions that there will be a 20% bonus to experience and renown in the weeks following the transfer, to at least slightly take the sting off the event.

It looks as if there will be slightly more servers in the European region, as they have a total of 13 still open... but several of those are due to the different languages, and at least one of the realms is scheduled for shutdown. As for what this means for the game itself... it's hard to call it anything but bad news, even with the promises of a boost incoming to ease the impact. We know that Warhammer Online's future looks a bit shaky after recent events, but this is more dire than any of us had expected or hoped. We'll keep up on any news as it becomes available.

[ Thanks to JP for the tip. ]

MassivelyWarhammer Online merges two more servers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-belfordcharacter-transferfree-transferjeff-skalskimythicmythic-entertainmentnews-itemsserver-mergeserver-shutdownshutdownwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 24 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies to shut down 12 servers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/star-wars-galaxies-to-shut-down-12-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/star-wars-galaxies-to-shut-down-12-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/star-wars-galaxies-to-shut-down-12-servers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In a letter to all Star Wars Galaxies account holders today, Sony Online Entertainment has announced that they will be shutting down 12 servers on October 15th. This brings their number of active servers to 13 -- a pretty respectable number for any game to still host.

This shutdown has come as a response to the free character transfer service that SOE has offered Star Wars Galaxies players, leaving certain servers with drastically low populations while other servers have become the new homes of the community. Many members of the SWG community only look upon this move with happiness, as now it means having worlds teeming with players rather than wasteland planets.

Continue reading Star Wars Galaxies to shut down 12 servers

MassivelyStar Wars Galaxies to shut down 12 servers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transfercommunityfree-character-transferserver-shutdownsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgTue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies: Free character transfer extended]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/star-wars-galaxies-free-character-transfer-extended/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/star-wars-galaxies-free-character-transfer-extended/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/star-wars-galaxies-free-character-transfer-extended/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rejoice, Star Wars: Galaxies fans, because the Force is with you. SOE have announced via the forums and the official game site that you can transfer your characters between galaxies until June 30th.

As with most things, there's a catch though. You can only transfer characters created after December 11th 2008 and once the transfer has started, you need to exit the game and wait for two hours before logging back in, this is to make sure nothing interferes the with the transfer.

Being the helpful souls that they are, SOE have supplied a list of links to help folks who've never gone through the process before. This includes a comprehensive list of questions and valid galaxies and even some advice from the GMs on submitting character transfer-related tickets. So if you're looking to try a new galaxy, this might well be the perfect time to make the move and, even better, you aren't rushed to decide either.

MassivelyStar Wars Galaxies: Free character transfer extended originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transferfreestuffstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesMon, 13 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWG character transfer starts tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/swg-character-transfer-starts-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/swg-character-transfer-starts-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/swg-character-transfer-starts-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As we mentioned a few months ago when the announcements were being made, Star Wars Galaxies' character transfer and server merges will begin tomorrow. As a reminder for the merger and a helpful guide to the procedure, we wanted to run by all helpful info into one, easy-to-use post for your convenience.

First, there's the step-by-step guide to the free character transfer as well as a handy FAQ for anyone with unanswered questions. The GM team also took the time to post up some notes on the transfer over at the SWG forums. Finally, we can't forget the post-transfer server list! The state of the game may change somewhat after tomorrow, but at least you'll be prepared.

MassivelySWG character transfer starts tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transferserver-mergesoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgMon, 12 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free character transfers announced for Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/free-character-transfers-announced-for-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/free-character-transfers-announced-for-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/free-character-transfers-announced-for-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Free character transfers were just announced for Warhammer Online, for characters on low population servers who'd like to move to high population servers. The service will be put into place in the coming days. The character transfers will be done in the Mythic Account Center, which will have a Character Transfer button, just below "Activate a Key" and "Validate your Email Address." In addition to Free Character Transfers, Mythic also announced Guild Transfers. This comes with its own set of caveats as the transfer cannot be reversed, with details to be listed on the Character Transfer page.

There's an added bonus for characters moved to higher pop servers -- a Realm Population Bonus of 20% experience and renown. The Warhammer Online Herald will update the playerbase once the Free Character Transfer service goes into effect. Until then, see the WAR Herald announcement, which lists further details on the transfers and lists the source and destination servers eligible for Character Transfers for North American and Oceanic regions.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out our Warhammer guides: Massively's Character Creation Guide and our WoW Player's Guide to Warhammer. Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyFree character transfers announced for Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcharacter-transfercharacter-transfersea-mythicfantasyfree-character-transferfree-character-transfersgame-mechanicshigh-populationlow-populationmmo-industrymythicmythic-entertainmentracesrealm-populationrealm-population-bonusrealmsserverswarwarhammer-onlineThu, 30 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft opens PvE to PvP character transfers.]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/world-of-warcraft-opens-pve-to-pvp-character-transfers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/world-of-warcraft-opens-pve-to-pvp-character-transfers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/world-of-warcraft-opens-pve-to-pvp-character-transfers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


In a move that has stunned many people in the World of Warcraft community, Blizzard has reversed their earlier stance on no PvE to PvP server transfers. Per Bornakk on the official World of Warcraft forums, Blizzard has decided to open up transfers from PvE servers to PvP servers because "World of Warcraft has matured significantly since the inception of Paid Character Transfers, [they] don't feel that PvE-to-PvP transfers will have the negative impact on the game that [they] initially wanted to avoid when [they] started the service in 2006. This change will provide more mobility and freedom for players to experience the game with friends or play in the type of environment they're looking for."

Considering the furor that is now starting up on the official forums regarding this major change in dynamics, we can only wonder why after so many years Blizzard has reversed their decision. Previously, Blizz maintained that they wouldn't allow transfers from PvE to PvP because it would be unfair to players who leveled characters up in a PvP environment. They wanted to avoid PvPers having to deal with people who transferred into the harsher climates that PvP servers provide after having leveled up on PvE servers. With the largely guaranteed bank roll that is Wrath of the Lich King, one wonders just precisely Blizzard seeks to gain by changing a long-standing mechanic such as this. Do they really need more money? Or is this just, as one forum poster suggested, a way to allow players who started on PvE realms to finally 'rescue' their characters? Perhaps it has something to do with the smaller populations traditionally on PvP servers? Only Blizzard knows for sure as to the reasoning.

We recommend packing marshmellows if you go anywhere near the WoW forums for the next while; the flames are coming.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft opens PvE to PvP character transfers. originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbreakingcharacter-transfergame-mechanicspvepvpserver-transfertransferworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 11 Sep 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/soe-caught-red-handed-eq2-player-dev-relationship-breached-et/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Several days ago Massively reported that EQ2 Flames administrator broke the story on a scandal that regards numerous members from Unhallowed Triad, a guild on EQ2's Test server that was transferred to Unrest, a Live server through an inside connection at SOE. Character transfers from the Test server to a Live one is not allowed and against current SOE transfer policy; albeit, the EULA has a clause that SOE may change this policy at any time. However, the case is made that a Player / Dev affiliation has led to corruption, leaving many infuriated players with lots of unanswered questions as seen in these two threadnaughts. To recap for those not following this closely or wanting to sift through 100+ pages on the forums:

  • SOE employee(s) abused their power breaking various codes of ethics (confirmed & guilty)
  • Numerous Test players accuse Unhallowed Triad with a history of exploitation and getting away with it in due part to their SOE connection (rumors)
  • Someone at SOE made the call to transfer Test characters to a Live server breaking policy (confirmed & guilty)
  • Not only were characters transferred to Unrest, but items as well. Unhallowed Triad's Guild level was also inflated to 60. (confirmed & guilty)
  • Many Unhallowed Triad guild members admitted to transferring off test in Assassin's chat (confirmed)
  • Several Unhallowed Triad guild members were transferred unknowingly (more than likely)
  • Legitimately leveled characters belonging to several Unhallowed Triad members were transferred over from other servers or already leveled on the Unrest server (confirmed)
  • Unhallowed Triad guild tag no longer exists but there other guild tag Unholy Trinity exists and their Guild level stands at 30 (confirmed)
  • All players on the Test server have not been given the same opportunity to transfer to a Live server
The evidence found via EQ2 Players alone is overwhelming. So much so that it's impossible to sweep all the allegations under-the-rug. Initially, SOE was quick to react as both Alan "Brenlo" Crosby, Director of Global Community Relations and Bruce "Froech" Ferguson, EQ2's new Senior Producer admitted to SOE's involvement. Well, rather that someone at SOE made the call to override the policy, but in a good natured manner to reward certain players for their hard work on the Test server. Not a smart choice of words or tone given EQ2 players warranted concerns. In any case, Ferguson claims the transferred characters will be removed. Since their initial statements and response there has been no further word from a SOE representative on this matter.

Continue reading SOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries

MassivelySOE caught red-handed: EQ2 Player / Dev relationship breached ethical boundaries originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brenlocharacter-transfereq2eq2flameseqiiethical-conducteulaeverquest-2exploitsfroechgrimwelllive-serverplayer-developer-relationshipscandalsoesony-online-entertainmenttest-serverunhallowed-triadunholy-trinityunrestSun, 16 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST