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[SWTOR launches in the Asia Pacific region]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/swtor-launches-in-the-asia-pacific-region/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/swtor-launches-in-the-asia-pacific-region/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/swtor-launches-in-the-asia-pacific-region/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kanga-Jedi
Jury-rigged methods to create an Oceanic server are needed no longer: Star Wars: The Old Republic has officially launched -- a day early! -- in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore. BioWare is offering both the standard and digital deluxe version (the latter through Origin) for sale to interested space jockeys. The prices for both the client and subscriptions are in step with what we've seen from the North American and European product.

Asia Pacific players who not only jump on board but either subscribe or use a 60-day game card by the end of April will also receive a Founder's Medal, which grants an in-game title.

BioWare is aware that many players in these countries have already begun to play on NA servers, and as such the studio is offering a "limited-time opportunity" to transfer for free to a local server in late April. Entire guild transfers, however, will not be possible. The SWTOR FAQ page has more information about the transfer process and payment methods available.

MassivelySWTOR launches in the Asia Pacific region originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asia-pacificasia-pacific-launchbiowarecharacter-transfersea-biowarefounders-medalfree-transferslaunchoceaniaoceanicoceanic-launchserver-transfersstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorWed, 29 Feb 2012 08:30:00 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[Star Trek Online opens character transfers to the test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/star-trek-online-opens-character-transfers-to-the-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/star-trek-online-opens-character-transfers-to-the-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/star-trek-online-opens-character-transfers-to-the-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You're going forward in time, not backward. But that's not the point.
When the testing process started for Star Trek Online's upcoming free-to-play version, players were limited to creating new characters rather than bringing over old favorites. The reasoning was simple: Because the game will be flinging the doors open to a flood of new players, that experience absolutely needs to be top-notch. But now that the testing has been ongoing for some time, the Tribble test server is open for players to bring a higher-ranked Federation or Klingon character across.

Naturally, there are some restrictions to the process, namely that players are limited in their overall number of characters transferred. Characters will also be updated to the newer game version, meaning several currency changes for Federation characters and a long list of changes for any Klingon characters. The newest entry in the Path to F2P blog series outlines the details, which should be pertinent to any players eager to see what their characters will play like when the business model shifts.

MassivelyStar Trek Online opens character transfers to the test server originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transferscrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotesttest-servertrek-onlinetribbleupdatesTue, 18 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Today we're on the verge of RIFT's third major update's going live. It's a doozy of a patch, too, with a little something for everyone: a raid for endgame players, guild banks for... well, guilds, character transfers for the antsy, and RIFT's second world event for one and all.

With Patch 1.3, Trion Worlds puts its money where its mouth is by continuing with its streak of sizable, regular updates. It's a critical patch for some, as it seeks to answer the growing call for more endgame content while an increasing number of players hit 50. Fans of RIFT will most likely welcome the spread of the patch, but detractors will undoubtedly criticize why X was done instead of Y (and don't even get into Z; that letter is nothing but trouble). And above the noise, Trion sails on with apparent confidence and dedication.

Even though we got to speak with Trion at E3, I got the opportunity for another pre-1.3 interview with Design Producer Hal Hanlin (which, by the way, is a superhero fake identity if I ever heard one). In this no-holds-barred discussion, we covered the selling points of 1.3, the accusation that RIFT is "dying," and the philosophy behind Trion's rapid stream of content.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-man-raid20-person-raidbalancebind-to-accountcharacter-transferscollectionscontentdesign-teamdesignerse3e3-2011enter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedguild-bankhal-hanlinhammerknelllfg-systemMurdantixMurdantix-mountpatch-1.3patch-1.4pvppvp-daily-questsraidred-sliversriftrift-planes-of-telarariver-of-soulsscott-hartsmantriontrion-worldswaves-of-madnessworld-eventWed, 22 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Hands on with RIFT's 1.3 update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-hands-on-with-rifts-1-3-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-hands-on-with-rifts-1-3-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-hands-on-with-rifts-1-3-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With patch 1.2 fading in the rearview mirror, RIFT players have turned their attention to the incoming patch 1.3 due on June 22nd. Titled Waves of Madness, the update will kick off a new world event and add an additional tier of endgame content in the form of an additional raid.

We got the opportunity to dive into 1.3 early at E3, all while a petite seven-foot-tall dev perched on our shoulder and gave us running commentary. Patch 1.3's crown jewel is a 20-person raid in the ancient fortress of Hammerknell, which was built by folks who thought it'd be a smashing idea to cram evil spirits into runes and then use that as the foundation. Sounds to us a lot like building a summer camp on top of a desecrated native burial ground, but we're sure these architects had good intentions.

Surprise, surprise, the spirits started to ooze out into Hammerknell and tore up the place. To make matters worse, Hammerknell is the prison of a water dragon -- and the water plane started to come to its rescue. So the Dwarves decided to treat it like an illegal toxic dump by sealing up the fortress, whistling innocently, and conveniently forgetting it until another raid area was needed.

But it's not as simple as just unlocking the front door and marching in to claim some loot! Hit the jump as we walk you through the process of down-and-dirty archaeology!

Continue reading E3 2011: Hands on with RIFT's 1.3 update

MassivelyE3 2011: Hands on with RIFT's 1.3 update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.310-man-raid10-person-raid20-man-raid20-person-raidcharacter-transfersdeathdwarfdwarvese3e3-2011featuredguild-bankshammerknellJornarupatch-1.2patch-1.3previewpreviewsraidregulosriftrift-planes-of-telarascottytelaratriontrion-worldswaterworld-eventThu, 09 Jun 2011 17:30:00 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[Enter at Your Own Rift: A case for player housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-case-for-player-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-case-for-player-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-case-for-player-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Earlier this week we were treated to the news that Trion Worlds is going to offer free character transfers between "select servers" once Update 1.3 hits. Now, how useful this will be is anyone's guess -- as some have noted, this may just be a clever ploy to redistribute the population from high-pop servers to low-pop ones -- but generally it's been met with applause from the community. I remain impressed as a consumer with how fast and aggressive Trion is pumping out content, and the fact that this is a free transfer once per week is really cool considering how most other subscription MMOs charge for a similar "premium" service.

Whatever Trion's motive and however it'll play out, I do know this: The company needs to continue to bring the heat to the competition. It's vital that RIFT distinguishes itself from the rest of the pack in some way, whether it be polish, originality, speed, customer service, or innovation.

Today I'd like to make a case for what I think should be high up on Trion's development schedule: player housing. We know it's something the devs have discussed, with some very much for and some very much against, but I'm hoping it's gone past the brainstorming phase. Why should we care about what might seem like fluff? How could housing work in RIFT? Tune in after the jump, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel to find out!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: A case for player housing

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: A case for player housing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artifactartifactsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcharacter-transferscity-of-heroescohcollectionsdynamic-contentendless-courtenter-at-your-own-rifteq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedguild-housinghousinginvasionsjeflord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominecraftmythicpatch-1.3phplayer-housingriftrift-planes-of-telarariftssandboxsupergroupthe-simstriontrion-worldsvanity-petswarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 25 May 2011 14:00:00 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[RIFT podcast celebrates the end with Scott Hartsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-podcast-celebrates-the-end-with-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-podcast-celebrates-the-end-with-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/rift-podcast-celebrates-the-end-with-scott-hartsman/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's a sad day for The RIFT podcast, as its latest episode, 42, will also be its last. It's not due to a lack of interest in the game, however, but rather to real-life health concerns. One of the hosts, Arithion, is extremely ill and apparently can't look at moving pictures on a screen for more than 10 minutes, making gaming impossible.

So the podcast creators decided to end the show on a high note, inviting Scott Hartsman and Cindy "Abigale" Bowens to join them for a candid interview about RIFT's future. Hartsman indicated that news about guild banks and character transfers is coming very soon, saying, "We have a slick little answer" for the latter. He also revealed that RIFT's Weather Cast summer ad campaign actually used real weatherpeople, and the fact that the company is continuing with television ads is a good indicator of how well the game is going.

The LFG tool has had a huge impact on the game, as Hartsman's seen "multiples" of increments of players diving into dungeons since it went into place. The team is hard at work tweaking the system to make it work perfectly.

While The RIFT Podcast is riding into the sunset, there's always hope. "Forty-two doesn't have to be the end," host Desikis said. "Who knows, there might be a comeback!"

MassivelyRIFT podcast celebrates the end with Scott Hartsman originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abigalecharacter-transferscindy-bowensdungeonsguild-bankshealth-concernsinterviewlfglfg-systemlfg-toolpodcastriftrift-podcastscott-hartsmanthe-rift-podcasttriontrion-worldsweather-castMon, 23 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[An exclusive look at RIFT's Update 1.2 and beyond with Scott Hartsman [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/an-exclusive-look-at-rifts-update-1-2-and-beyond-with-scott-har/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/an-exclusive-look-at-rifts-update-1-2-and-beyond-with-scott-har/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/an-exclusive-look-at-rifts-update-1-2-and-beyond-with-scott-har/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With almost two months on the post-launch clock at Trion Worlds, RIFT appears to be holding its own in the wild and woolly field of MMORPGs. With a major update and the first world event under its belt, RIFT is sailing into the future with the wind at its back and a hull full of subscribers below.

We got Trion's Scott Hartsman on the phone to discuss RIFT's second big patch, Update 1.2, as well as to see how the game's progressed thus far and where the team is trying to take it into the future. And of course we couldn't let this opportunity pass by without a candid dissection of the uneven world event and how Trion plans to learn from its mistakes.

So hit the jump and witness Scott Hartsman giving us a Care Bear Stare full of info and exclusive tidbits about the inner workings of RIFT!

Continue reading An exclusive look at RIFT's Update 1.2 and beyond with Scott Hartsman [Updated]

MassivelyAn exclusive look at RIFT's Update 1.2 and beyond with Scott Hartsman [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-man-raidappearancebuildscharacter-transferscosmeticcosmetic-outfitsdynamic-eventfacebookfeaturedgilded-prophecyguild-bankslooking-for-groupoutfitsraidrecruit-a-friendriftrift-planes-of-telarariver-of-soulsrolesscott-hartsmansliversthis-is-an-easter-egg-tagtriontrion-worldstwitterwardrobeworld-eventworld-pvpFri, 22 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies to allow free server transfers to a galaxy not so far away]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/star-wars-galaxies-to-allow-free-server-transfers-to-a-galaxy-no/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/star-wars-galaxies-to-allow-free-server-transfers-to-a-galaxy-no/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/star-wars-galaxies-to-allow-free-server-transfers-to-a-galaxy-no/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Servers can feel awfully restrictive when you're on Server A and your friends are all on Server B. The team behind Star Wars Galaxies is no doubt aware of this, but if you've long been locked away from playing with potential friends or just stuck in a server you'd like to leave, there's good news. Free character transfers between servers are being launched on April 26th, allowing players the freedom to move characters with impunity.

Eligible characters must be at least 90 days old and on a game account currently in good standing. In addition, the character to be transferred must be on one of the original 10 ground planets (Corellia, Dantooine, Tatooine, Endor, Dathomir, Lok, Naboo, Rori, Talus, or Yavin 4). Assuming those conditions are met, any player will be able to execute a free character transfer upon logging into Star Wars Galaxies. For more details on the free service, check the official announcement. (And no, Starsider is not an eligible destination.)

MassivelyStar Wars Galaxies to allow free server transfers to a galaxy not so far away originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-transferscharactersfree-character-transfersfree-servicefree-transfersnewsserver-transfersserverssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmoswgtransfer-serviceWed, 20 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion producer letter talks account security, transfers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/aion-producer-letter-talks-account-security-transfers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/aion-producer-letter-talks-account-security-transfers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/aion-producer-letter-talks-account-security-transfers/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Aion's been getting a decent amount of press this fall, first for September's Assault on Balaurea expansion and lately due to the uproar surrounding the 2.1 patch. Among other things, 2.1 substantially increased the game's loot drop rates, leading to huzzahs on one side of the aisle and raised eyebrows on the other.

Not to be outdone, NCsoft producer Chris Hager recently posted an open letter on the official Aion website, summarizing both the aforementioned changes and hinting at a few things to come for the world of Atreia. Hager gives a heads up regarding the final day for the free character transfers that have been ongoing since the summer. January 5th is last call, so make sure you've got your Elyos or Asmo where you want him.

Hager also mentions the fact that NCsoft is taking steps to increase account security, an issue that has plagued Aion since its launch in 2009. "We are stepping up our efforts and introducing a new secondary PIN system to Aion that will provide an additional layer of security to our players. This service will go live on December 1, 2010, and we will post a full FAQ in the coming days explaining exactly how it will work," he writes.

MassivelyAion producer letter talks account security, transfers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.1account-securityaionaion-the-tower-of-eternityaion-tower-of-eternityassault-on-balaureacharacter-transferschris-hagerncsoftncsoft-westopen-letterproducer-letterTue, 23 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion 1.9 patch dated, server merges announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/aion-1-9-patch-dated-server-merges-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/aion-1-9-patch-dated-server-merges-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/aion-1-9-patch-dated-server-merges-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Aion producer Chris 'Kinslon' Hager has dropped a bomb of a community letter on the game's players, packing it full of information including the North American release dates for the highly anticipated 1.9 patch. The letter also mentions an upcoming character transfer service (free for a limited time), as well as server merges.

"I don't relish the idea of mergers," Hager says. "However, once it is complete you should notice improvements in each of the new server economies, an abundance of players to group and run instances with, a number of great Legions to join or people to form new ones with, and a more tightly knit community.When all is said and done, Aion will be a better game because of the server merge. We're in the planning stages, and will have more information on the timing and execution in the coming weeks."

As for 1.9, players can expect to see it on the test server on May 25th, with a June 2nd release date on the live servers. Finally, Hager mentions that work has already started on the huge task of bringing the 2.0 content update from Korea to North America, and hints at a Fall 2010 timetable. Check out the full letter over at the official Aion website.

MassivelyAion 1.9 patch dated, server merges announced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 May 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.92.0aionbreakingcharacter-transferscommunity-letterncsoftserver-mergeserver-mergesTue, 18 May 2010 21:30:00 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[EVE Evolved: The secret of EVE Online's success]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/08/eve-evolved-the-secret-of-eve-onlines-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/08/eve-evolved-the-secret-of-eve-onlines-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/08/eve-evolved-the-secret-of-eve-onlines-success/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


When it launched in 2003, space-borne MMO EVE Online wasn't an overnight success. It launched to far less fanfare than newer titles are accustomed to and claimed only 50,000 subscriptions by late 2004. EVE was aimed at a relatively untested sci-fi niche within the MMO market and the number of players in that niche who would be interested was impossible to accurately estimate. To make matters worse, World of Warcraft was released in late 2004 and a large portion of the MMO market latched on to it, spelling disaster for its competitor's subscription numbers. Despite all of these initial problems, EVE Online has been a massive success with consistent subscriber growth. So what has been the secret to their success?

With just a few days to go until the Apocrypha expansion and box copies of EVE being released in stores, I take a look back at the choices CCP made and suggest what other developers could learn from EVE's success story.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The secret of EVE Online's success

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The secret of EVE Online's success originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphabusinessbusiness-modelsccpccp-gamescharacter-transferseveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesserversubscribersSun, 08 Mar 2009 18:00:00 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