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[Massively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
Massively Speaking Episode 197 reviews a big week for MMOs, with several launches, updates, and live events going off all over the place. We had to hit the big red Massively Alarm three times during this time, prompting the MassivelyBusters to jump out of their beds, slide down the pole, and take the NERF-1 out to the scene of the action. Then we farmed spores, molds, and fungi with Elisabeth Cardy.

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Firing Line - Shooter news roundup
Dude, there was a ton of big shooter news this week!

I mean, this isn't terribly unusual, particularly since the genre is expanding at a rapid rate, but when I've got to cut interesting items out of this column for length reasons, you know it's been an eventful few days.

Join me after the break for a recap on everything from Firefall to Defiance to John Romero and beyond.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TERA - party vs. dungeon monster
If you're looking forward to TERA but sad about missing En Masse's demo of the fantasy MMO at last weekend's PAX East, cheer up!

The firm has just released a recap video that's almost as good as being there. It was a big week overall for TERA, and the reveals included an A-list voice cast, snippets about the launch head-start period, dungeon finder and economic tweaks, and the lush Twilight Valley region showcased at PAX.

TERA's PAX demo pitted players against wave after wave of argons and big-ass monsters, not to mention a nasty cuss called Subject 5005. Players who were able to whittle the boss's health down were then given a further challenge when 5005 transformed into an Argonomorph (yeah, we're not sure what that is either, but you can see it via the video after the cut).

[Source: En Masse Entertainment press release]

Continue reading TERA recaps PAX East and a week of reveals with new video

MassivelyTERA recaps PAX East and a week of reveals with new video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screenshot -- The Secret World
As anyone around the Massively offices can tell you, I am eagerly-bordering-on-obsessively awaiting the release of Funcom's latest entry into the MMO market, The Secret World. I'm all about the supernatural, occult, and paranormal, and The Secret World's "all the myths are true" philosophy is right up my alley, so when I heard that there would be a playable demo at PAX East 2012, it was all I could do not to squeal like a 12-year-old girl (and I may have done so anyway).

Of course, many people are hesitant about the title. Between The Secret World's subscription-cum-microtransactions business model and Funcom's track record of poor launches and bug-laden games, some gamers are finding themselves hesitant to get hyped up for the game's June 19th launch. Of course, I'd be lying if I said I weren't at least a bit cautious myself, regardless of my enthusiasm for the game. So how is the game shaping up? Well, sit down, grab yourself a drink, and let me tell you what I think.

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Exploring the dark corners of The Secret World

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Exploring the dark corners of The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raiderz - giant frogger boss
TERA isn't the only upcoming MMO to feature big-ass monsters and action combat. Perfect World Entertainment showed us a demo of Raiderz at last weekend's PAX East, and producer Mark Hill was pretty enthusiastic about the game's level of polish. He also made a point of highlighting the amount of free gameplay the company will be making available to fans later this year.

"We really want to blow people away with how much free content they're getting out of a really top-notch game," he said. Join us after the cut to see what Raiderz has to offer.

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's Raiderz

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's Raiderz originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Secret World - PAX East 2012 booth
If you couldn't make it to PAX on Easter sunday, you can at least catch up on the happenings around Funcom's The Secret World booth thanks to a new video that the firm recently uploaded to its YouTube portal.

The clip is about six minutes long, and it splices together random con-goer interviews with gameplay footage of The Secret World's ability wheel and progression system. Also featured is Funcom community manager Glen "Famine" Swan, who says that he is excited about the game's "persistent PvP, because [it's] doing a lot of grass-roots stuff that [he] grew up with in the MMO genre."

Famine also touches on the TSW's three-faction design as well as the fact that the PvP game is ever-changing and filled with progression-related rewards. If you're not so much into the PvP, don't fret, since you can still PvE with your friends regardless of which faction you choose. Check out the full clip after the break.

Continue reading The Secret World's PAX recap video talks PvP, progression

MassivelyThe Secret World's PAX recap video talks PvP, progression originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAX East 2012
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

This week, Massively sent four feisty writers to PAX East 2012 to bring back interviews and impressions of the games on offer, and boy did they ever deliver! We got hands-on time with The Secret World, World of Warplanes, SMITE, PlanetSide 2, TERA, Neverwinter, Firefall, Guns of Icarus and Dungeons and Dragons Online... and we're not finished yet!

Read on for a roundup of this week's other top MMO stories!

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: PAX on, PAX off

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: PAX on, PAX off originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screenshot -- Firefall
Last year at PAX Prime, I had the opportunity to get my hands on an early version of Red 5 Studios' upcoming MMOFPS, Firefall. The game's come a long way since then, having gone into closed beta shortly after PAX Prime.

As of Friday, the game's NDA has finally dropped, and I can finally tell you fine folks all about my experiences with the game's beta. For those of you somehow not in the know, Firefall is essentially two games in one. On the one hand, you have the title's open-world PvE content that sees players exploring the lands of New Eden in an attempt to find a way to fight back the destructive alien force known as the Melding. On the other, there's the competitive e-sports-esque PvP, which lets players test their skills against each another to see who's the best shot in New Eden. So how much has Firefall changed between PAX Prime '11 and PAX East '12?

Continue reading Ready, aim, Firefall: Impressions of the closed beta

MassivelyReady, aim, Firefall: Impressions of the closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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He wants to believe like I want to love this game. Can I get this shirt?
Funcom's The Secret World has had a big weekend at PAX East with its first public chance for hands-on interaction! It's a game that's been stirring up quite a bit of interest; the classless, level-less progression system, secret societies, and sword-and-automatic-rifle genre-bending are just a few of its selling points. My ears tend to perk up when the game gets mentioned, so of course I was all but falling over myself to hop into the playable demo this weekend. Walking away from that experience, though, I'm unconvinced.

Continue reading PAX East 2012: The Secret World demo

MassivelyPAX East 2012: The Secret World demo originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screenshot -- Guns of Icarus Online
STEAMPUNK! AHH! OK, now that that's out of my system, let's talk Guns of Icarus Online. This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of the folks from Muse Games at PAX East to talk about the studio's upcoming steampunk-airship-battling title. The title is still in alpha testing, though it will be springing into the early stages of closed beta at some point in the next couple of weeks. At launch, the title will be focused on competitive, match-made PvP matches a la first-person-shooters.

But this is Massively, so let's talk MMOs. Strictly speaking, I'd have to say Guns of Icarus Online isn't one -- at least not yet. After the initial match-based "skirmish" mode of the game is released, the studio will continue to support it by slowly adding in "adventure" mode features. Adventure mode is more akin to a traditional MMO in that it provide a more open world for players to navigate and explore, tradeskill and economy systems, missions, towns, and settlements, all within a persistent world. While it remains to be seen whether the game will ultimately become a "true" MMO, this stylish foray into the steampunk/dieselpunk genres is definitely one to watch.

Massively's on the ground in Boston during the weekend of April 6-8, bringing you all the best news from PAX East 2012. Whether you're dying to know more about TERA or PlanetSide 2 or any MMO in between, we aim to have it covered!

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Guns of Icarus announces closed beta, details adventure mode originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pax-east-2012-tera-hands-on/
In the service of Massively's ongoing PAX East 2012 coverage, I spent some time today in and around the TERA booth, ogling the pretty trailers and getting a seat in a group press demo to tackle some fun high-end content in the form of a five-player encounter with an Argon boss. Read on for an overview of what I saw!

Gallery: TERA PAX 2012

Continue reading PAX East 2012: TERA hands-on

MassivelyPAX East 2012: TERA hands-on originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okay, now to do the dungeon part.
Many words come to mind when you mention Dungeons & Dragons, but "action" is not usually one of them. So at first glance, Neverwinter might seem like a bit of an odd beast. The game is meant as an action-based MMORPG that takes place in the distant future of the beloved Neverwinter Nights series; it's being developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment. While the game isn't yet in open testing, the early version was playable on the floor of PAX East, and we had a chance to sit down with Cryptic Studios to discuss the game's development.

I came to the show with no real expectations about the game beyond the fact that I knew the companies involved and was distantly aware of the game's development. I walked away more than a little impressed by what I had seen. However odd the collection of elements might seem, the game itself certainly piqued my interest.

Gallery: Neverwinter

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dungeons and Dragons Online concept art
Dungeons and Dragons Online players are in for a whole new world of adventure when Menace of the Underdark launches this summer. The expansion, due to release on June 25th, will send players into the Forgotten Realms to fight against the Queen of Spiders, Lolth. Executive Producer Fernando Paiz and Senior Producer Eric Boyer welcomed us into their lair... er, Turbine's booth... to talk about the upcoming expansion at this year's PAX East. Read on for our preview!

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Menace of the Underdark brings big changes to Dungeons and Dragons Online

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Menace of the Underdark brings big changes to Dungeons and Dragons Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlanetSide 2
"For me, it's such a compelling genre for anybody who's played it," SOE Creative Director Matt Higby said about PlanetSide 2's niche. "But that's the thing. There's not a lot of people who have played a MMOFPS, but the people who have are addicted."

Hibgy sat down with us at PAX East to promote SOE's upcoming sci-fi shooter, saying that it scratches two itches with one bird (or some other mixed metaphor). "I'm a competitive player; I love shooters," he said, "but I'm also a very social player and love the progression aspect of MMOs."

It's not as if the MMOFPS field is going to remain wide-open for very long. Competitors are rushing to mine this largely untouched market. Still, SOE has an advantage above the rest: It launched one of the first of its kind and has years of experience managing such a game. While we anxiously wait for word on PlanetSide 2's beta, we listened to Higby tell us why this title will continue the company's reign over the genre.

Continue reading PAX East 2012: A talk with PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby

MassivelyPAX East 2012: A talk with PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: The Old Republic - sith chick
We've been telling you about Star Wars: The Old Republic's 1.2 Legends patch for a while now. Thankfully we've finally got a release date to share as well. Actually, let's call it a release window, and let's call it next week, thanks to statements made by BioWare's James Ohlen at PAX East earlier today.

"We have our update 1.2 coming in the next week, and then after that, it's going to continue to roll out month after month. It's exciting," he told Boston-area convention-goers.

Ohlen's optimism springs from what's to come in SWTOR over the next few months. "The scope of our game updates in 2012 is going to be unimaginable. You're going to see so many changes and additions to the Star Wars Universe; it's going to be impressive," he said.

Massively's on the ground in Boston during the weekend of April 6-8, bringing you all the best news from PAX East 2012. Whether you're dying to know more about TERA or PlanetSide 2 or any MMO in between, we aim to have it covered!

MassivelyPAX East 2012: SWTOR 1.2 coming next week originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.21.2-patchbiowareconconventioneaelectronic-artsexpojames-ohlenlucasartspaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-exposci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorswtor-1.2swtor-legendsthe-old-republictorFri, 06 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: Defiance's first-ever combat trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/blast-into-action-with-defiances-first-ever-combat-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/blast-into-action-with-defiances-first-ever-combat-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/blast-into-action-with-defiances-first-ever-combat-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Defiance
PAX East is kicking into high-gear today. Studios are all over the floor showing off their latest trailers and demos, and Trion Worlds is no exception. The studio has just released a shiny new trailer focusing on the upcoming Syfy-Trion collaboration known as Defiance. For the first time since the title's announcement, players get to take a look at the game's frantic FPS combat.

The trailer takes players into the land of the United States' Bay Area, which is in the process of being terraformed by alien invaders, and it's up to humankind to stop them before it's too late. The video gives fans a glimpse of large-scale combat as dozens of characters storm a stronghold by foot, ATV, and humvee to bring the fight to the alien scum, guns blazing. Oh, and the aliens look like the kind of fellows you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley... or in a well-lit one, for that matter. Just check out those teeth! Load your weapons and get in the fight past the cut.

Massively's on the ground in Boston during the weekend of April 6-8, bringing you all the best news from PAX East 2012. Whether you're dying to know more about TERA or PlanetSide 2 or any MMO in between, we aim to have it covered!

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Defiance's first-ever combat trailer

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Defiance's first-ever combat trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatconconventiondefianceexpommofpspaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-exposyfytrailertrailerstrion-worldsvideovideosFri, 06 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This is a game about basketball.
Much like its predecessor, World of Warplanes is not a game with an ambiguous title. This is a game about planes, and not the sort that flies cargo from one point on the globe to another. If flying around and getting into aerial dogfights sounds like an unappealing concept to you, well, you can pretty much just exit stage left when you hear the name.

But the lack of subtlety in the name, however noteworthy, doesn't really say much about the game itself. Is it fun to play? Does it succeed in what it sets out to do? Really, is it just World of Tanks up in the air? I can't speak to the last one, but I can say that it definitely delivers on its stated design goals. This is a game all about maximizing the rush of an aerial fight and striking a balance between crafting an in-depth flight simulation and providing accessibility to those new to the genre.

Gallery: World of Warplanes

Continue reading PAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions

MassivelyPAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondesignexactly-what-it-says-on-the-tinexpof2pfeaturedflightflight-simulatorfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhands-onhistoricalimpressionsinterviewinterviewsopinionpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoplaneplanespreviewpreviewspvpscreenshotscreenshotswarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplaneswowpFri, 06 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Hi-Rez's new MOBA, SMITE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-hands-on-with-hi-rezs-new-moba-smite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-hands-on-with-hi-rezs-new-moba-smite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-hands-on-with-hi-rezs-new-moba-smite/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

SMITE
Move over, MOBAs -- there's a new kid in town. As PAX East 2012 rocks onward, Hi-Rez Studios is flaunting its newest upcoming title, the action-game-inspired MOBA SMITE. Today I got the opportunity to sit down with the game and get my face ground into the floor by the myriad more-experienced players with whom I played. But regardless of my utter incompetence, I still got some hands-on time with the title, so indulge me for a moment and let me tell you about it.

The basic layout of the game will be quite familiar to any MOBA player. It sticks to the tried-and-true formula set forth by Defense of the Ancients in almost every possible way. There are three lanes, each lined with a number of defensive towers, and the ultimate objective is to work in tandem with your teammates and allied NPC creeps with the goal of pushing through the towers and destroying the enemy's giant minotaur.

Wait, what?

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Hi-Rez's new MOBA, SMITE

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Hands-on with Hi-Rez's new MOBA, SMITE originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondotadota-likedotalikeexpofeaturedhands-onhi-rezhi-rez-studiosmobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenapaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expopreviewpreviewssmiteFri, 06 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: Cryptic shows new Neverwinter trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-cryptic-shows-new-neverwinter-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-cryptic-shows-new-neverwinter-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-cryptic-shows-new-neverwinter-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Neverwinter - when dragons attack
The first reveal of PAX East 2012 belongs to Cryptic and its Neverwinter title. The game began its life as a co-op RPG in 2010 but was then converted to a full-fledged MMO when Cryptic was acquired by Perfect World Entertainment last year.

If you're heading to the Boston convention, the game is playable on the show floor. If you can't make it, feast your eyes on the new CG trailer that we've got for you after the break, and look for our report on the game itself later this weekend.

Massively's on the ground in Boston during the weekend of April 6-8, bringing you all the best news from PAX East 2012. Whether you're dying to know more about TERA or PlanetSide 2 or any MMO in between, we aim to have it covered!

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Cryptic shows new Neverwinter trailer

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Cryptic shows new Neverwinter trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoconconventioncrypticcryptic-studiosdndexpof2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterneverwinter-trailerpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwetrailervideoFri, 06 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gdc-2012-the-secret-worlds-crafting-combat-and-cutscenes-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World
Funcom's hush-hush demo at last week's Game Developer's Conference was quite a bit of fun, even if the opening few minutes treaded perilously close to wince-inducing. The Secret World creative director Ragnar Tornquist kicked things off with a brief introduction, which was followed by a look at the game's character creation as experienced by a female Dragon-faction avatar.

Once that was complete, we got an eyeful of some opening cinematics, and I do mean an eyeful. If you've never watched a lesbian makeout scene alongside a half dozen sweaty male game journos (and a couple of pretty PR girls), well, let's just say that it's hilarious to think about now and fairly awkward to actually experience.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Secret World's crafting, combat (and cutscenes) revealed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infernal Dawn
Last week's GDC came at a perfect time for Trion. The conference overlaps perfectly with RIFT's one-year anniversary, and Producer Adam Gershowitz took us through some highlights of the past year as well as the current Carnival of the Ascended content. But he also gave a peek at what's planned for the future, not only showing off the new raid zone Infernal Dawn but also talking about the team's plans for some fan-favorites like the leaderboards, mentoring, and housing.

Gallery: Rift Update 1.8

Continue reading GDC 2012: RIFT's Adam Gershowitz talks raiding, mentoring, and housing

MassivelyGDC 2012: RIFT's Adam Gershowitz talks raiding, mentoring, and housing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitzcarnival-of-the-ascendedconconferenceconventionfantasyfeaturedgalleriesgallerygame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012housinginfernal-dawninterviewinterviewsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarascreenshotscreenshotstriontrion-worldsTue, 13 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Fighters Club Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-a-look-at-fighters-club-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-a-look-at-fighters-club-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-a-look-at-fighters-club-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

fighters club
There may be no Brad Pitt and bars of soap, but Fighters Club, an upcoming MMO from KOG Studios, has plenty of pugilistic power to make Jack a happy man. At GDC last week, Massively had a chance to see some of the action and talk to the team about its plans for beta and launch. If you're curious about Fighters Club, then tape up those knuckles, slip into some kick-boxing shoes, and let's get ready to rumble!

Gallery: Fighters Club Online

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Fighters Club Online

MassivelyGDC 2012: A look at Fighters Club Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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sevencore
If you're wondering what gPotato has been up to lately, the answer is, lots! At GDC, gPotato reps showed off not one but four titles, two of which are brand-new and on their way to beta. For Allods and Aika fans, there was plenty of news about the new game updates. Meanwhile, gPotato put on demos for Sevencore and Eternal Blade, which are both in production and are being prepped for release sometime later this year. Read on for a hands-on look at each of these titles!

Gallery: gPotato Gallery

Continue reading GDC 2012: gPotato showcases Allods, Aika, Sevencore, and Eternal Blade

MassivelyGDC 2012: gPotato showcases Allods, Aika, Sevencore, and Eternal Blade originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aikaallodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalconconferenceconventioneternal-bladef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgala-netgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gpotatointerviewinterviewssevencoreTue, 13 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 192: When it's ready]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massively-speaking-episode-192-when-its-ready/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massively-speaking-episode-192-when-its-ready/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/massively-speaking-episode-192-when-its-ready/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Diablo III
Massively Speaking Episode 192 recovers from the aftermath of last week's GDC, as Justin and Bree regain full mic privileges and prepare to sing a duet in celebration. In this episode, we wrap up the GDC craziness, talk about Diablo III's PvP circumcision, and celebrate the release of a couple of significant patches.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 192: When it's ready

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 192: When it's ready originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopconconferenceconsoleconsolesconventiond3ddodiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gothic-fantasyhumorjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmassively-speakingmultiplayeronline-multiplayeropinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsprius-onlineroguelikerpgsci-fisquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 13 Mar 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 192Massively.com Staff01:07:51podcasts<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What was your favorite GDC 2012 reveal?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-your-favorite-gdc-2012-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-your-favorite-gdc-2012-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-daily-grind-what-was-your-favorite-gdc-2012-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Moscone Center, San Francisco
Another Game Developer's Conference has come and gone, and Massively was there to bring you the most complete MMO-related coverage to be found on the 'net. There was a little something for everyone, and whether your taste runs to AAA MMOFPS titles or smaller indie sandbox affairs, the annual trade show featured tons of MMO news and views.

In addition to the demos and interviews, Massively also sat in on a couple of developer panels, and we managed to take a breather each morning to collect our thoughts via some impromptu podcast sessions. We also enjoyed some hands-on time with Funcom's hush hush The Secret World title, but unfortunately we can't tell you about that until March 15th. Today's Daily Grind is all about last week's convention, and the traditional question goes something like this: Which bit of GDC news was your favorite?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What was your favorite GDC 2012 reveal? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondaily-grindeventsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012opinionreal-life-eventstdgthe-daily-grindTue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Week in Review: GDC 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/mmo-week-in-review-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/mmo-week-in-review-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/mmo-week-in-review-gdc-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GDC 2012
At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

This week, Massively sent four MMO experts to the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California, so our usual Week in Review consists of a bit more than just the usual Star Wars: The Old Republic and World of Warcraft shenanigans! (Don't worry; it has those too.) Join us for a roundup of our best GDC coverage as well as the top non-GDC posts of the week. Maybe you'll see something you missed!

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: GDC 2012

MassivelyMMO Week in Review: GDC 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventionfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012joystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 11 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Frogster shows off Eligium: The Chosen One]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-frogster-shows-off-eligium-the-chosen-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-frogster-shows-off-eligium-the-chosen-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-frogster-shows-off-eligium-the-chosen-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Eligium concept art
At GDC, there is much to see and do. And one of the best things to do (besides try to win a really cool fuzzy hat) is to actually experience a game through a demonstration or even some hands-on play. I had the opportunity to do just that with one of Frogster's upcoming games. No, not that one; the other one. Ellen-Jane Austin, Country Manager UK, and Marco Neubert, Director Product PR, took me on a brief tour of Eligium: The Chosen One.

Although this game from Shanda Games Ltd. is pretty similar to other games in many respects, there are a few features that give it a unique flair, especially the virtue system, mounts, and my personal favorite, an ability to shape-change into a two-headed dragon!

Continue reading GDC 2012: Frogster shows off Eligium: The Chosen One

MassivelyGDC 2012: Frogster shows off Eligium: The Chosen One originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventioneligiumeligium-the-chosen-oneEllen-Jane-Austinfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012Marco-NeubertmountspetsShanda-GamesShanda-Games-LtdshapeshiftshapeshiftingSun, 11 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC 2012 logo
Like it or not, free-to-play is rapidly coming to dominate every corner of the gaming industry. While that's good on the surface, it also blurs the line between business and design, and it creates a lot of tension for both consumers and developers who are increasingly faced with the challenges inherent in separating monetary decisions from gameplay decisions.

One of the more interesting GDC 2012 round-tables featured Sony Online Entertainment executive producer Dave Georgeson, NCSoft publishing director Steve Levy, Perfect World VP John Young, GamersFirst monetization director Joe Willmon, and Digi-Capital Limited managing director Tim Merel, all of whom convened for a mind-meld on successfully migrating subscription games to F2P.

As you would expect, the panel was heavy on business-speak, but it also featured plenty of insight into the pricing phenomenon that has become the rule rather than the exception.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions

MassivelyGDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Line of Defense - Fighter banking over Frostbite base
"I didn't want to make another Derek Smart game because usually when you mention 'Derek Smart' and 'game', gamers tend to run in the opposite direction," Smart told us when we asked about Line of Defense.

That's quite a candid intro, and it set the stage for an interesting 40-minute interview that featured plenty of insights into 3000AD's latest offering. Smart, of course, has something of a notorious reputation in the online community, and while we won't go into that here, it is worth noting that he's focusing on the work and letting his game do the talking.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Forty minutes with Derek Smart and Line of Defense

MassivelyGDC 2012: Forty minutes with Derek Smart and Line of Defense originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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holy grail
What do dwarves and Monty Python have in common? They both feature prominently in Linda "The Brasse" Carlson's GDC 2012 talk about the front lines of the SOE community relations team. Given the recent roller coaster ride of the ProSiebenSat.1 deal and the turmoil on the forums that followed, I found it interesting to hear what it's like to be a member of the community management folks as they try to handle being in the middle of it all. While her talk was mainly aimed at community managers in other games, there were a few tidbits that players would probably find interesting and maybe even surprising. Read on for the highlights!

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassecarlsoncommunity-managementconconferenceconventiondominoemily-domino-tayloremily-tayloreqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012karen-bryanlinda-brasse-carlsonlinda-carlsonmonty-pythonopinionprosiebensat.1smedleaksmedleakssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 10 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Repopulation demonstrates world-building elements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/gdc-2012-the-repopulation-demonstrates-world-building-elements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/gdc-2012-the-repopulation-demonstrates-world-building-elements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/gdc-2012-the-repopulation-demonstrates-world-building-elements/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Repopulation screnshot
GDC literally has a little of everything, from indie developers to major studios, from free-to-play games to shooters to arena battles to retro to family... there really is something for everyone. As a massive fan of sandboxes myself, I was pleased to get to spend so much time with Above and Beyond Technologies' lead dev and co-owner Josh Halls and artist Kevin Grove as they demonstrated some of the features in their upcoming title, The Repopulation. (And I would have even spent longer if I could have!)

While I had a monopoly on the team's attention, I had the chance to see some of the customization available to characters, both in appearance and gear, as well as get the lowdown on the world building element. We actually walked through the building of a nation, a feature that will make many a sandbox fan giddy! Although Josh was quick to point out that only a few items were available at this point in development, there was certainly enough to get a feel for the system. And I am looking forward to it!

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Repopulation demonstrates world-building elements

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Repopulation demonstrates world-building elements originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiescharacter-customizationcitiescitycity-buildingcity-building gameconconferenceconventioncraftingcustomizationdemofeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012guildsinterviewinterviewsJosh-HallsJoshua-HallsKevin-Grovenationsplayer-run-economypreviewpreviewsrepopulationrole-playsandboxsandbox-gamesci-fistar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-repopulationSat, 10 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Wargaming.net on World of Warplanes, clan wars, and taking over the world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-wargaming-net-on-world-of-warplanes-clan-wars-and-ta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-wargaming-net-on-world-of-warplanes-clan-wars-and-ta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-wargaming-net-on-world-of-warplanes-clan-wars-and-ta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wargaming.net had a huge presence at this year's GDC, and why not? The firm is growing at an exponential rate, and we're not just talking about the fact that it has World of Warplanes and World of Battleships coming down the pike.

CEO Victor Kislyi told me that over the past year the firm has expanded to include 700+ employees and a global presence that features development centers in Kiev, Ukraine, and Russia. The firm's flagship World of Tanks title currently boasts 18 million players worldwide, and it is paving the way for the second and third entries in a World War II trilogy.

Its clan wars mode is also the starting point for a grand vision of military combat at the squad level.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Wargaming.net on World of Warplanes, clan wars, and taking over the world

MassivelyGDC 2012: Wargaming.net on World of Warplanes, clan wars, and taking over the world originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aviationclan-warsconconferenceconventionexclusivef2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012historicalintegrated-clan-warsinterviewplaneplanespvpvictor-kislyiwarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplanesworld-war-2world-war-iiwowpFri, 09 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 191: GDC Thursday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-191-gdc-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-191-gdc-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/massively-speaking-episode-191-gdc-thursday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Tribes Ascend
Massively Speaking Episode 191 is the last stand of the Massively GDC crew as they bravely recall their final experiences at the convention for you and their loved ones to cherish. It's been a whirlwind of a week, but many of the studios saved the best for last -- and we've got the scoop!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 191: GDC Thursday

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 191: GDC Thursday originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aikaallods-onlineauto-club-revolutionblueholebluehole-studiosbrantbrianna-royceconconferenceconventionen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfeaturedfighters-clubfighters-club-onlinegame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gpotatohero-enginehi-rezhi-rez-studioshumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcaststerathe-repopulationtribes-ascendFri, 09 Mar 2012 15:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 191Massively.com Staff44:42podcasts<![CDATA[GDC 2012: TERA's growth spurt and dynamic events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-teras-growth-spurt-and-dynamic-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-teras-growth-spurt-and-dynamic-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-teras-growth-spurt-and-dynamic-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA
"It's been a helluva year since we've been at GDC last," TERA Producer Chris Hager started, "and everyone wants to know what we've been doing for the past 365 days."

Thus began our time with En Masse at GDC, in which enthusiasm for the forthcoming TERA was positively infectious. Hager sighed happily as he reminded us of the title's May 1st launch date: "You have no idea how happy that makes me to be able to say that."

Just because a launch date is on the horizon doesn't mean that the hardest part is over for this crew. During this past month, the team's been running a closed beta test that's provided vital feedback for last-minute tweaks and preparations. "We've taken that feedback and it's helped us evolve TERA into the game we all want to play," Hager said.

So just what has En Masse been doing for the past year, and what has us most excited about getting our hands on a launched version of TERA? Read on to find out!

Continue reading GDC 2012: TERA's growth spurt and dynamic events

MassivelyGDC 2012: TERA's growth spurt and dynamic events originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioschis-hagerconconferenceconventionen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012teraFri, 09 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Bigpoint discusses the Game of Thrones MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-bigpoint-discusses-the-game-of-thrones-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-bigpoint-discusses-the-game-of-thrones-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-bigpoint-discusses-the-game-of-thrones-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Game of Thrones screenshot
The Game is coming.

It had to be said. And for fans of George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, that one little phrase elicits some powerful and mixed emotions: excitement (to actually wander about Westeros) and dread (will it actually be Westeros?). There was even a collective cringe among some Massively staff when the announcement was made that Game of Thrones was becoming an MMORPG. Could such a complex world translate well into the virtual realm? It made the transition to television pretty well in HBO's series, but a free-to-play browser-based MMO is a whole other beast.

We're pleased to say that fans of the books and the series can breathe a little easier and even look forward to the upcoming title becuse it's going to be gritty, it's going to be gory, and power will shift like the winds across the Dothraki Sea. Massively was able to sit down with Jorgen Tharaldsen (Producer at Artplant), Alan Dunton (Public Relations Director at Bigpoint), and Rob Ollett (Executive Producer at Bigpoint) to discuss details about what's coming.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Bigpoint discusses the Game of Thrones MMO

MassivelyGDC 2012: Bigpoint discusses the Game of Thrones MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combatalan-duntonArtplantBigpointbrowserbrowser-gamecash-shopconconferenceconventiondirectional-action-combatfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012game-of-thronesgdcgdc-2012george-r-r-martininterviewinterviewsitem-progressionjorgen-tharaldsenpolitical-systempreviewpreviewspvpRob-Ollettsandboxsiegesiege-systemsiegesFri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-firing-line-more-on-planetside-2-and-dust-514-from-gdc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 header
This week I was fortunate enough to chat up the developers on the two biggest MMOFPS titles of the year. Exactly what year that is remains to be seen, and after hearing Sony Online Entertainment use the word "alpha" quite a lot, I suspect that PlanetSide 2 may slip into 2013. And that's not a bad thing at all, by the way.

CCP's DUST 514, on the other hand, is surely coming in 2012. The devs will be doling out some long-awaited hands-on time with EVE's precocious little brother at Fanfest in a couple of weeks, and while DUST and PS2 share similar core gameplay, their target audiences (and the general feeling I get from each game) are completely different.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line's PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 redux originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DUST 514 - blown up tank
CCP has been incredibly coy about public testing for its DUST 514 MMOFPS, but last night the company revealed an upcoming April beta window in an exclusive interview with Gametrailers.

CEO Hilmar Petursson and CMO David Reid both gave the website a few interesting soundbytes as well as some long looks at DUST gameplay over the course of the eight-minute clip.

DUST isn't intended as an EVE Online replacement, nor does CCP expect huge numbers of EVE capsuleers to play the new shooter concurrently with its flying-in-space sandbox MMO. "It is really about providing this new gateway into the EVE universe for all the people who have been intrigued by it," Petursson said. "In April we'll open up the beta test we've been running since December of last year," he revealed.

Be sure to check out the full clip after the cut.

Continue reading DUST 514 beta starts in April, gameplay video released at GDC

MassivelyDUST 514 beta starts in April, gameplay video released at GDC originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaccpccp-gamesconconferenceconsoleconventiondustdust-514dust-514-betadust-betadust-beta-aprileveeve-onlinefpsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gameplay-videogdcgdc-2012internet-spaceshipsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlinetrailersvideoFri, 09 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 Hi-Rez Interview, Tribes release date
It's been a crazy week at GDC, and though I've already gotten the skinny on both PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514, there's more on the way when it comes to online shooter news. Yesterday morning I headed over to the Hi-Rez Studios booth on the main show floor, where COO Todd Harris had some exciting news to share with fans of the firm's Tribes: Ascend title.

The free-to-play shooter will officially launch on April 12th, and Hi-Rez has also released a new parody trailer that pays homage to Dead Island and shows off the perils of the dreaded "llama capture" (if you're a Tribes newb, just know that speed equals survival when it comes to flag-grabs).

Join me after the cut for some Tribes-related chit-chat as well news of new content on the way for Global Agenda.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondead-islande-sporte-sportsexclusivef2pfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playgagame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012global agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinterviewmmofpsonline-shootersci-fishooterspy-fithe-firing-linethe-firing-line-extrathe-firing-line-interviewsthird-person-shootertpstribestribes-ascendtribes-dead-islandtribes-release-datetribes-videovideoFri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A peek behind SWTOR's project management curtain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-a-peek-behind-swtors-project-management-curtain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-a-peek-behind-swtors-project-management-curtain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-a-peek-behind-swtors-project-management-curtain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Nal Hutta
GDC is often described as the most cerebral of the various gaming conventions. E3 has its big reveals and booth babes, PAX has its fan-friendly hands-on sessions and general geekery. GDC, though, is mainly by developers and for developers, and last night's BioWare panel was a good case in point.

The session ran for well over an hour (not counting a brief Q&A at the end), and it focused largely on the daunting management tasks inherent in a project like Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Continue reading GDC 2012: A peek behind SWTOR's project management curtain

MassivelyGDC 2012: A peek behind SWTOR's project management curtain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-production-managementconconferenceconventiondallas-dickinsoneaelectronic-artsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012lucasartsmanagementproductionproject-managementrich-vogelsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorswtor-productionthe-old-republictorThu, 08 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MechWarrior Online
The notion of strapping oneself into a massive battle robot chassis and duking it out with other 'Mechs appeals to the inner child in all of us (or it should), so it's hard not to feel a tingle of excitement when the makers of MechWarrior Online promise that we'll soon be able to do just that. We caught up with the Piranha Games crew at GDC to become one of the very first non-studio witnesses of MWO's in-game footage and to hear why this is a title that should be on all of our radars.

The team is filled with huge fans of the MechWarrior and BattleTech franchises, so the devs were eager to construct a proper MechWarrior title when Piranha got ahold of the license this year. The studio seized upon the free-to-play model early on as the best way to draw in as many potential 'Mech pilots as possible. It also snagged the CryEngine 3 to provide the best possible graphical fidelity for its product. Unfortunately, it's going to be hard to categorize MWO as "massively," as its non-persistent arena maps will host up to only 24 players in 12v12 fights.

Setting-wise, MechWarrior Online begins in 3049, but that date will keep tempo with the real-world calendar (so tomorrow it'll be March 9th, 3049, and so on). As events happen in the story according to the game's canon, the game will change to reflect that in real-time.

Read on to hear what the devs had to say about two of the game's four pillars: mech warfare and role warfare.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online

MassivelyGDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12v12community-warfareconconferenceconventionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012mechmech-warfaremechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemobamwopiranhapiranha-gamesrole-warfaresci-fiworld-of-tanksThu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST