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[Age of Empires Online ventures north with the Celts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/age-of-empires-online-ventures-north-with-the-celts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/age-of-empires-online-ventures-north-with-the-celts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/age-of-empires-online-ventures-north-with-the-celts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Age of Empires Online
Age of Empires Online has been bringing free-to-play RTS action to the masses since August of last year, but so far players have had access to just three civilizations: Greek, Egyptian, and Persian. All of that is about to change, though, so ready your shillelaghs as the Celts join the battle. This new civilization, which seems to draw inspiration predominantly from Irish and Scottish folklore, will bring players a variety of new units and strategies with which to drive the opposition to its knees. Whether you're wreaking havoc with the speedy Woad Raiders or sacrificing a deer with the druidic Augur, the Celts will certainly bring new twists to any playstyle.

And of course, a new civilization also means new quests. The Celts' quests will have players battling it out in the frigid north, where the icy weather will slowly sap the health of any unit caught in the elements. The Celts will also introduce stealth missions, such as infiltrating an enemy fortress without waking the sleeping guards. To see the new civilization in action, just click past the cut for a bagpipe-filled teaser video, then head on over to the game's official site to get in on the action for yourself. Sláinte!

Continue reading Age of Empires Online ventures north with the Celts

MassivelyAge of Empires Online ventures north with the Celts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresage-of-empires-onlineaoebagpipescelticceltscivilizationcivlizationsf2pfree-to-playgas-powered-gamesmicrosoft-studiosmmortsreal-time-strategyrtsthe-celtstrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist spins A Tale in the Desert: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-game-archaeologist-spins-a-tale-in-the-desert-the-highlight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-game-archaeologist-spins-a-tale-in-the-desert-the-highlight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-game-archaeologist-spins-a-tale-in-the-desert-the-highlight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Tale in the Desert
Readers of the ever-so-humble Game Archaeologist will recall that earlier this year I had the opportunity to exchange informative words with Dr. Richard Bartle, the creator of MUD. Since he was -- and is -- a highly opinionated designer, I asked him what he thought was the most innovative MMO from the last decade. The answer was short and succinct.

"A Tale in the Desert, he replied, then added: "Note that 'innovative' doesn't necessarily mean 'successful.'"

Right there is the crux of ATITD's unique position in the MMO industry. Instead of storming down a path well-traveled, it took a machete and made its own trail -- a trail down which few have followed. As Jef recently noted in Some Assembly Required, it is an "odd duck" of a game, skewing as far away from combat as possible to focus on two often-neglected aspects of MMOs: crafting and politics. Even though its population has pegged it as an eternally niche game, it's proven that constant fighting isn't the only thing that can draw an online community together.

This week we're going to look at some of the more unique features of this innovative yet diminutive MMO, which began telling its tale back in 2003.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist spins A Tale in the Desert: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist spins A Tale in the Desert: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertandrew-tepperatitdcivilizationcraftingdemi-pharaohegenesisegyptfeaturedgrieferlawlegal-systemmentorpharaohpolitical-systemrichard-bartlesandboxsexismsnide-impact-dirtbagssociologysome-assembly-requiredstrangertellingthe-game-archaeologistTue, 13 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XLGames making Civilization MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/xl-games-making-civilization-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/xl-games-making-civilization-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/xl-games-making-civilization-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Get ready, Civilization fans, as your favorite franchise is heading to MMO-land (and no, we're not talking about the Civ World Facebook game). A couple of months ago we told you about XLGames' partnership with Take-Two Interactive, as well as the fact that XL would be making an existing Take-Two property into an MMORPG.

This morning, various Asian gaming websites confirmed that said property is the venerable Civilization series that began way back in 1991. Details on the new game are sparse, but Google Translate versions of the news articles indicate that XL has begun "large-scale recruitment of MMORPG developers [...] including server [programmers], client programmers, artists, planners, project managers, story designers, [and] mission designers."

Prior to its involvement with the Civilization franchise, XLGames was known exclusively for ArcheAge, a fantasy sandbox MMO that is currently undergoing closed beta testing in Korea.

[Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

MassivelyXLGames making Civilization MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-building-mmocivilizationcivilization-mmocivilization-mmorpggame-announcementjake-songstrategystrategy-mmotake-twotake-two-interactivexlxl-gamesXlGamesThu, 21 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Empires Online launching August 16th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/age-of-empires-online-launching-august-16th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/age-of-empires-online-launching-august-16th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/age-of-empires-online-launching-august-16th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are just a couple of months yet until you can conquer the world from the comfort of your bedroom, but that's no excuse to let your hygiene slip. Microsoft Game Studios announced that Age of Empires Online will be released on August 16th with two initial civilizations: the Greeks and Egyptians.

As the latest in the long-running civilization sim franchise, Age of Empires Online will allow players to build up persistent towns, establish trade between other players, work on crafting and quests, and even go to war when needed.

While the initial core gameplay will be available for free, Microsoft hopes that players will get so hooked that they'll gladly purchase Age of Empires Online "Premium Content Packs" to enhance their experience. These packs will include new civilizations and game modes. 1UP reports that in addition to the typical digital download, Microsoft will be shipping out retail boxes in order to snag a larger audience -- although these boxes will merely contain instructions how to download the game.

Gallery: Age of Empires Online

MassivelyAge of Empires Online launching August 16th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresage-of-empires-onlineaoecivilizationcivilization-simegyptiansf2pfree-to-playgallerygas-powered-gamesgreekslaunchlaunch-datemicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiospremium-content-packretailWed, 01 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex preparing to conquer the world with 8Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/jagex-preparing-to-conquer-the-world-with-8realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/jagex-preparing-to-conquer-the-world-with-8realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/jagex-preparing-to-conquer-the-world-with-8realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"What's next?" is the question on everyone's lips when it comes to successful MMO studio Jagex. The RuneScape developer has many projects in the works, including Stellar Dawn and Transformers Online. However, the company is hoping that you'll also take notice of 8Realms, its social empire builder that lets you cultivate a civilization from scratch and conquer the world with your cunning.

As 8Realms entered closed beta this past week, Lead Developer Claire Blackshaw spoke with CVG about the game's focus. "Our approach is always a strategy first and social second," she said. "Though I do think the most appealing aspect of games such as Diplomacy is the social element."

She thinks that the game can challenge genre favorite titles like Civilization and Total War while remaining accessible to the lunch break strategist: "8Realms can fit into your day, firing it up at lunch to launch a few attacks or make sure your research is going as planned. Also because of the social element you have wars break out which get you very worked up."

The team is also proud of how far it has advanced the capability of browser-based games alone. "We made current browser tech jump through hoops, and using our own server-side technology pushed what's possible in terms of scaling," Blackshaw said.

MassivelyJagex preparing to conquer the world with 8Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-realms8realmsbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-technologybrowser-techbrowser-technologycivilizationClaire-Blackshawcvgdiplomacyempire-builderempire-buildinginterviewjagexrunescapesocialstellar-dawnstrategytotal-wartransformerstransformers-onlineSun, 08 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively conquers two Empire and State developers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/massively-conquers-two-empire-and-state-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/massively-conquers-two-empire-and-state-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/massively-conquers-two-empire-and-state-developers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively sat down with Empire and State developer Toby Ragaini not so long ago, and we were excited to see exactly how the team's promised game of political intrigue and power-grabbing would play -- so excited that we nabbed a second interview not only with Toby, Director of Game Development at Novel Inc, but also with Mike Marr, the company's Creative Director. Both of them offer a combined experience from MMOs like Asheron's Call and RTS games like Supreme Commander.

We were able to get our hands on the game, as well, and were pretty surprised at what we found. If you are familiar with many browser games, you will not be shocked at how the game is delivered to you. What will catch you off guard is how the game plays and feels, as it combines a lot of different elements from some very popular genres and game styles.

Click past the cut to check out some of the details from our interview!

Continue reading Massively conquers two Empire and State developers

MassivelyMassively conquers two Empire and State developers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowsercivilizationempire-and-stateesf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpmike-marrmmortsnovel-incriskstrategytoby-ragainiMon, 25 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: A talk with Richard Bartle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-a-talk-with-richard-bart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-a-talk-with-richard-bart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-a-talk-with-richard-bart/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

From talking with Richard Bartle, reading his blog, and looking over several interviews that he's done, I've concluded that the co-creator of the first multi-user dungeon is, in many ways, a card. A smart one, a perceptive one, and an outspoken one, but a card nonetheless. I say this in a good way, of course, because for all of the verbal pussyfooting that often goes on in this industry, it's refreshing to hear the voice of someone who knows what he thinks and isn't afraid to say it, even if it goes against the grain.

Dr. Bartle's name often comes up in discussions of both MUDs and MMORPGs. His designs, work and scholarship have influenced MMOs in substantial ways, and it's possible that if our children end up learning about massively multiplayer RPGs in school some day, Bartle's name will be mentioned once or twice.

While he's sometimes polarizing, it's hard to deny the incredible work he's done, which is why I was excited to get to talk to him about this month's subject on the Game Archaeologist. So hit that pesky jump and let's pick the mind of a guy who really earned the right to post "FIRST!!1!"

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: A talk with Richard Bartle

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: A talk with Richard Bartle originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertadventureancient-anguishassemblerassembly-languagebaldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-2bartle-testbatmudBCPLciv1civ2civ3civ4civ5civilizationcoding-headachedarklandsdesigning-virtual-worldsdlcenglish-channelfeaturedfootball-managergemstoneipclegendmudmacro-10master-of-orionmedieviamoomoo2moo3morrowindmudmud1mud2multi-user-dungeonoblivionplay-testerplaytestingrichard-bartlerogueroy-trubshawSETUWPstar-firesunsetThe-Patriciantops-10Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Socialize, now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/the-digital-continuum-socialize-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/the-digital-continuum-socialize-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/the-digital-continuum-socialize-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Socialization is dead!

Isn't it?

Well actually, that's a tough one. Certainly, the perception that socialization is becoming a lesser factor to more and more developers has become the norm among most people. That doesn't necessarily mean they're correct. So, let's examine the general landscape of yesteryear and beyond to see what's really going on when it comes to human interaction in our massively multiplayer online games.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Socialize, now

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Socialize, now originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurineblizzardccpcity-of-heroescivilizationcivilization-networkcohdarkfallddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineebberon-unlimitedeberroneveeve-onlinefacebookfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedgazilliongazillion-entertainmentlegolego-universelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroncsoftnetdevilopinionsid-meiersocialsocializationthe-digital-continuumturbineworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 11 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unraveling the mystery of John Deere Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/unraveling-the-mystery-of-john-deere-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/unraveling-the-mystery-of-john-deere-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/unraveling-the-mystery-of-john-deere-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Scott "Lum the Mad" Jennings, well-known blogosphere participant and game designer, has recently been working on a game that is now sadly canceled. This is bad both for the natural sadness of a game having been canceled and the voyeuristic MMO fan impulse to ask, "Well, what was it going to be?" We don't know. The only reference made was to the cryptic in-joke name of John Deere Online. In his own words: "As a condition of my severance I can't discuss a great deal, and anything I say here will most likely be picked up by the MMO news sites (wave, wave!)."

Well, he's right about that last part. But neither waiting for him to change his mind nor camping outside his front door has yielded any new information, so perhaps we can take a look at more pieces of information and speculate? After all, we know of at least two of his co-workers. From them and from the little which Scott Jennings himself has said, we can derive the following bits of information: that they were working for 2K Games, developing an MMO based on an existing franchise, that the game would have been strategy-based, and that it might possibly have had something to do with tractors.

Considering that Jon Jones mentions on his LinkedIn page that he "created a series of low polygon highly optimized building models with a small set of textures that can be reused across that nation's entire series of buildings appropriate to that age," it's difficult to argue with the conclusion that the team was working on a Civilization MMO. But 2K Games also could mean Elder Scrolls projects... which might be pertinent, as both Jon Jones and Matthew Weigel have been working on Dungeon Runners. It's all idle speculation, sadly, and for all we know the game really would have been a massively multiplayer tractor simulator. (In which case it might even be for the best - lawnmowers would probably have been totally overpowered against seeders in PvP.)

MassivelyUnraveling the mystery of John Deere Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescanceled-gamescivilizationdungeon-runnerselder-scrollsjohn-deerejon-joneslum-the-madmatthew-weigelmmo-industrypvprumorsscott-jenningstractorsFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization Network bringing Facebook persistence to Sid Meiers' series]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/civilization-network-bringing-facebook-persistence-to-sid-meiers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/civilization-network-bringing-facebook-persistence-to-sid-meiers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/civilization-network-bringing-facebook-persistence-to-sid-meiers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Civilization Network may not exactly be an MMO, but it's the closest a new game in the series has ever come to the concept. The announcement isn't too surprising as we've heard rumors in the past of a potential persistent version of the game being developed. Frankly, it's nice to finally know the pioneering developer's next game.

Meier himself explains the general design goal of Civilization Network on the official Facebook page, and it's more or less all about cooperation with friends and family. That's not to say there's no competition either, but the biggest edge a social networking game has is similar to an MMO -- cooperation with other players.

We'll be watching this project closely, as the blending of MMO qualities with a series like Civilization is by far abnormal. The next piece of the puzzle is the game's business model, but as of yet there's been no announcement of how Firaxis plans on making any money with the game. You can watch for beta news on the game's official Facebook page, and we highly suggest it.

MassivelyCivilization Network bringing Facebook persistence to Sid Meiers' series originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilizationcivilization-networkfacebookfacebook-appsfiraxissid-meiersocial-gamingsocial-networkingsocial-networksWed, 21 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blogger sued by Evony for defamation, libel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/blogger-sued-by-evony-for-defamation-libel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/blogger-sued-by-evony-for-defamation-libel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/blogger-sued-by-evony-for-defamation-libel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Serve me now, my lord!

Blogger Bruce Everiss, author of the website BruceOnGames.com, has been sued by Evony LLC, the company behind the notorious online webgame Evony, formerly Civony. The suit stems from Bruce's Evony coverage and critical stance towards the game, including his assertions that Evony LLC is a company under the WoWmine.org network (a site that is allegedly part of a World of Warcraft gold farming network), his statements concerning the company being based in China, and that their game has infringed on other game IPs, including Civilization and Age of Empires.

Evony usually comes under fire for their very transparent marketing strategy, which is usually slapping a hot woman (who has nothing to do with their civilization/empire building MMORTS) onto an ad to entice gamers to click. However, as we posted prior, some bloggers have found some content that was directly ripped off from Civilization and Age of Empires, however the Age of Empires assets have been removed from the current iteration of the game.

Continue reading Blogger sued by Evony for defamation, libel

MassivelyBlogger sued by Evony for defamation, libel originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresbreakingbruce-everissbruce-on-gamesbruceongames.comcivilizationcivonydefamationevonylawsuitlegalmmortssid-meiers-civilizationumge.comuniversal-multiplayer-game-entertainmentMon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: SAGA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/first-impressions-saga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/first-impressions-saga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/first-impressions-saga/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


SAGA (not to be confused with Saga, who gave us the immortal "On the Loose") is an MMORTS -- massively multiplayer online real-time strategy game. While there are few enough of these on the market -- making its very existence worthy of approbation -- we thought it would be worth taking a closer look, to offer up an opinion of our first couple of hours into gameplay. Thus, this First Impressions post.

Remember: this is not a guide, nor was this in any way influenced by the development studio. This is an entirely subjective look at SAGA, from an average gamer's point of view. And now, on with the show! Game. Thing. Whatever. Onward!

Gallery: First Impressions: SAGA

The Create Nation screenStronghold, Pigeon Roost, Temple, MarketThe Map and Quests screenA loading screen

Continue reading First Impressions: SAGA

MassivelyFirst Impressions: SAGA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction-housebehemothbungiecivilizationcommand-pointsdark-elvesdwarveselvesfeaturedfirearmfirst-impressionsgiantsjoystiqfeaturesmmortsmythorcsquestssagastupid-peasantsworld-of-warcraftTue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier all but confirms eventual Civilization MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/sid-meier-all-but-confirms-eventual-civilization-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/sid-meier-all-but-confirms-eventual-civilization-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/sid-meier-all-but-confirms-eventual-civilization-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Legendary game designer Sid Meier (Civilization, Pirates!, Alpha Centauri) mentioned the prospect of a Civilization MMO (again) when fielding user-submitted questions at GameDaily. In fact, he mentioned it twice.

First he was asked about the Civ MMO specifically. "A Civ MMO is a really intriguing idea," he said. "We're spending time thinking about how we could make it the fun, addictive experience Civ players expect." Later in the Q&A, a fan asked where Meier sees Civilization evolving in the future. He again suggested that he's interested in making an MMO.

How would it work? Would it be like those browser-based strategy games in which players only get a few moves a day? Would everyone co-exist in one enormous map? We'd be fascinated to hear what Meier and friends are planning. Unfortunately, we'll probably be waiting a while. He didn't confirm that the MMO will be his next project. He's mulling over a couple of other ideas as well. Here's to hoping, though!

[Via Big Download]

MassivelySid Meier all but confirms eventual Civilization MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civilizationfiraxisfiraxis-gamesgamedailyinterviewsid-meierstrategyTue, 10 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vulcando Games brings 4X gameplay to MMOs with Celetania]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/vulcando-games-brings-4x-gameplay-to-mmos-with-celetania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/vulcando-games-brings-4x-gameplay-to-mmos-with-celetania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/vulcando-games-brings-4x-gameplay-to-mmos-with-celetania/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Vulcando Games, based out of Germany, has announced the November release date of their MMO Celetania, described as a massively multiplayer 4X game. For those unfamiliar with the term, 4X is a genre of game in which four separate goals must be managed at the same time to ensure victory. The term 4X stands for explore, expand, exploit, exterminate, and is typified by games like Civilization and Master of Orion.

Celetania is a persistent-world 4X game, where the orders that you give your units keep being followed, even when you're offline. In addition to the release date, Vulcando has mentioned that they will be releasing details about the game every two weeks, including screenshots, concept art, and video. In fact, Vulcando has sent along the first batch of shots of one of the races' line of starships, for your perusal. More news on this title as we get closer to the release date!

Gallery: Celetania

Groggship CruiserGroggship BattleshipGroggship DestroyerGroggship CarrierGroggship Frigate


[Thanks, Andreas!]

MassivelyVulcando Games brings 4X gameplay to MMOs with Celetania originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4xceletaniacivilizationmaster-of-orionvulcando-gamesWed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier mentions possibility of a Civilization MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/sid-meier-mentions-possibility-of-a-civilization-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/sid-meier-mentions-possibility-of-a-civilization-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/sid-meier-mentions-possibility-of-a-civilization-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Be sure to take this one with a grain of salt, but Sid Meier is apparently very interested in making a Civilization MMO at some point in the future -- according to a recent interview. However, Sid basically goes on to say that he doesn't think that sort of game is his next project, as he's interested in doing some more single-player games (Alpha Centauri 2, please?) before tackling something else.

We've got to admit it though, the concept of an MMO where you start your very own civilization and slowly expand it over time sounds intriguing to say the least. Aside from all sorts of design hurdles, there are some very exciting ideas in the concept. The easiest method of doing a massively Civilization game would be to take a few notes from Guild Wars in terms of subscription-style. That way, a player could work on their civilization for as long as they wanted, take a break for however long they felt like and then come back for expansions or just because they felt like it -- all monthly-payment free.

[via MMORPGdot]

MassivelySid Meier mentions possibility of a Civilization MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-centauriarena-netbreakingcivciv-mmocivilizationguild-warsncsoftsid-meierMon, 04 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Making fun be worth it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/making-fun-be-worth-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/making-fun-be-worth-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/making-fun-be-worth-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Zen of Design has a great post up about how MMO game mechanics should "incentivize fun" in the gameplay. The main example Damion uses is the "daily quests" recently introduced to World of Warcraft-- Blizzard originally gave all players a goal of 5000g for their epic mounts, but then realized that they hadn't given players enough ways to earn that money-- most people were left grinding random spots to make the cash. So they then created "daily quests"-- daily timer quests that were repetitive and easy that gave lots of money. Play the game for x number of minutes every day, get all the cash you need.

But as Damion says, the daily quests serve a purpose, but they aren't actually fun. Lots of players see them as a job, and the fact that they are repetitive (in a bad way-- he says a game like Civilization actually makes repeating gameplay interesting) makes them a necessity rather than an incentive to play the game.

Now, the good news is that in the latest patch, Blizzard is working to fix this-- they've introduced daily quests that ask players to play fundamental parts of the game, and so there are now crafting daily quests, as well as battleground and instance quests. But these are fixes after the fact-- the way to really incentivize fun is to watch what players themselves want to do during development, and then reward that. Halo isn't an MMO, technically, but Bungie noticed that players were dying strange deaths in game, and then actually changed the game to reward players for their activities. Same deal with MMOs-- find out what players want to do in your game, and then give them rewards for doing just that.

MassivelyMaking fun be worth it originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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