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[The Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
I've always thought that rulesets are a golden opportunity for MMO developers to get creative with their products and try something fresh and exciting. Unfortunately, most every MMO these days, new and old, adheres to the four "vanilla" rulesets that have been in place since Pong. You have your default PvE, your same-as-PvE-except-we-have-a-naming-policy PvE-RP, and the two player vs. player variants: PvP and PvP-RP.

Those are all well and good, but... y'know... couldn't rulesets be used to create fascinating variations on these games? It turns out that yes, yes they can.

While the vanilla rulesets are the vast majority, there does exist a group of fringe rulesets that dared to walk the different patch, er, path and made versions of MMOs that are a bold and refreshing flavor. Like blue! Sometimes these new rulesets were whipped up to inject new life into an aging title, giving players a valid reason to come back and see the game from a different perspective.

In this week's Perfect Ten, we're going to check out just how wild 'n' wacky server rulesets can get!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5150acage-of-conanasherons-callblood-and-glorycity-of-heroescodemasterscohcooperativedaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalldofuseqeqiieqmaceveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-iiexchangefallen-earthfeaturedffafree-for-allheroiclandrovallord-of-the-rings-onlineloreplaylotroperfect-10perfect-tenpermadeathplanes-of-powerprogressionpvproleplay-encouragedrperule-setrulesetrulesetsserverserver-rulesserversshadowbaneshardshardssiege-perilousstation-exchangesubscriber-onlythe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbineultima-onlineuovanguardvip-onlyThu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: An interview with The Syndicate's Sean Stalzer on his new book]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-guild-counsel-an-interview-with-the-syndicates-sean-stalze/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-guild-counsel-an-interview-with-the-syndicates-sean-stalze/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-guild-counsel-an-interview-with-the-syndicates-sean-stalze/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As you pack your bags for that trip to the beach (or that annual fan gathering) and you toss in that bottle of sunblock (or aspirin), you might want to make some space in your bags for some summer reading as well. Fortunately, there is a growing number of titles, such as Adam Trzonkowski's Guild Leader's Companion, that examine the methods and lessons of running guilds and online communities. To that list we can add Sean "Dragons" Stalzer's sequel, The Syndicate: Beyond the Legend, which is now available at Lulu and soon to be sold at Amazon.

In the book, guild leader Sean Stalzer picks up from where his first book left off and gives us even more insight into the MMO industry and his guild leadership philosophy. The book is divided into three parts. The first covers The Syndicate's recent history and continued relationship with several MMO studios as well its job writing guides for Prima Games. In the second part, Sean explains his time-tested philosophy for running a guild, dubbed S.U.C.C.E.S.S. And the last section of the book looks at where MMOs are headed and what's needed down the road.

Sean took the time to talk to Massively about his new book, and there was so much to discuss that this interview is split into two parts. In this week's Guild Counsel, Sean talks about the lessons he's learned from his work with MMO studios. He looks back at how it's influenced his leadership approach, and he gives a glimpse of why he's excited about his current work with 38 Studios. Read on for the interview!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: An interview with The Syndicate's Sean Stalzer on his new book

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: An interview with The Syndicate's Sean Stalzer on his new book originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-Gamescodemasterscopernicuscurt-schillingfeaturedguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsreckoningsean-stalzersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-syndicateUltima-OnlineWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 16 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters website, store, and database hacked]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-website-store-and-database-hacked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-website-store-and-database-hacked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-website-store-and-database-hacked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Another day, another game publisher in a hacker's crosshairs. This time around it's Codemasters, and Eurogamer has the details on a security violation that compromised the company's website, EStore, CodeM database, and Dirt3 VIP code redemption webpage. The intrusion occurred on June 3rd, and Codemasters has sent out a letter to affected customers advising of the potential threat to their identity-related information.

The article reports that no payment details or credit card info was pilfered, but encrypted passwords as well as Xbox Live gamer tags and personal data (including addresses and user names) were taken. Thus far no groups or individuals have claimed responsibility for the attack. You can read the full Codemasters letter at Eurogamer.

MassivelyCodemasters website, store, and database hacked originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscodemasters-hackdirt3hackhackershackingidentity-theftmmo-industrypersonal-informationpublisherssecuritysecurity-breachFri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Updates on migration issues for Lord of the Rings Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/updates-on-migration-issues-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/updates-on-migration-issues-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/updates-on-migration-issues-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been about a week since European players of Lord of the Rings Online began the migration over to Turbine's servers, and the transition has not been nearly as smooth as one could hope. That having been said, the team is working diligently behind the scenes to try to address the issues many players are experiencing, with community manager Sapience making a post today outlining the two major fixes coming up to try to alleviate the issues.

The first fix will be a simple patch to the migration tool itself, which is expected to be live on Friday or shortly thereafter. The other fix will require some server downtime as the team works at fixing some database issues. Sapience also explains that Codemasters had previously flagged some accounts incorrectly with the database migration, and he promises that the players missing VIP time will be addressed sometime next week. While it won't remove the Lord of the Rings Online migration issues, it's at least a step in the right direction.

MassivelyUpdates on migration issues for Lord of the Rings Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscommunityeueuropelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromigrationregionsapienceserver-migrationserversturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 09 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Has an MMO made you sentimental?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/the-daily-grind-has-an-mmo-made-you-sentimental/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/the-daily-grind-has-an-mmo-made-you-sentimental/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/the-daily-grind-has-an-mmo-made-you-sentimental/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's a fact of life around the Massively offices that one can often find members of the staff engaging in sentimental gestures from time to time. Whether it be Shawn singing softly to his Tabula Rasa box or Larry lighting a candle to hold vigil for Darth Vader, we are no strangers to the pull of nostalgia and fond attachments.

So we totally understand that MMOs can make one quite sentimental from time to time. I was reminded of this while reading a recent post at Contains Moderate Peril, where the author took part of a final parade across Lord of the Rings Online in Europe before the service was transferred from Codemasters to Turbine.

While end-of-the-world events are often steeped in sentimentality, they don't have to be the only times where such expressions emerge. Has an MMO ever made you sentimental, and if so, will you share with the rest of the class? It's OK, we won't share it with your significant other, promise.

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: Has an MMO made you sentimental? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdarth-vaderlarrylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionsentimentsentimentalshawntabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindturbineWed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Moving day: LotRO EU players begin transfer to Turbine's global service]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/moving-day-lotro-eu-players-begin-transfer-to-turbines-global/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/moving-day-lotro-eu-players-begin-transfer-to-turbines-global/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/moving-day-lotro-eu-players-begin-transfer-to-turbines-global/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's the end of one world... and the beginning of another. Or at least that's how it feels for many Lord of the Rings Online players in Europe this week as Codemasters hands the operational baton over to Turbine. Codemasters devs and GMs gave their best wishes to the LotRO players they watched over these past few years with a huge "thank you" notice on the site.

Once the transfer is complete, all LotRO players will fall under Turbine's global service umbrella. As part of the move, Turbine is offering EU players a limited-time chance to sign up for a year's worth of VIP status (which includes 500 Turbine Points a month) for £79.99 (or approximately $131.94).

Currently the game is down for European players until the process is complete, which Turbine estimates will take between two to three days. Details about the account transfers can be read in the LotRO EU Account Migration FAQ.

MassivelyMoving day: LotRO EU players begin transfer to Turbine's global service originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-migrationcodemastersdealeuropeeuropeanf2pfaqfree-to-playglobal-servicelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-eulotro-global-servicepromotionsubscriptionturbineturbine-entertainmentturbine-global-serviceturbine-pointsvipTue, 31 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine assuming full control of LotRO in Europe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/turbine-assuming-full-control-of-lotro-in-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/turbine-assuming-full-control-of-lotro-in-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/turbine-assuming-full-control-of-lotro-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The LotRO Global Service is on its way. That's the short version of Turbine's announcement that it'll be taking over Lord of the Rings Online in Europe.

Codemasters will continue operating LotRO until June 1st of this year, after which "Turbine is taking over full operations of The Lord of the Rings Online throughout Europe starting June 1, 2011. We're merging the US and EU services into one mega-service we're calling the LOTRO Global Service."

This summary is at the head of a combined announcement and FAQ Turbine has provided to answer any questions players might have. A long list of those has been anticipated and answered, such as how EU players will migrate their accounts, whether characters and inventory will be affected, whether VIP and Lifetime accounts will be changed, and so on. You can check out all the details on Turbine's official announcement page.

MassivelyTurbine assuming full control of LotRO in Europe originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersf2pfree-to-playftplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-euturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 26 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Find a little bit of Lord of the Rings Online all across Europe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/find-a-little-bit-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-all-across-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/find-a-little-bit-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-all-across-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/find-a-little-bit-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-all-across-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you're a player of Lord of the Rings Online on the European servers, Codemasters has a very simple request for you -- find Middle-earth. And before you get in your head to try to be a tricksy hobbitses by just logging in, you should understand a bit more context. The European player community is being encouraged to take part in a new contest to find Tolkien's setting all around, looking for the parts of the real world that most closely resemble Middle-earth in feel and appearance.

Running from April 7th to April 20th, the contest asks players to find a location that reminds them of a place within the game's setting, take a photo, and submit it to Codemasters with a description and an explanation. The best entries will win a variety of goodies, including Siege of Mirkwood hoodies and a variety of in-game prizes. Lord of the Rings Online was in no small part inspired by the landscape of Europe, so players should find plenty of opportunities to find the fantastic right in their own backyards.

MassivelyFind a little bit of Lord of the Rings Online all across Europe originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscontestf2pfree-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-europemiddle-earthphoto-contestturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 07 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine upgrades LotRO's compromised account reimbursement policy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/turbine-upgrades-lotros-compromised-account-reiumbursement-poli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/turbine-upgrades-lotros-compromised-account-reiumbursement-poli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/turbine-upgrades-lotros-compromised-account-reiumbursement-poli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Account security is a worrysome topic in Lord of the Rings Online these days, especially following a reported rise in hacks and thefts among the playerbase. A couple months ago Codemasters implemented a stronger policy to help players recover lost property, a direction that Turbine followed yesterday when it revised its compromised account reimbursement policy.

Sapience announced on the LotRO forums that this policy is significantly updated and expanded from the old one. Now when a player's account is hacked, Turbine gives a seven-day window to report the issue, during which the company can restore "most" of the lost items and compensate players for items that cannot be replaced. This, however, is not a true rollback and does not cover accounts compromised before February 24th.

Turbine also reassured players that the studio is making it much tougher for unauthorized intruders to delete or sell rare items like raid gear, which should add another layer of protection from losing one's goods.

MassivelyTurbine upgrades LotRO's compromised account reimbursement policy originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscompromised-account-reimbursementcompromised-account-reimbursement-policycompromised-accountshackhackedhackerslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroreimbursementrollbacksapiencetheftturbineunauthorized-third-partySat, 26 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Creating your roadmap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/the-road-to-mordor-creating-your-roadmap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/the-road-to-mordor-creating-your-roadmap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/the-road-to-mordor-creating-your-roadmap/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I wish to preface this week's column by saying that I'm not advocating just one way to play a game. I think it's equally valid to explore at your own pace, team up as a duo, maximize TP revenue, or set whatever goals you like and pursue them. But after leveling one character to the cap and playing several others, I've begun to develop a roadmap, if you will, that helps guide my progress somewhat efficiently. It's this roadmap that I want to share with you today.

The thing is, for all I love about Lord of the Rings Online, the game is definitely littered with timesinks of epic proportions. It already takes a long, long time to get your character up to 65 and through the two expansions, and that's only going to increase as the game grows. There are a lot of distractions and unnecessary grinds (such as virtues you will never use) that can bog you down too long and perhaps dishearten you.

So when I created a Minstrel in LotRO a little while back, I decided to map out his progress from level 1 through 65 by creating a broad framework -- an outline, really -- that serves to keep me on track so I don't have to backtrack as much later on to get these goals done. I have a very "two birds with one stone" mentality, so if I'm doing one task in a zone, I'd rather be accomplishing two or three at the same time. So for example, if I'm grinding out a deed, I'd rather do it at level at which I'm getting XP than 20 levels later when I'm not (although the latter has its merits for rapid deed completion).

Hit the jump and I'll give you the rundown of how to eliminate some of the confusion and speed bumps of leveling.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Creating your roadmap

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Creating your roadmap originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdeedsepic-storylinefeaturedguidelegendary-itemslegendary-traitslevelingleveling-guidelord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominstrelmountmountsriding-skillroadmapsara-oakheartskirmishestraitsturbineturbine-entertainmentturbine-pointsvirtuesvolume-1volume-2Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters unveils Lord of the Rings Online hacked account program]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/codemasters-unveils-lord-of-the-rings-online-hacked-account-prog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/codemasters-unveils-lord-of-the-rings-online-hacked-account-prog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/codemasters-unveils-lord-of-the-rings-online-hacked-account-prog/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With great playerbase numbers comes great security responsibility. Wait, no. That's not the movie metaphor we're looking for. How about keep it secret, keep it safe!

That's more like it, but unfortunately for some Lord of the Rings Online fans, the secret (and the safe) parts are being compromised as the free-to-play title sees a rise in hacked accounts to go along with its expanding user numbers. All hope is not lost, however, as Codemasters (LotRO's European publisher) has introduced a new Hacked Account Restart Program designed to assist victims and speed them back onto the road to Mordor.

The program has a few prerequisites, among them player support eligibility and GM verification of the actual account owner. Claims must also be filed within seven days of the security breach, and reimbursement methods will vary at Codemasters' discretion. You can read the official announcement on the Codemasters website, and you'll also want to check out Customer Service Manager Sincilbanks' blog entry on the subject.

MassivelyCodemasters unveils Lord of the Rings Online hacked account program originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-hackingaccount-securitycodemasterscodemasters-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playhackedhacked-accountslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlineLordOfTheRingslotrorestart-programrestart-programmeWed, 26 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Hacked!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-hacked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-hacked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-hacked/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"My kinship had just finished an instance run about a week-and-a-half ago and was in the process of reloading back into the world when I got the message that I was being disconnected because I had just logged into the Brandywine server. Huh? Suspecting the worst, I immediately hit up the Turbine Account page and changed my password then re-logged back into the game, which would boot the hacker offline just like I had been booted minutes earlier.

"I was lucky and did that before the hacker had time to switch servers to where my active characters are. Other kinmates have not been so lucky."

So goes the frightening tale of Pumping Irony's Scott, who shares this in the hopes that others may avoid a similar scare. Unfortunately, it seems as though stories such as these are becoming more and more common in Lord of the Rings Online, where the worst threat to your quest may not be the eye of Sauron but the malicious intent of hackers gutting your account while you're offline.

Today we're going to step off the path for a temporary side trail into the gloomy undergrowth of account security and an MMO under siege.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Hacked!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Hacked! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordoraccountaccount-securityauthenticatorblizzardblizzard-authenticatorCodemastersCompromised-Accountcracked.comffxivfinal-fantasy-xivfirewallhackedhackersiphonelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromalwaremiddle-earthparanoiapasswordpasswordspumping-ironysapiencesauronsecurityspywarethe-road-to-mordortokensturbineturbine-accountTurbine-Entertainmentvirus-scannerworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 21 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: A year in Middle-earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/the-road-to-mordor-a-year-in-middle-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/the-road-to-mordor-a-year-in-middle-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/the-road-to-mordor-a-year-in-middle-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What a difference a year makes, eh? One year ago, and you didn't have to put up with me yammering at you every Friday like a hyperactive badger with a personality disorder. One year ago, and we weren't free-to-play-anything, Turbine was its own company, the festivals were nowhere near as cool as they are today, and shrews freely roamed the land without fear of reprisal.

So in my last Road to Mordor (of the year, stop rejoicing over there!), I thought it'd be great to look back at the wild rollercoaster that was 2010 in Lord of the Rings Online. I also thought I'd get an easy column out of all this, but that was before I had to read through 1,337 posts and my eyeballs began to lose pressure.

January

Stuff happened. Let's move on.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: A year in Middle-earth

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: A year in Middle-earth originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybilboclosed-betacodemasterscontestcraftingddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinee3end-of-the-year-2010enedwaithexpansioneyeball-pressuref2pfall-festivalfree-to-playfrostbluff-theatrehaunted-burrowisengardisengard-private-preview-programjeff-jungejeffrey-steefelkate-paizlord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotrolotterieslotterylua-scriptingmoddingmodsoath-of-the-rangerspaxpax-2010pax-primeqareputation-mountsrise-of-isengardrune-keepersapienceshrew-stompingshrewssiege-of-mirkwoodspring-festivalsteed-of-nightsummer-festivalsyp-is-so-dreamytalk-like-a-pirate-daythe-road-to-mordorthird-anniversaryturbineturbine-entertainmentvaultvolume-iii-book-1wardrobewarner-broswbwinter-homeyule-festivalFri, 31 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Most controversial MMO stories of 2010]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/the-perfect-ten-most-controversial-mmo-stories-of-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/the-perfect-ten-most-controversial-mmo-stories-of-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/the-perfect-ten-most-controversial-mmo-stories-of-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Well, this is it, folks. The end of the year. A time of reflection, of massive weight gain and of lists. Man, we like our lists, do we not? Fortunately, at Perfect Ten Industries, we've been excelling in lists for months now. Frankly, we're just getting warmed up!

While 2010 may not have been much to write home about in terms of newly launched MMOs, there was more than enough controversy to keep the discussion brewing for months. MMOs are big business, and when every move you make is closely scrutinized by millions of gamers, there's no room to slip up unless you like forum hyenas pouncing all over you, snapping and snarling at your faulty flesh.

So let's take a jaunt down our top 10 list of the most controversial stories of 2010 on Massively, keeping in mind that it was devilishly hard just to keep this list to 10 at all. What's a week without being riled up about pixels and polygons, after all?

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Most controversial MMO stories of 2010

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Most controversial MMO stories of 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advisory-councilalganonallodsallods-onlineapocryphaAtaribethesdaBethesda-Softworksc-storeccpCCP-GamescodemasterscontroversyCraig-Zinkievichcrypticcryptic-studiosdavid-allenddoddo-offer-walldelayderek-smartdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaea-lousElectronic-Artsend-of-the-year-2010europeeuropean-games-awardseveeve-onlinefeaturedfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgpotatointerplaylaglawsuitlegallord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromythicMythic-Entertainmentoffer-wallragequitsquare-enixstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstostockstockholderswtorthe-old-republictorturbinewarWarhammer-OnlineThu, 16 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft will reign for another 20 years according to industry analysts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/world-of-warcraft-will-reign-for-another-20-years-according-to-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/world-of-warcraft-will-reign-for-another-20-years-according-to-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/world-of-warcraft-will-reign-for-another-20-years-according-to-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all of the recent focus on World of Warcraft following its latest expansion, it's no surprise that the industry leader is at the center of another round of "What will topple WoW?" discussions.

In an article on Eurogamer, industry analysts and developers lend their thoughts as to what made World of Warcraft so dang popular to begin with, and what it will take -- if anything -- for another game to beat its popularity, subscription numbers and cultural footprint. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter declared that nothing will top the title for at least 20 years due to an insurmountable lead, although this became debated by the other participants.

Cryptic's Jack Emmert thinks WoW will be "chipped away at" instead of toppled. Age of Conan's Craig Morrison thinks that nobody can consciously plan to overcome WoW's lead saying, "You don't topple a cultural phenomenon. But you can join one." GamersFirst's Bjorn Book-Larsson doesn't think there's a need for WoW to be toppled due to the size of the market.

Codemasters' Dave Solari imagines that the winning formula "would have mass market appeal, with instant accessibility, would work on all platforms, particularly mobile, be incredibly viral and social -- like a feature-rich FarmVille." Undead Labs' Jeff Strain thinks that MMO studios should be looking at it a different way: "They should instead be striving to achieve the same level of success with their own game ideas."

Some even speculate that Blizzard is the only studio capable of besting its own game, perhaps with its second MMO that's due to be announced in 2012. Head on over to Eurogamer for the full discussion.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft will reign for another 20 years according to industry analysts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocBjorn-Book-LarssonblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcataclysmcodemasterscraig-morrisoncrypticcryptic-studiosdave-solarieurogamerfarmvillegamers-firstjack-emmertjeff-strainMichael-Pachterundead-labsWedbush-MorganWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwowThu, 09 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters files suit over Jumpgate Evolution delays]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/codemasters-files-suit-over-jumpgate-evolution-delays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/codemasters-files-suit-over-jumpgate-evolution-delays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/codemasters-files-suit-over-jumpgate-evolution-delays/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We have all been waiting for Jumpgate Evolution for quite some time, but perhaps no one quite as much as Codemasters. As a matter of fact, the company is so tired of waiting on the game to come out that it's decided to file a civil complaint against Netdevil and its parent company Gazillion Entertainment for the delays in publishing the eagerly anticipated sci-fi space shooter.

While the announcement on Codemasters' official Jumpgate Evolution site doesn't offer anything beyond the generic "yes, we did this, here's what court we filed it in, no other comment at this time" statement, the court document itself makes for interesting (if dry) reading. Essentially, Codemasters charges that Netdevil failed to meet contractual guidelines, which called for the studio to ship the game by February 24th, 2009. During that time, Codemasters paid almost 1.4 million USD to Netdevil to help underwrite the game's development and for "art assets." Codemasters is also seeking compensation due to setting up servers, website, community team, etc. for the European version of Jumpgate Evolution. Ultimately, it boils down to a pretty standard breach of contract that offers Codemasters' share of interest back to Netdevil and Gazillion in return for all monies invested in the project to date. Whether or not this brouhaha will cause any changes to the timetable for Jumpgate Evolution will remain to be seen. We'll keep an eye out as the case progresses.

[Thanks, Merketh!]

MassivelyCodemasters files suit over Jumpgate Evolution delays originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breach-of-contractCodemasterscodemasters-onlinegazilliongazillion-entertainmentjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlawsuitnetdevilMon, 06 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: The darkening of the light]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/14/one-shots-the-darkening-of-the-light/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/14/one-shots-the-darkening-of-the-light/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/14/one-shots-the-darkening-of-the-light/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With our brethren across the pond enjoying the free-to-play model of Lord of the Rings Online, we've been seeing more screenshots coming in from the game of late. If American servers are any indication, there are likely a whole bunch of people returning to (or taking their first steps in) the lands of Middle-earth. What adventures and sights await them? Well, one of the things that lies ahead is the Mines of Moria, a spectacularly spooky spot captured for us today by François C., who writes in about his experience:

"I began to play Lord of the Rings Online more than two years ago (which does not make me an MMO veteran, strictly speaking, but I'm beginning to feel that way). Anyway, as a true casual player, I'm discovering the game at my own rhythm -- that is to say, very slowly. I am still regularly surprised and pleased by the magnificent scenery. [This] screenshot was taken in the Water-works in the Mines of Moria. It is a bit dark, as expected, but I feel it does a great job conveying the almost inconceivable talent of dwarves at building and engineering and the strange atmosphere in the Moria -- a kind of mix of immensity and claustrophobia."

Would you like to share some images of your recent adventures? We're always on the hunt for more screenshots of the many different MMOs out there -- but we need your help. Email your screenshots is in to us at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: The darkening of the light originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemasterscodemasters-onlineFrancois-Clord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsturbineTurbine-EntertainmentSun, 14 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters denies picking up APB]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/codemasters-denies-picking-up-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/codemasters-denies-picking-up-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/07/codemasters-denies-picking-up-apb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you were holding out hope that the defunct urban crime MMO All Points Bulletin would be resurrected courtesy of the folks at Codemasters, Eurogamer has a little bit of cold water to throw on your fire. David Solari, Codemasters Online general manager, minces no words in a recent interview.

"We have not picked up APB, I can answer you definitively," he said.

Rumors circulated that the publisher might be picking up the pieces of the shuttered MMO, left scattered by the closing of Realtime Worlds, when former RTW community manager Ben Bateman updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect his new job at Codemasters. Epic Games has also been rumored as a potential salvager, and Solari says that someone will inevitably pick up APB's assets, if only for the innovative tech. "If they don't pick up the game then they will pick up the technology for sure, because the avatar and character customisation technology is incredible. Something will definitely be done to preserve that," he muses.

MassivelyCodemasters denies picking up APB originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-gameapbben-batemancodemastersdefunctepic-gamesgame-closingmmo--industryRealtime-WorldsRealTimeWorldsrumorstechnologySun, 07 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[V-E-ME Day: LotRO Europe announces launch date for free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/v-e-me-day-lotro-europe-announces-launch-date-for-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/v-e-me-day-lotro-europe-announces-launch-date-for-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/v-e-me-day-lotro-europe-announces-launch-date-for-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been a long time coming, and after some legal hemming and hawing, Codemasters announced that Lord of the Rings Online in Europe will be finally launching the much-anticipated free-to-play version of the game. On November 2nd, LotRO will open its doors to free players across Europe.

This comes after a two-month period of limbo for EU players, which began two days before the update launched in North America. Codemasters had cryptically announced that F2P would be put on hold for what turned out to be contractual reasons. Fortunately, it seems as though the red tape has been cut, and players are free to sample the same blessed bounty as their NA comrades.

This update also includes the new region of Enedwaith, the LotRO store, Volume III: Book 2 of the epic storyline and the Harvest Festival. Interested players can sign up for their free-to-play account at LotRO EU.

MassivelyV-E-ME Day: LotRO Europe announces launch date for free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingCodemastersenedwaitheuropef2pfree-to-playharvest-festivalharvestmathlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-eulotro-storeturbinevolume-3-book-2volume-iii-book-2Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Players speak and devs deliver: LotRO's new vault system and EU preview event on the way]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/players-speak-and-devs-deliver-lotros-new-vault-system-and-eu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/players-speak-and-devs-deliver-lotros-new-vault-system-and-eu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/players-speak-and-devs-deliver-lotros-new-vault-system-and-eu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Quite often the mark of a good company is how it responds to player dissatisfaction. While it may be riding high on cloud money as of late, Lord of the Rings Online's recent decisions have not made all of its players happy, and both Turbine and Codemasters are taking steps to rectify these situations.

Although Turbine touted the revised "Vault 2.0" bank system as superior to the old inventory system, many found it difficult to organize and sort. As a result, a new dev diary is showing off the third iteration of the vault system, which uses a cleaner interface of tabs and rows to help players keep their hundreds of items in the proper place. LotRO's Vault 3.0 is far more customizable, can auto-sort items, and even offers tabs to allow players to switch between the vault, wardrobe and shared storage within the same interface.

On the European front, it seems as if there's finally movement toward the promised free-to-play launch with a new preview event. Starting next Monday, October 25th, EU players are invited to hop on to the test server and give it a whirl. As a reward for participating, Codemasters will be gifting 500 points toward the store to all testers. Interested parties may trek over to the preview sign-up page to be a part of this momentous occasion.

MassivelyPlayers speak and devs deliver: LotRO's new vault system and EU preview event on the way originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-sortcloud-moneycodemastersdev-diaryeueuropef2pfree-to-playinventorylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropromotionturbinevaultvault-2.0vault-3.0Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters comes clean on LotRO EU's free-to-play delay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/codemasters-comes-clean-on-lotro-eus-free-to-play-delay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/codemasters-comes-clean-on-lotro-eus-free-to-play-delay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/codemasters-comes-clean-on-lotro-eus-free-to-play-delay/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online players are well aware that something has been rotten in the state of Denmark -- and the rest of Europe -- with the lengthy and unexplained delay in rolling out the new free-to-play update in the region. While we've speculated on the cause, Codemasters has been cagey and non-specific during the past month and a half, only promising that a solution was coming "soon."

That changed today, as general manager David Solari posted a letter on the LotRO EU forums clarifying the situation. It turns out that the hold-up was due to legal rather than technical obstacles: "As many of you correctly surmised, the issues have been contractual rather than technical. As they were contractual issues, we are bound by confidentiality and you will understand that I can't give you any further detail... Unfortunately a contract was required in order to go free-to-play and this has taken much longer to conclude than expected. The good news is that the contractual issues have been resolved and we are on the home stretch."

Solari promised more information later this week, claiming that the F2P launch is "imminent." Codemasters is in charge of operating Lord of the Rings Online in the region while Turbine handles the responsibility in North America. You can read the full letter over at the LotRO EU forums.

MassivelyCodemasters comes clean on LotRO EU's free-to-play delay originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captain-codemasterscodemasterscontractdavid-solarif2pforumsfree-to-playlegallord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-eulotro-europelotro-f2pturbineTue, 19 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The Codemasters conundrum]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/the-road-to-mordor-the-codemasters-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/the-road-to-mordor-the-codemasters-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/the-road-to-mordor-the-codemasters-conundrum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, "Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger." In light of recent events, we might turn that phrase to become, "Do not meddle in the affairs of players, for they are outspoken and very, very quick to anger."

I'm referring, of course, to the outright debacle that's been happening on the Lord of the Rings Online European front. While Turbine released LotRO's F2P version along with the latest patch a month ago in North America, Codemasters has yet to follow suit, citing numerous problems on its end.

When we first heard of the delay, I assumed it would be shortly resolved -- perhaps no more than a week or two at the most -- which is why I've mostly kept from discussing it in this column before now. Tech problems happen, there's always legal traps waiting, code can be glitchy, and regionalization is an ever-present obstacle. But at this point it feels as though the EU "Have-Nots" community has been under siege from lack of information and a frustrating view of the "Haves" across the pond.

When will it be their turn? Why didn't Codemasters see this coming? How is the EU team trying to mollify the community as the devs scramble to get this puppy to live? Let's take a journey, you and I, through the past month and into the near future. Don't mind the hobbits picketing the Shire -- I'm sure it'll all work out.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The Codemasters conundrum

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The Codemasters conundrum originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carribeancodemastersddodelaydungeons-and-dragons-onlineeueuropef2pfeaturedflying-eagle-mountsfree-to-playfreemiumj-r-r-tolkienlimbolord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-eulotro-europenanorth-americapax-2010pax-prime-2010pubic-relations-is-completely-different-than-public-relationspublic-relations-disastertolkienturbineFri, 08 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Entitled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/the-road-to-mordor-entitled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/the-road-to-mordor-entitled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/the-road-to-mordor-entitled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A few days ago I asked the Massively community members what in-game titles they loved the most. Titles have been on my brain for the past week, as I've started to realize just how many -- how bogglingly, terrifyingly many -- exist in Lord of the Rings Online. I hadn't really given them a lot of thought before, because who really stops to read every small paragraph that magically floats above people's heads? "Frodo, Ring-bearer of the One Ring of Power, Fellowship of the Ring, Formerly of Bag End, The Shire." Yeah, we get it. You're Mr. Fancy Pants.

But really, titles are kind of neat, if only for the player who puts one on like a fine three-piece suit before an evening on the town. A title tells the world not only of your great (or not-so-great) accomplishments, but also a little about your personality -- after all, you chose that particular title to wear above all the others. A title can tell me if a player is really proud of his crafting achievements, or if he's a raider, or if he has a decent sense of humor.

While I'd say that -- like LotRO's hats -- a good bulk of the titles in the game are cosmetically useless, there exists quite a few that are worth procuring if you're into titular collection. Today we're going to look at some of my favorite titles in the game, as well as how to nab them. Please don't pee your pants in excitement.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Entitled

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Entitled originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazelingblind-leapercarnivorecodemastersenedwaithf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumfrodogloomglenslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-hatslucky-duckminstrelmoriaparachuting-bearspeeing-your-pants-is-coolrewardssauronslug-squasherspring-festivalsummer-festivalthe-peculiarthe-undyingtitletitlesturbineTurbine-EntertainmenttutorvegetarianFri, 01 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Peaceful protest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/one-shots-peaceful-protest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/one-shots-peaceful-protest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/one-shots-peaceful-protest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While the masses here in the U.S. are currently enjoying a free-to-play version of Lord of the Rings Online, our MMO gaming brethren across the pond are still wondering when precisely their version will go free-to-play. As such, they organized a rally to peacefully protest the delays, as we see in today's One Shots sent in to us by Henric. He writes in to explain it for those of us who weren't there; "EU players marched through Bree [last] Saturday on the Laurelin server to protest against the lack of information from Turbine and Codemasters about the F2P update in Europe. My character Henric is in front. We thought this would be a nice way to let off some steam. The event was RP friendly and over 50 attendees showed up. No server hamsters where harmed during the march."

Have you captured an interesting slice of life from your favorite game? If so, share it with us! Email your images in to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. Please make sure your image is at least 1024px wide with little to no visible UI elements so we can use it! Yours could be the next one we feature here on Massively!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: Peaceful protest originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscodemasters-onlinehenriclord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroone-shotsprotestscreenshotscreenshotsturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 28 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Pippin's top five plugins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-road-to-mordor-pippins-top-five-plugins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-road-to-mordor-pippins-top-five-plugins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-road-to-mordor-pippins-top-five-plugins/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This past week in LotRO's been a bit like riding river rapids: There's been a lot of rapid ups-and-downs, violent lurches to avoid dangerous objects, and a whole lot of noise that's drowning out the calmer waters ahead. For every piece of good news and positive word-of-mouth, there's been a lot of unfortunate bumps, such as server queues, dynamic layers, mouthy trolls and Codemaster's launch delay. However, I believe it's all going to settle down in a couple more weeks, and LotRO will emerge the better for it.

So if this is your first week in Lord of the Rings Online, welcome! Find a great kinship, take time to smell the flowers, and hunt some orc for me.

Today I'd like to take a look at one of the unsung heroes of the recent content patch -- the ability to create and use plugins (also called mods and addons) to enhance your user interface. While the system is still in beta and has a rough-around-the-edges feel to it, it's already shown great potential, particularly though the creativity that mod designers are pouring into it. While there are only a small number of plugins available as of right now and Turbine has yet to expand the scope of these Lua scripts beyond constrained limits, it's not too early to beef up your UI with these spiffy additions. Read on, free peoples of Middle-internet!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Pippin's top five plugins

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Pippin's top five plugins originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonaddonsbevy-o-barsbuffbuff-barscodemastersdebuffdebuffalo-billdynamic-layersemoemotesf2pfeaturedforumsfree-to-playhotbarhudlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-uilotrointerfacelotroplugins.comlualua-scriptmiddle-internetmodmodspalantirpluginplugin-managerpluginsquickbarquickslotserver-queuestonicbarstrollsturbineTurbine-Entertainmentuiworld-of-warcraftFri, 17 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters takes it on the chin with Community Therapy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/codemasters-takes-it-on-the-chin-with-community-therapy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/codemasters-takes-it-on-the-chin-with-community-therapy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/codemasters-takes-it-on-the-chin-with-community-therapy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's not unusual to see developers send out an apology when something goes wrong or is delayed, but it's rare to see the mea culpa taken to the extent that Codemasters has done.

Codemasters has introduced the Community Therapy program/contest as a way for players to vent their frustrations about the European Lord of the Rings Online free-to-play launch delay with a bit of fun and humor. You are invited to throw something at the developers -- via text, screenshot, hand-drawn picture, you name it.

Everyone who enters gets the satisfaction of blowing off a little steam, but the 10 entries judged the most creative will win a Codemasters goodie bag, so check out the rules and get your throwing arm ready!

MassivelyCodemasters takes it on the chin with Community Therapy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscommunity-therapycontestf2pfree-to-playftplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroTue, 14 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More LotRO news brings delays, sales, and screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/more-lotro-news-brings-delays-sales-and-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/more-lotro-news-brings-delays-sales-and-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/more-lotro-news-brings-delays-sales-and-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The news about the launch of Lord of the Rings Online free-to-play just keeps rolling in, with today's dose including LotRO store gossip, new screenshots, and an unfortunate delay for European players.

Codemasters delivered a disappointment this morning with the announcement that there were some major difficulties behind the scenes. The European launch of LotRO free-to-play will be delayed possibly until the end of the month. The post making the announcement seems to be regularly updated, so keep an eye out for further word.

On a happier note for those with access to the game, Turbine has given the LotRO store a boost in the form of its very own Twitter feed and a sweet deal on a VIP starter pack via Direct2Drive.

Finally, Turbine delivered a pile of new screenshots for the F2P version today, so check out the gallery below for the latest look at LotRO.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online free-to-play

MassivelyMore LotRO news brings delays, sales, and screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirect2drivef2pfree-to-playftplaunch-delaylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-storescreenshotsturbinetwitterwarner-brothersFri, 10 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters offering free LotRO store points at Gamescom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/codemasters-offering-free-lotro-store-points-at-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/codemasters-offering-free-lotro-store-points-at-gamescom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/codemasters-offering-free-lotro-store-points-at-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you're attending Gamescom this year, you've probably got a pretty heavy schedule planned. There will be plenty to do, but you might want to carve out some time to head to the Lord of the Rings Online booth, because Codemasters has a nice gift for those attending.

The news of LotRO's impending free-to-play status was pretty big, and Codemasters will be offering signups at its booth this year. If you've not signed up to join the game when it becomes F2P, do so at the Codemasters booth in hall 8.1, booth A31 and get a little thank-you gift in the form of 10 € worth of LotRO store points.

The offer is available every day of Gamescom.

MassivelyCodemasters offering free LotRO store points at Gamescom originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersf2pfree-lotro-store-pointsfree-to-olayftpgamescomgamescom-2010lord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-store-pointsstore-pointsturbineTue, 27 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beta journals testify about the LotRO store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/beta-journals-testify-about-the-lotro-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/beta-journals-testify-about-the-lotro-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/beta-journals-testify-about-the-lotro-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While the new version of Lord of the Rings Online is still under NDA lockdown, Turbine's opened a crack in the door to allow a few beta testers to jaw about the LotRO store. On the EU site, beta testers were encouraged to submit their thoughts and experiences with the new store for non-testers to assimilate, with four stories chosen to be posted.

Although these stories come with the caveat that they were hand-picked to be shared, they seemed free to share both likes and dislikes about the store. Some of the positive mentions include the speed of the store's delivery to player inventory, the sheer amount of items available, fun items like emotes and mounts, and general ease of use. They report that cosmetics are a big hit with beta testers.

On the flip side, the authors were critical of the unfinished feel to the store and the fact you can't see the items you're purchasing in the dressing-room window. Generally, however, the four testers are upbeat about this new LotRO feature. You can read their full thoughts at LotRO EU's site.

MassivelyBeta journals testify about the LotRO store originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-caveat-goldbetabeta-journalbeta-testerscash-shopscodemasterseuropef2pfree-to-playfreebie-fo-sheezyftpitem-shopslord-of-the-rings-onlinelord-of-the-rings-online-storelotrolotro-eulotro-europelotro-storendatestimonialsturbineFri, 23 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO Europe to go free-to-play on August 20th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/ddo-europe-to-go-free-to-play-on-august-20th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/ddo-europe-to-go-free-to-play-on-august-20th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/ddo-europe-to-go-free-to-play-on-august-20th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While fans of Dungeons & Dragons Online in North America have had good reason to celebrate the game's transition to a free-to-play model and its subsequent revival, European players have had to make do with the regular (i.e. subscription-based) version of the game under Codemaster's rule. Like angry twins facing each other across a crowded cafeteria, the two versions of this MMO created an uncomfortable tension in the air over the past year.

This is about to change, however, as Eurogamer reports that Turbine is taking operational control of the game from Codemasters. With this move, Turbine is bringing DDO Europe in line with its North America sibling, transitioning the game to free-to-play on August 20th. This transition includes bringing European players together with NA players with global servers.

Looking to calm any apprehensions by the players, Turbine plans to pave the way to their new global servers by giving current DDO Europe players 5000 Turbine Points to spend in the DDO store. While there will only be an English service initially, French and German account services are in the works.

MassivelyDDO Europe to go free-to-play on August 20th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-twins-are-no-good-for-anyonebreakingcodemastersddoddo-europeddo-storeddo-unlimitedeberron-unlimitedeuropef2pfree-to-playglobal-servernorth-americanorth-americanturbineTurbine-Entertainmentturbine-pointsTue, 20 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer festival returns for European LotRO players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/summer-festival-returns-for-european-lotro-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/summer-festival-returns-for-european-lotro-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/summer-festival-returns-for-european-lotro-players/#commentsFiled under: , ,

June 29th is just a few days away, and if you're a Lord of the Rings Online player in Europe, that means it's almost party time! The Summer Festival is returning to Middle-earth, bringing all of your old favorites such as Keg Racing and Taste of Hobbiton.

You've got plenty of time to participate in the celebration, because it's going on for quite a while. Events will last until July 29th, and you'll find celebrations taking place at several locations throughout Middle-earth. Visit the Shire, Ered Luin, Bree-land and Thorin's Hall to participate.

Check out the Lord of the Rings Online official announcement for all of the current information.

MassivelySummer festival returns for European LotRO players originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-europesummer-festivalFri, 25 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMOs campaign for a Golden Joystick]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/mmos-campaign-for-a-golden-joystick/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/mmos-campaign-for-a-golden-joystick/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/mmos-campaign-for-a-golden-joystick/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After a busy month of shortlist voting, the 2010 People's Gaming Awards -- otherwise known as the Golden Joystick Awards -- has finalized the ballot and opened the polls to the gaming public. These awards are trumpeted as "by the players, for the players," with hundreds of titles whittled down into a shortlist of finalists.

While many single-player console and PC titles are represented across the 16 categories, several MMOs have waded into the fray looking for your vote (ironically, few of them can be played with a joystick). Star Wars: The Old Republic is nominated for the "One to Watch" award, Jagex and Codemasters have a shot at "UK Developer of the Year," and 2029 Online, Aion, Allods, Champions Online, Dragonica, Fallen Earth, Global Agenda, Star Trek Online and Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood are some of the MMOs vying for "Online Game of the Year." As for the "Ultimate Game of the Year" award, only one MMO made the cut: Aion.

You can cast your votes in the 28th Golden Joystick Awards from now through October 25, and watch the results on October 29. With over 1.2 million votes cast last year and current voting in the six digits, this year's Golden Joystick Awards look to be one of the most popular award ceremonies for 2010.

MassivelyMMOs campaign for a Golden Joystick originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-golden-joystick-awards2010-peoples-gaming-awards2029-onlineaionallods-onlineawardschampions-onlinecodemastersdragonicafallen-earthgaglobal-agendagolden-joystickgolden-joystick-awardsjagexlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropeoples-gaming-awardssiege-of-mirkwoodstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstovotevotingMon, 14 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Forum diving]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-road-to-mordor-forum-diving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-road-to-mordor-forum-diving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-road-to-mordor-forum-diving/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

[Special note: Obviously, the news that LotRO is going free-to-play hit after this article was already written, so stay tuned as we dissect what it means for existing and potential new customers next week!]

Lately, it feels like we're in a holding pattern for Lord of the Rings Online. The last major content patch, Volume III: Book 1, is fading into distant memory, and we're pushing into summer without definite news of the next update -- or better yet, the next expansion. Players are also nervous about any changes or new directions the game may take after the recent acquisition of Turbine by Warner Bros., and the silence certainly doesn't help any.

However, there's always hope in the darkest places of Middle-earth, and the same can be said for the game itself. The Summer Festival should be around the corner, and as for new news, Sapience handed out a bit of vague encouragement on the forums: "You guys know we're preparing an announcement. I can't give you a specific date as to when we'll make it, but I can say I just ran into Adam Mersky coming out of an E3 planning meeting and he was pretty stoked!"

While we continue the wait for the next step forward for LotRO, I thought it'd be a good idea to head over to the official forums and do a little diving for some of the more interesting topics and discussions bouncing around the LotRO community today.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Forum diving

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Forum diving originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speekadam-merskyburglarclass-feedbackcodemasterscosmetic-outfitdx-11e3easter-eggseueuropeforumsiconsleet-speaklord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-lotterymicrotransactionsofficial-forumsprofanity-filterrivendellsapiencesummer-festivalturbinevolume-3-book-1volume-iii-book-1warner-brosweathertopFri, 04 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Updated] Lord of the Rings Online going free-to-play this fall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/lord-of-the-rings-online-going-free-to-play-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/lord-of-the-rings-online-going-free-to-play-this-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/lord-of-the-rings-online-going-free-to-play-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's been a lot of speculation that was largely wishful thinking, but it's been confirmed this morning: Lord of the Rings Online is going free-to-play.

Yes, you heard that right. "LOTRO will introduce Turbine's innovative new pricing model that allows players to download the game and play for free, purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services a la carte from the new LOTRO Store, or join the VIP program to get unlimited access to all of the game's content for one low price."

The news gets even better, as the offer is not restricted to Turbine players. The update will launch this fall across North America and Europe -- Codemasters will also be adopting the pricing structure.

The beta program for the new free-to-play model will launch June 16th, and anyone interested in participating can sign up on the LotRO site.

[Update] The Loyalty Rewards Program has been updated to reflect the upcoming free-to-play model.

[Update 2] We've caught up with Turbine and scored an interview with them, answering many of your burning questions!

Massively[Updated] Lord of the Rings Online going free-to-play this fall originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingBreakingNewscodemastersf2pfree-to-playllotro-going-free-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroturbineFri, 04 Jun 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters offers free week for LotRO's EU players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/codemasters-offers-free-week-for-lotros-eu-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/codemasters-offers-free-week-for-lotros-eu-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/codemasters-offers-free-week-for-lotros-eu-players/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When North American players are treated to special promotions and events that are denied to our friends in Europe -- usually due to different publishers -- we often hear a bit of grousing (and rightly so). So it was with a recent Welcome Back Weekend that benefited only NA players, while EU gamers tiptoed up to the table and held out their empty bowl, saying, "Please, sir, I want some more."

Happily, Codemasters is doing the EU community one better, by offering a Welcome Back Week from May 10-17. This only benefits former players, however, who may jump back in the game for an entire week of play. On top of the free game time, all players will enjoy the benefit of a 5% bump in XP gain, as well as free travel at the stables.

So grouse no longer, fair folk of Europe -- enjoy your full week of play with no strings attached!

MassivelyCodemasters offers free week for LotRO's EU players originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterseuropelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrooliver-twistwelcome-back-weekThu, 06 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution team plans meet and greet at E3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/jumpgate-evolution-team-plans-meet-and-greet-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/jumpgate-evolution-team-plans-meet-and-greet-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/jumpgate-evolution-team-plans-meet-and-greet-at-e3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

News about Jumpgate Evolution was scarce for a very long time, but we're finally seeing some hopeful signs. We got a large development update earlier this year, and now it looks like fans are going to get to chat with the NetDevil team in person during E3.

There is a new poll on the Jumpgate Evolution forums asking for fan input on a meet and greet time, complete with an option for "I can't go and I hate you" (no, really). If you're going to be in the area, you definitely want to visit the poll and keep up on the scheduling, as the NetDevil crew will make it well worth your time: you'll be spending time with the NetDevil guys, of course, but you'll also get to play the game, see the very latest build, and come away with some swag.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the poll and post your preferred time.

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution team plans meet and greet at E3 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterse3e3-2010jumpgate-evolutionmeet-and-greetnetdevilMon, 03 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters extends LotRO spring festival]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/codemasters-extends-lotro-spring-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/codemasters-extends-lotro-spring-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/codemasters-extends-lotro-spring-festival/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

European Lord of the Rings Online fans are getting a treat this week in the form of an extended Spring Festival. Everyone loves a good party, and if you've been enjoying the spring festival in Middle-Earth, a few extra days of celebration are a great way to welcome spring.

The Spring Festival on the European Lord of the Rings Online servers was set to wrap up today, but Codemasters announced that their community will be enjoying an extra week of partying. Keep your shrew-stomping boots on a bit longer, and make sure your favorite racing horse is well rested because the Spring Festival will continue until the 26th. All of the festival events will remain open until the end, so check out all of the details in the Spring Festival developer diary, and then enjoy the extended party!

MassivelyCodemasters extends LotRO spring festival originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemasterslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-spring-festivalspring-festivalspring-festival-2010Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Two adventurers are better than one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/one-shots-two-adventurers-are-better-than-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/one-shots-two-adventurers-are-better-than-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/one-shots-two-adventurers-are-better-than-one/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With the weekend here, it's time for many groups to head out adventuring! Whether that be a group of friends, couples, families, or something else entirely, the social aspect is what MMOs are really all about. That's why we're glad to hear from Ultherond (aka Alanc) who plays Lord of the Rings Online with his other half on Laurelin (EU). Perhaps their beautiful screenshot taken in the early moments of a dungeon will inspire some other couples (or groups) to snap some screenshots of their adventures and send them in to us as well! On with the story:

"This is a picture of my Warden, Ultherond, and my girlfriend's Minstrel, Saelurien, on the European Laurelin server. Aiming to complete her class deeds as soon as possible, she has a knack for pulling out her theorbo at the most inappropriate of times, like when I have gotten us hopelessly lost in the Silvertine Lodes and there is a myriad of other things we should be worrying about, altogether. Like darkness, Gredbyg, Goblins, mine shafts so deep you can't see the bottom, or all four combined..."

If you're heading into MMO territory this weekend -- either alone or with friends -- why not grab a quick screenshot for us! We'd love to hear what adventures you're having. Just email those in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a brief description. Please make sure your image is at least 1024px wide, and has no visible UI elements. It could be the next one we feature here on One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II



[Edit: We apologise for the fault in the caption. Those responsible have been sacked.]

MassivelyOne Shots: Two adventurers are better than one originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alariccodemasterslaurelinlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsturbineultherondFri, 09 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO announces Volume III, Book 1: Oath of the Rangers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/lotro-announces-volume-iii-book-1-oath-of-the-rangers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/lotro-announces-volume-iii-book-1-oath-of-the-rangers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/lotro-announces-volume-iii-book-1-oath-of-the-rangers/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lord of the Rings Online fans have been speculating for a while, wondering what the name of Volume III, Book 1 was going to be. Turbine's Sapience has been giving increasingly specific hints in a hangman-style game in the forums. Now the game's over, he's had his fun, and we have a title.

Volume 3:Allies of the King, Book 1: Oath of the Rangers is on the way, bringing with it plenty of new additions to the game.

Players will be returning to Dol Guldur for four skirmishes in the brand new twelve person mode, and a fifth skirmish in the Depths of Nûrz Ghâshu. Crafting will receive a some attention as well: players will be able to craft items up to level 65, and there will be crafting updates for Jewellers, Cooks, Woodworkers, Farmers, and Weaponsmiths.

Of course, these are just a few of the highlights for the newly-titled Volume. All the current details are on the official site, so take a look, and we'll keep an eye out for more information!

MassivelyLotRO announces Volume III, Book 1: Oath of the Rangers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allies-of-the-kingBreakingCodemasterslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-craftinglotro-expansionoath-of-the-rangersskirmishesturbinevolume-3volume-iiiThu, 28 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters offers Lord of the Rings Online "Log In To Win"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/codemasters-offers-lord-of-the-rings-online-log-in-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/codemasters-offers-lord-of-the-rings-online-log-in-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/codemasters-offers-lord-of-the-rings-online-log-in-to-win/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you're a former European Lord of the Rings Online player, you were probably looking at Turbine's recent Welcome Back Weekend offer with a bit of envy. Well, Codemasters has got you covered with something even better.

How about a week of free play? Just like Turbine, Codemasters has re-activated your account and it's and waiting for you to return to Middle-earth from December 23rd-30th. You'll also enjoy a +10% XP boost and special drops while you're in-game.

But wait, there's more! Codemasters didn't stop with a free week for returning players; they've added the Log In To Win competition for all players. Log in during the event week, answer a quick question on the site, and you have a chance at winning some great prizes. Alienware laptops, graphics cards, Siege of Mirkwood hoodies, Logitech keyboards and headsets, and Siege of Mirkwood special editions are at the top of the prize list, but aren't the only items offered. Check out the official site for a list of prizes offered, and good luck!

MassivelyCodemasters offers Lord of the Rings Online "Log In To Win" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemastersfree-weeklog-in-to-winlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroThu, 17 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST