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[Blizzard talks Mists of Pandaria talent tree tweaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/blizzard-talks-mists-of-pandaria-talent-tree-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/blizzard-talks-mists-of-pandaria-talent-tree-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/blizzard-talks-mists-of-pandaria-talent-tree-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Angry panda says don't mess with my talent trees
Blizzard lead systems designer Greg "Ghostcrawler" Street has penned a small novella on the official World of Warcraft website. The subject of the text dump is talent trees, and more specifically, how they'll be affected by the game's upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Street addresses 10 of the most common concerns that players have voiced regarding the changes, and some of his answers are more interesting than you might think.

As an example, many WoW players have said that the talent revamp will result in fewer choices across the board. Street admits that this sentiment is "ultimately correct," though he does qualify that with an assertion that players will have more choices that matter. Head to Battle.net to read the rest of his explanations.

MassivelyBlizzard talks Mists of Pandaria talent tree tweaks originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentchangechoiceexpansionsfantasyghostcrawlergreg-streetmists-of-pandarianerfsplayer-choicetalent-treesworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiesta Online whips up a creamy browser version]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/fiesta-online-whips-up-a-creamy-browser-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/fiesta-online-whips-up-a-creamy-browser-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/fiesta-online-whips-up-a-creamy-browser-version/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiesta Online
With a current playerbase of over five million users, you'd think that Outspark would be plenty happy with Fiesta Online as it is. However, the publisher has decided that there are more steps it could be taking to widen the accessibility for this free-to-play title, and as such, the devs are preparing a new version of Fiesta Online that you can play in your browser.

Coming this winter, the Fiesta Online browser edition will access the full game that current players experience. Players will be able to log onto either the browser or standard client and interact in the same game.

Outspark says that this is only the first part of greater changes coming to the game. Outspark CEO Philip Yun says this is all about giving its customers more choice: "With such a large fan following we hear plenty of opinions on what players want. In preparation for more content coming in the future, we wanted to provide old and new players more ways to enjoy and play their favorite MMO."

[Source: Outspark press release]

MassivelyFiesta Online whips up a creamy browser version originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beating-up-drunk-turtles-for-xpbrowserbrowser-editionbrowser-versionchoiceclientexpansionf2pfiesta-onlinefree-to-playoutsparkPhilip-YunWed, 30 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot quest revamp in the works]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/dark-age-of-camelot-quest-revamp-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/dark-age-of-camelot-quest-revamp-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/dark-age-of-camelot-quest-revamp-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dark Age of Camelot - quest NPCs finger-pointing
Big changes are in the offing for Dark Age of Camelot fans. The latest Mythic dev diary sets the stage for a "return home to the Albion, Midgard and Hibernia of old." While the diary is long on pseudo in-character prose, it's short on specific details. What we've gathered, though, is that extensive revamps are in the works for many of the game's quests and more than a few of its classic adventuring locales.

Mythic's Kai Schober says that new and returning players "may be hard-pressed to find their way at the outset of their journey," and as such the devs have set about revisiting many of the game's famous towns and villages with an eye towards modernizing the progression path.

New types of quests are also in store, and the diary describes them as full of "moral deliberation" that will make for "diverse gameplay experiences as well as provide unique item rewards." Read more at the official DAoC website.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot quest revamp in the works originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albionchoicedaocdark-age-of-camelotdev-blogdev-diaryfantasykai-schobermidgardmythicMythic-Entertainmentquest-revampquestsrevamptalal-saadThu, 06 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Subs and cash shops - Two great tastes that taste awful together]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-soapbox-subs-and-cash-shops-two-great-tastes-that-taste-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-soapbox-subs-and-cash-shops-two-great-tastes-that-taste-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-soapbox-subs-and-cash-shops-two-great-tastes-that-taste-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lion dislikes sub + cash shop
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.

Hoo boy, The Secret World. On the one hand, I was really looking forward to it. On the other hand, it's now joined the likes of EVE Online, pretty much every Sony Online Entertainment title ever made, Star Trek Online, Champions Online, and Funcom's own Age of Conan in my personal double-dipping doghouse.

Yeah, The Secret World is going to have a subscription model (hooray) and a cash shop (boo, hiss, and zomgwtf). This should surprise no one, really, since game industry devs have been going all Gordon Gekko on us for a while now, but it was nonetheless a disappointing reveal on several levels.

Equally disappointing are the folks who defend the subscription-plus-cash-shop model and erroneously refer to it as an example of consumer-friendly choice.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Subs and cash shops - Two great tastes that taste awful together

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Subs and cash shops - Two great tastes that taste awful together originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscash-shopchampions-onlinechoiceconsumer-choicecostcryptic-studiosdouble-dippingeconomicseveeve-onlineevilf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgordon-gekkogreedgreed-is-goodjeff-strainmarketingmmo-industrymoneyopinionplayer-choicesecret-worldsoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-trek-onlinesub-plus-cash-shopsubscriptionsubscription-basedsubscription-modelsubscription-plus-cash-shopthe-secret-worldthe-soapboxtswused-car-salesmenTue, 30 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Secret World trailer focuses on factions, PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/new-secret-world-trailer-focuses-on-factions-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/new-secret-world-trailer-focuses-on-factions-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/new-secret-world-trailer-focuses-on-factions-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World - templars
The hype machine for The Secret World is swinging into high gear following the recent announcement of the conspiracy-laden MMORPG's spring 2012 launch date. The latest reveal is a brand-new trailer that focuses on the game's PvP elements.

The first third of the two-minute clip is a bit of a recap for those of you who haven't kept up with the game to this point. There's a hidden world, take the red pill, dark days are coming, etc. The final two thirds of the clip features some new looks at PvP footage as well as more glimpses of the game's gorgeous visual palette. We also get a brief rundown on the three warring factions, and the Dragons, Templars, and Illuminati all come across as worthy adversaries in terms of both style and substance. Check out all the details and make your choice after the cut.

Continue reading New Secret World trailer focuses on factions, PvP

MassivelyNew Secret World trailer focuses on factions, PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceclasslessdragondragonseaelectronic-artsfaction-choicefactional-pvpfactionsfantasyfuncomhorrorilluminatilorepvpsecret-worldskill-basedtemplarsthe-secret-worldtrailervideoThu, 25 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Europe 2011: Freelance designer identifies key problem with MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gdc-europe-freelance-designer-identifies-key-problem-with-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gdc-europe-freelance-designer-identifies-key-problem-with-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gdc-europe-freelance-designer-identifies-key-problem-with-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sometimes we don't stop and think about just how strange our games are from a logical standpoint, but freelance designer Ernest Adams has, and he's not that pleased. Speaking to a crowd at GDC Europe, Adams said that the biggest problem in MMOs is that there's a disconnect between what the game tells us it's doing and what is actually happening. Mobs can never truly be "killed" since they respawn; NPCs don't perform any promised actions after you complete their tasks; and quests can be abandoned without any consequences.

Adams feels that player actions should be able to change the world in a real, significant way and be permanent (including the possibility of, yes, permadeath). Player choice should trump developer intentions, he says, quests should be unique to each player, and the game should ultimately have an ending.

Using the concept of a fictitious MMO called The Blitz Online, Adams hypothesizes how this might be accomplished. The game would take place during the attacks on London during World War II, and players would have to take action to shore up the city's infrastructure and defenses lest the situation grow worse. If enough players pitched in using their various skills, morale in the area would increase and the Nazis would eventually give up the attacks, causing the "win" condition for all.

By focusing on player choice and a dynamic game world, Adams hopes that the experience would become much more real and personal for players. However, he admits that such a project might be a long shot: "I realize this game breaks almost all the rules."

MassivelyGDC Europe 2011: Freelance designer identifies key problem with MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceconsequenceernest-adamsgame-developer-conferencegames-developers-conferencegdcgdc-europelondon-blitznazispermadeathplayer-choicethe-blitz-onlineworld-war-2world-war-iiwwiiTue, 16 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Illusion of choice]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/hyperspace-beacon-illusion-of-choice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/hyperspace-beacon-illusion-of-choice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/hyperspace-beacon-illusion-of-choice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Before I begin this little rant about Star Wars: The Old Republic, there are a couple things I want to make clear: This edition of the Hyperspace Beacon will have a lot of spoilers, and I really like SWTOR as a whole.

First off, the spoilers mentioned here will be about the DragonAge and Mass Effect series of games. If you have not played through either one of those games and do not want to know how some of that story turns out, then you may not want to read this article. Secondly, SWTOR is a wonderful game. I have played it on a couple of occasions, and I believe it exhibits some of the qualities that have been missing from many of the current MMOs -- specifically, story. By no means do I want to discourage anyone from playing or pre-ordering this game, so if you're on the fence about this game, you may not want to read on because this article is not for you.

Surely, fans of BioWare have played games like Mass Effect and DragonAge, and I hope you have played Knights of the Old Republic. These games really define what BioWare is and the types of games it can make. However, given some of the most recent announcements, I have to wonder if some of the staples that made these BioWare games great are going to be missing in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Have BioWare games gone from having choice to just the illusion of choice?

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Illusion of choice

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Illusion of choice originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarechoicedaniel-ericksonDragon-AgeDragon-Age-2EAElectronic-ArtsfeaturedGame-Mechanicshyperspace-beaconIllusion-of-choicejames-ohlenKnights-of-the-Old-RepublicLucasArtsMass-EffectMass-Effect-2opinionStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 02 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Content needs to meet the versatility of gear-upgrading]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/lost-pages-of-taborea-content-needs-to-meet-the-versatility-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/lost-pages-of-taborea-content-needs-to-meet-the-versatility-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/lost-pages-of-taborea-content-needs-to-meet-the-versatility-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last week I compared looting and class-bending in Runes of Magic with similar features found in RIFT. RoM's system of gear customization was a part of that article. This week, I want to talk business. Don't worry, I'm not a business major about to sling pie charts at you or talk about quarterly earnings. I want to talk a bit about business, specifically about how it might relate to decisions developers make concerning what kind of balance to put into an MMO.

RoM's gear system is extremely flexible on the outside, but inside there are some restrictions. Some of these restrictions are imposed by the game, but some are imposed by players. In this week's Lost Pages of Taborea, let's take a look at how the flexibility and choice of RoM's gear system -- and other systems -- are in opposition to the game's content and some desires players have.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Content needs to meet the versatility of gear-upgrading

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Content needs to meet the versatility of gear-upgrading originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancedbalancingbalancing-classesbalancing-contentchoiceclass-combinationsclass-combosdiversitydynamic-contentequalequalityfairfairnessfeaturedfreedomfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivejeremy-strattonlost-pages-of-taboreaoptionsriftromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentstereotypesversatilityMon, 27 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How many chances does a game get to hook you?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-daily-grind-how-many-chances-does-a-game-get-to-hook-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-daily-grind-how-many-chances-does-a-game-get-to-hook-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-daily-grind-how-many-chances-does-a-game-get-to-hook-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the glut of new (and undying) MMORPGs crowding the current market, sampling a large number of them can be extremely challenging. There simply isn't enough time to take it all in, and while choice isn't a bad thing per se, it can be overwhelming.

Endless choices can also make it tough to revisit games. In years past, I've often returned to the site of earlier MMO disappointments and been pleasantly surprised by the gameplay experiences to be had after a bit of post-launch seasoning. These days, if an MMO doesn't hook me at launch (or before), that's usually all she wrote unless I've got a pre-existing attachment to the IP.

What about you, Massively folk? For this morning's Daily Grind, tell us about your forgiving streak when it comes to MMORPGs. Do you check in on games that didn't meet your expectations in the past? How many chances does a game get to hook you?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How many chances does a game get to hook you? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choicedaily-grindgame-discussiongamer-discussionmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionsecond-chancestdgthe-daily-grindThu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: And so it began... again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/choose-my-adventure-and-so-it-began-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/choose-my-adventure-and-so-it-began-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/choose-my-adventure-and-so-it-began-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Well, this week has certainly been interesting. And by interesting, I mean not really usual. Then again, if any of you know me very well, that really should not come as much of a surprise; normal and MJ usually do not coexist in the same stratosphere. I am also not one to shy away from the untrodden path, and I tend to take off on my own tangents. Who needs easy when you can have interesting? Perhaps this quality alone made me a decent match for tackling the world of Xsyon for this round of Choose My Adventure. That, and a measure of patience.

In my first true week of playing Xsyon, I really didn't get to "play" much of anything. Not in any sense of the word that most MMO gamers would be familiar with. That isn't to say that I didn't have any fun; on the contrary, I really enjoyed the time I did get in, and I look forward to really digging my toes into that rich Tahoe soil. Well, my shovel, really.

So what were the unusual circumstances surrounding my first adventures? Hike past the cut for a deeper look at the week and some helpful tips for anyone planning to jump into game come launch.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: And so it began... again

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: And so it began... again originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choicechoiceschoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriechoose-my-adventure-xsyoncmafeaturednotoriousnotorious-gamespollpollspvpSandboxsandbox-experiencesandbox-mmoserver-downtimeskillssurvival-tipsterraformingtotemstribesxsyonxsyon-earth-2012xsyon-preludeWed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex offering fans a chance to shape the future of RuneScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/jagex-offering-fans-a-chance-to-shape-the-future-of-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/jagex-offering-fans-a-chance-to-shape-the-future-of-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/jagex-offering-fans-a-chance-to-shape-the-future-of-runescape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Outspoken fans of RuneScape (and more specifically, the game's former Wilderness implementation) are being given a unique opportunity to shape the future of the title. Jagex has just announced a public vote to determine whether the old mechanics will be restored.

"We have released a host of new content which provides a comparable PvP experience to the old Wilderness, and mechanics to allow increased trade limits with long term friends but we are still regularly told by players that they want more. We want to find out whether the passionate voices we hear on this topic are truly representative of entire community or just a vocal minority. If the vast majority of our players support the campaign then we will restore these features to the game as quickly as possible," says Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard in a press released dated yesterday.

So, whether you want to score one for virtual worlds with consequences or you'd prefer your online games (or at least RuneScape) be safe havens and relatively free of risk, Jagex is offering you the chance to shape an MMO that is quite rare, if not unprecedented.

MassivelyJagex offering fans a chance to shape the future of RuneScape originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceconsequencesf2pfree-to-playfree-tradejagexjagex-game-studiosjagex-games-studiojagex-ltdmark-gerhardpvprunescapetradewildernessWed, 22 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Life in the Force]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/hyperspace-beacon-life-in-the-force/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/hyperspace-beacon-life-in-the-force/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/hyperspace-beacon-life-in-the-force/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Trust your instincts," was the sage advice Qui-Gon Jinn gave to Anakin Skywalker just before the Boonta Eve podrace. On the surface, this appears to be a common statement heard from Jedi. After all, Obi-Wan did say something similar when training Luke Skywalker: "I suggest you try it again, Luke. This time, let go your conscious self and act on instinct." However, not all Jedi believed the same thing. Obi-Wan's statement in Revenge of the Sith seems to suggest that Sith are single-minded, in contrast to a Jedi's open-mind: "Only the Sith deal in absolutes."

We roleplayers do not have all the answers to canon and character development, but there are many of us who study our character philosophy deeply. Despite this, our Jedi characters tend to come across as stiff and one-dimensional. By contrast, Sith characters seem to have personality and variety. Of course, there will always be the Sith who are all broody and who stand in the corner of a cantina being "evil." However, if a Jedi developed a personality other than that of a sage monk, he was automatically labeled a "gray Jedi" -- or even "dark Jedi" if his personality was extremely vivid.

I would like to question this philosophy. Is there more than one way of thinking among the Jedi, like Obi-Wan suggested? Are the Sith absolute? And most importantly, are the Jedi in Star Wars: The Old Republic going to be as one-dimensional as the Council members of Episode I? Follow me after the break to read my thoughts, then please, comment to discuss this further.

Spoiler Alert: I am going to talk about some specifics from the Decieved novel, but I will not give away the ending.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Life in the Force

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Life in the Force originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aryn-Leneerbiowarecharacter-developmentchoicedaniel-ericksondarth-malgusdeceivedeaElectronic-Artsgray-jediGrey-JediLucasArtsnovelpaul-kempPaul-S-KempStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 21 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's the most difficult choice you've had to make in MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-difficult-choice-youve-had-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-difficult-choice-youve-had-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-difficult-choice-youve-had-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

How many choices do we make every day? It's almost impossible to count, when you think about it. Even the smallest choice may have the largest consequence, like the day that I took oatmeal out of the microwave without protecting my hands and ended up giving myself second-degree burns. That is not a manly wound, let me tell you ("Oooh, how'd you burn yourself?" "...Quaker Oatmeal. Shut up.").

In MMOs, we're faced with a constant deluge of choices, most of which are small and probably negligible. Do I go left or right? Do I make a beeline for that mining node or attack the mob instead? Do I help a guildie tonight or strike out on my own? Do I correct the atrocious grammar in general chat or develop a facial tic instead?

Of course, sometimes there are choices that have more meaningful consequences, and today we'd like to hear about them. What's the most difficult choice you've had to make in an MMO, and what was the outcome?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's the most difficult choice you've had to make in MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choicechoicesconsequencesculturegrammaroatmealopinionquaker-oatmealtdgthe-daily-grindSat, 11 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's 2010 Player's Choice Awards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/massivelys-2010-players-choice-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/massivelys-2010-players-choice-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/massivelys-2010-players-choice-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As we approach the end of 2010 (yes, already), we look back at not only an interesting year for MMOs, but also an amazing decade for such a young genre. We've had our highs and lows since last year's awards, including the now-hilarious choice of APB as Most Anticipated for 2010 by the Massively staff.

This year we have a new survey format, new categories and new nominees. We also have a new title, changing it from Reader's Choice to Player's Choice, to reflect the fact that you don't necessarily need to be a Massively reader to vote. This is our biggest award poll yet, so we want to make it count. If you want to see your favorite game win, shout it from the mountain tops -- or just post a link in your favorite game's forums.

Read on for more details on the surveys and links to the surveys themselves.

Continue reading Massively's 2010 Player's Choice Awards

MassivelyMassively's 2010 Player's Choice Awards originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-players-choice-awardsawardschoiceend-of-decadeend-of-yearmassively-metaMon, 06 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why I play free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/free-for-all-why-i-play-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/free-for-all-why-i-play-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/free-for-all-why-i-play-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I hid in waiting under a soggy sheet of cardboard for the past three days with stale Cheetos as my only nourishment. I had but a single target, who finally exited his house with bleached skin, a red fuzzy head and blurry eyes. As he stood at his front door trying to shoo away the sun like a vampire, I made my move. At last, I thought, Beau's spirit hood will be mine.

By the time I was well into a Keanu Reeves-style flying scissor-kick, I realized an important tactical error. It wasn't the horror-filled eyes of a man who had spent too much time indoors staring at a computer screen that I was looking into, but the fierce come-get-some eyes of a teenager with spiky, dyed hair who was practicing his karate moves.

Had I thought beyond simply looking cool as I made my attack, I would have realized I spent every ounce of energy I had to pull off the insane leap-kick that actually looked more like what you'd expect: a tired, wet, dirty, malnourished geek hop-skipping and shouting gibberish through a yard with a piece of cardboard stuck to his back. The three-day diet of stale Cheetos did not give me enough fuel to defend myself from the brutal pummeling that the pint-sized Bruce Lee gave me.

It turns out Beau lived in the house next door. He had seen my wild display and subsequent beating, so he came out to help me. He invited me into his house to let me clean myself up, extolled the dangers of trying to live out movie fantasies, and offered to let me write his column for a week. It wasn't a spirit hood, but it was a very nice gesture. The dog-shaped cookies were a nice gift too, although I don't know why he snickered every time I ate one.

No. The above tale really didn't happen, but Beau is letting me write his column today so I can tell you why I love to play free-to-play MMOs.

Continue reading Free for All: Why I play free-to-play

MassivelyFree for All: Why I play free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archlordcash-shopchoicecreating-storyf2pfeaturedfiesta-onlineflorensiafreefree-for-allfree-to-playjeremy-strattonmicro-transactionsoptionsromrunes-of-magicshaiyazu-onlineWed, 18 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: F2P bombs and views from the fallout shelter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-tattered-notebook-f2p-bombs-and-views-from-the-fallout-shel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-tattered-notebook-f2p-bombs-and-views-from-the-fallout-shel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-tattered-notebook-f2p-bombs-and-views-from-the-fallout-shel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Well, this week takes the proverbial cake when it comes to the least amount of time spent head-scratching over a column topic. Thanks to Dave Georgeson and the executives at Sony Online Entertainment, I pretty much had this little opus sketched out by dinner-time last Tuesday.

Anywho... a week ago tomorrow the bomb dropped. It wasn't a stink bomb, a 50-yard bomb, or even an F-bomb (though there were no doubt plenty of those uttered in some circles), but rather a Hiroshima/Nagasaki type of bomb that changed the world and effectively ended the war between P2P and F2P, at least as far as Norrath is concerned.

Or did it?

Turn the page to find out.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: F2P bombs and views from the fallout shelter

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: F2P bombs and views from the fallout shelter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choicedave-georgesondiversityEQ2eq2xEQIIEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iiextendedf2pf2p-do-not-wantfeaturedopinionp2ppay-to-playsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-tattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebook-jef-reahardMon, 02 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Two sides to the story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/a-mild-mannered-reporter-two-sides-to-the-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/a-mild-mannered-reporter-two-sides-to-the-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/a-mild-mannered-reporter-two-sides-to-the-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I'm pretty excited for Going Rogue. Part of that is kind of inevitable -- I write a column about City of Heroes, I've tried to make a clear point that I'm a fan of comics in general, and quite honestly right now I'm in a bit of a video game drought and could use something new. But there's more to it than that, and it goes right back to my love of BioWare and the motivation to do speed runs of Silent Hill 2 just to see all of the various endings available.

What I'm getting at here is that I'm a big fan of any game that offers me morality or lets the game shift depending on my choices. So when Going Rogue had its two factions explained, I sat up and took notice, because the morals at play are certainly not black and white. No, they're grey and gray -- if not closer to blue and orange -- and that led to the inspiration for what I believe to be two of my most popular columns. And wouldn't you know it, even with both columns written, there's still more to be said.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Two sides to the story

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Two sides to the story originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblack-and-whitechoicechoicescity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovcoxemperor-colefeaturedgoing-roguegood-versus-evilgovernmentgrloyalistmild-mannered-reportermoralityparagonparagon-studiosphilosophypraetoriansresistanceshades-of-greyWed, 28 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose my Adventure: Into Morheim]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/choose-my-adventure-into-morheim/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/choose-my-adventure-into-morheim/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/choose-my-adventure-into-morheim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Join me as I brave my way through lands unknown in an adventure dictated entirely by you, the Massively readers! Vote for everything from game played to character creation to ultimate goal and watch it unfold in a series of journals and galleries here on the site. Then, as our two months are up, we'll do it all over again in a new game!

I don't think it's any secret that when I started this series in Aion, I wasn't having the best time. I was a bit irritated at the grind and seeing the same exact monsters every few levels. The linear nature of the quests pushing me forward on rails didn't help, either. But as you may be able to tell, I seem to be enjoying myself more and more each week. This week is no exception. In fact, I would say my interest in the game has doubled since last CmA.

Why? Well, several things. Keep reading after the jump to find out why I'm thinking of keeping my sub going even as I approach the end of my time with Aion in the Choose my Adventure series.

Continue reading Choose my Adventure: Into Morheim

MassivelyChoose my Adventure: Into Morheim originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionchoicechoose-my-adventurefeaturedhands-onncsoftopinionWed, 09 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose my Adventure: C'mon 1.9!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/choose-my-adventure-cmon-1-9/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/choose-my-adventure-cmon-1-9/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/choose-my-adventure-cmon-1-9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Join me as I brave my way through lands unknown in an adventure dictated entirely by you, the Massively readers! Vote for everything from game played to character creation to ultimate goal and watch it unfold in a series of journals and galleries here on the site. Then, as our two months are up, we'll do it all over again in a new game!

This week's time in Aion was not as long as I'd hoped, but it was also some of the most social I've had in the game to date. While I found myself grinding much more than ever, I actually enjoyed it. Plus, I'm finally in a legion!

So while we sit twiddling our thumbs, awaiting 1.9's arrival today, it's good to know we have a tale of bravery, heroism and camaraderie to keep us entertained and distracted. Or at least this article. Follow along after the jump to read more on this week's adventures!

Continue reading Choose my Adventure: C'mon 1.9!

MassivelyChoose my Adventure: C'mon 1.9! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-1.9choicechoose-my-adventurefeaturedncsoftopinionsouth-of-heavenWed, 02 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How important are options?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/the-daily-grind-how-important-are-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/the-daily-grind-how-important-are-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/the-daily-grind-how-important-are-options/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Saying that a game is linear is almost a dirty word in the field of games, at least when it comes to RPGs and their close genre relatives. The advent of games that allow you to decide whether to trek through the Desert of Certain Doom or the Forest of Inevitable Demise has spoiled us a bit -- we expect to have a choice.

MMOs are hardly exempt, and in some ways even worse off, with players who want to choose which quests they do, which abilities they learn, and what their character likes in a pie. Of course, by the same token, it's better to have one path that's fleshed-out and interesting than a half-dozen with hardly any expansion to them, whether it's a path to the level cap or just a chain of learning abilities.

So the question is, how important is the power of choice? When leveling, would you prefer variety of zones without as much quality to each area, or a full dint of quality in far fewer different places? Do you want your characters to learn anything even if there's not much to learn, or do you prefer a single path that has been expertly balanced?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How important are options? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choicediversityoptionoptionspolishpolymathspecialtiestdgthe-daily-grindWed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Why do you play?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-play/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's been a while since we actually asked the most basic question one can possibly ask an MMO player: Why do you play MMOs?

It's a good question too, because we all have different reasons for why we play. Some of us love to explore the world, some of us love to talk and party with others, some of us want to accomplish the goals the game sets forth for us, and still others of us want to kill stuff -- lots and lots of stuff. These are traditionally known as the Bartle psychological gamer types, taken from gamer/developer/researcher Richard Bartle's paper on player culture.

So readers, please tell us why you play and feel free to discuss with your neighbors. It's interesting!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Why do you play? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceopinionplayersthe-daily-grindThu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Interview: Masthead Studios' CEO on Earthrise and freedom of choice]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/massively-interviews-masthead-studios-ceo-on-earthrise-and-freed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/massively-interviews-masthead-studios-ceo-on-earthrise-and-freed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/massively-interviews-masthead-studios-ceo-on-earthrise-and-freed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


There is a slow but steady shift in direction in the MMO industry from being dominated by fantasy titles to one where gamers have other options, namely in terms of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic games. The smaller game studios producing these titles have some big challenges ahead of them, not the least of which is whether or not MMO gamers will embrace settings and gameplay elements that depart from the fantasy MMO paradigm. One of those newcomers to the MMO scene is Masthead Studios who are developing the post-apocalyptic Earthrise.

This first title from Masthead Studios will present gamers with a futuristic, dystopian setting where two major factions struggle for control over the island of Enterra, the last refuge of humanity after the burn. Continoma are the technocratic elite; they hold the keys to genetic immortality and enforce their ordered societal views on the population they've resurrected. The game's other major faction, Noir, is a shadow government -- the resistance. Earthrise's setting and factional struggles aren't limited to simple right-and-wrong scenarios, though, and this carries over to the gameplay. Players or guilds may align with one faction or another for their own benefit, but the game's numerous sub-factions provide other options for allegiances, or even the possibility of shifting those allegiances.

We had the opportunity to see Earthrise firsthand at GDC 2009 but we've always got more questions. Fortunately, Masthead Studios was willing to oblige. We've had another chance to speak with Masthead Studios CEO Atanas Atanasov about some of the core concepts and lore behind Earthrise, and how their approach to the game and the genre should allow a great deal of freedom for players.

Gallery: Earthrise

Continue reading Massively Interview: Masthead Studios' CEO on Earthrise and freedom of choice

MassivelyMassively Interview: Masthead Studios' CEO on Earthrise and freedom of choice originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atanas-atanasovbackstorychoicecontinomadystopiaearthisefactionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguild-vs-guildguildsinterviewsloremassively-interviewsmasthead-studiosnoirpost-apocalypticsandboxsci-fisettingWed, 03 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How do you choose your MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-choose-your-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-choose-your-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-choose-your-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Being new on the Massively team, I've been getting to know the rest of the bloggers and learning about their MMO habits and they're certainly a varied bunch. I like to think I have a good knowledge of MMOs, even if I play World of Warcraft almost exclusively, but whilst chatting with the team, it became clear most of them are gripped either by WoW, Second Life or EVE Online. Personally I'm dying to play Aion.

I've dabbled in most MMOs and virtual worlds but I'd never played EVE Online. So, after ascertaining there was just one server and quietly thanking the MMO gods, I downloaded the file, created a sexy female Reborn and logged in. Boy did I get a shock! After hundreds of hours playing WoW, I was stuck in a ship and the cursor keys didn't appear to come into play either! Talk about out of my comfort zone. I confess, I gave it an hour and then went back to the sanctuary of Azeroth.

Anyway, I wanted to find out how you guys choose which of the numerous MMOs to play. I got into WoW because all my friends and colleagues were playing it and a friend sent me the box as a birthday present. Even then it took a good month for me to get hooked. Now MMOs are a dime a dozen and it seems physically impossible to play all of them, how do you pick which ones to play and which to let pass by?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How do you choose your MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choicechoiceschooseeve-onlinefantasymmommorpgmmossci-fisecond-lifethe-daily-grindworldofwarcraftwowMon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: User generated stories in shardless worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-user-generated-stories-in-shardless-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-user-generated-stories-in-shardless-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-user-generated-stories-in-shardless-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively checked out an interesting session at GDC 2009 titled "User Generated Story: The Promise of Unsharded Worlds" by James Portnow, CEO and Creative Director of Divide by Zero. His talk was part of the Worlds in Motion Summit, and focused on how single worlds and their shared space can also give rise to shared stories. Portnow discussed ways that game designers can encourage and enable players to tell their own stories within the virtual space.

***

The storylines we've seen thus far in MMOs aren't yet tapping the potential of massively multiplayer online games, Portnow relates, largely because they're not capitalizing on an MMOs greatest asset -- its players. Portnow says, "We haven't achieved stories that really rely upon the core of our media, the playerbase that a MMO environment environment gives us. We haven't achieved player-driven stories really directed by players themselves. And lastly we haven't achieved meaningful stories."

Why do people skip the quest text? It's because they have no stake in it. Unlike the experience they get from single player games, their actions don't affect the the world they play in. Story, then, doesn't add to immersion and thus players don't feel engaged by quests. The solution then is to unshard worlds and give agency back to the players, with real choices, real consequences, and less restrictions.

Gallery: GDC09: The Promise of Unsharded Worlds panel

Continue reading GDC09: User generated stories in shardless worlds

MassivelyGDC09: User generated stories in shardless worlds originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceculturedivide-by-zeroeve-onlinefactionsfreedomgame-designgame-mechanicsgdcgdc-2009incentivesjames-portnowmassive-choice-eventmassive-choice-eventsmmo-industryplayer-created-contentplayer-drivenplayer-politicspoliticsquestssandboxshardlessstorystorytellingunshardworld-designworld-shapingWed, 25 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Economic shifts, new business models bring more options for MMO gamers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/economic-shifts-new-business-models-bring-more-options-for-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/economic-shifts-new-business-models-bring-more-options-for-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/25/economic-shifts-new-business-models-bring-more-options-for-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tough economic times generally lead to shifts in perspective, and that's exactly the case with the MMO industry given much of the commentary we're seeing lately. In response to these changes in the economy, more companies -- and gamers -- are starting to rethink the alternative business models that have thrived in Asia, and which are increasingly making their way into the western MMO industry. And is that so surprising? Many gamers would like to be able to play more than one or two titles in a given month, but simply aren't able to due to the monthly subscription price (time concerns aside, of course).

Ravious from Kill Ten Rats observes that while MMOs typically demand more of players than standard PC games (at least in terms of time), the wide variety of gaming options that Steam users have come to appreciate could certainly be applicable to MMOs, if other business models beyond monthly subscriptions become viable in the West. Ravious writes, "Whether it is from a Steam-driven library of games, an aging MMO population, an economic recession, or plenty of different business models coming in to the MMO world, I believe that the subscription model of today is nearly done being 'the way'."

Continue reading Economic shifts, new business models bring more options for MMO gamers

MassivelyEconomic shifts, new business models bring more options for MMO gamers originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabusiness-modelschoicededicationf2pfree-to-playkill-ten-ratskilltenratsmicrotransactionsmmo-industryopinionravioussteamvarietySun, 25 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Building a better MMOusetrap: Morality schmorality, where's me sword?!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/building-a-better-mmousetrap-morality-schmorality-wheres-me-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/building-a-better-mmousetrap-morality-schmorality-wheres-me-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/building-a-better-mmousetrap-morality-schmorality-wheres-me-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men (and women ... and children)? Certainly most MMO players, or to be even more general most people who go on the internet know at least what they expect other people to act like. Certainly they would act like normal people right? Upstanding citizens, keeping the peace, helping old ladies across the street, buying girl guide cookies. But then if you have those fine folks, you certainly would have to have their counterparts, the criminals and scum-bags of the virtual worlds, preying on the innocent and weak. A sort of symbiosis has to exist even online, else you would either have complete anarchy, or pure utopia (and that sort of thing could never happen in a video game, eh Jack?) and neither of those situations truly juxtapose reality, they simply.

And that's what MMO's are supposed to do in some sense or another if I'm to believe what all the articles, thesis's, and marketing materials say. Even in the trailer for the upcoming MMO documentary Second Skin they say things along those lines. So you have to balance the good with the bad to have a virtualisation with reality, but then something is amiss, because it's certainly damned hard to be a bad guy online. Oh sure you can gank people in PvP, or use MPK tactics to train monsters on to groups, but those sorts of things make more of a dickwad than they do a truly evil person.

Something I hear flying around a lot these days, mostly in conjunction with RIchard Garriott's sci-fi MMO Tabula Rasa, is the idea of morality. But can there really be moral choices in an online world, where just about everything a character does is pre-destined, set on rails, and left to run its course on its own time table?

Continue reading Building a better MMOusetrap: Morality schmorality, where's me sword?!

MassivelyBuilding a better MMOusetrap: Morality schmorality, where's me sword?! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceethicseve-onlinefeaturedfree-willgarriottmmo-industrymoralitypoliticsrichard-garriotttabula-rasatrWed, 06 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST