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[EverQuest Online Adventures slays its final dragon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/everquest-online-adventures-slays-its-final-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/everquest-online-adventures-slays-its-final-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/everquest-online-adventures-slays-its-final-dragon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EQOA
EverQuest Online Adventures, the console spinoff of SOE's EverQuest franchise, is counting down the hours until the server is switched off at midnight tonight. In addition to EQOA, SOE is shuttering three other underperforming titles today: Cosmic Rift, Infantry, and Star Chamber: The Harbinger Saga.

Instead of spending its final days in sorrow, the EQOA community joined the dev team for a series of epic battles against marauding dragons this past week. Players have filled the forums with posts about their favorite in-game memories over the past nine years of gameplay. To compensate players for the loss of their game world, SOE gave EQOA subscribers three months of gold-level status in EverQuest and EverQuest II.

EQOA came out in 2003 on the PlayStation 2 and was one of the first generation of console MMOs. For those Massively readers feeling nostalgic or curious about it, definitely check out our series on the game: part 1, part 2, and part 3.

MassivelyEverQuest Online Adventures slays its final dragon originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelclosureconsoleconsole-mmoCosmic-Rifteqeq-iieqoaeverquesteverquest-iieverquest-onlineeverquest-online-adventuresInfantryplaystation-2ps2soesony-online-entertainmentStar-Chamber-The-Harbinger-SagasunsetsunsettingThu, 29 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-highli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-highli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-game-archaeologist-dials-up-phantasy-star-online-the-highli/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Phantasy Star Online
The Dreamcast was a brief but shining aberration in the gaming world. Coming along years after Sega had fallen out of its position as a top-runner in the console market, it represented the company's big attempt to reclaim its former glory. While it failed to succeed in that respect and ultimately closed up shop in 2001 (ending Sega's interest in the console market), the Dreamcast became a gaming cult favorite responsible for some of the most innovative titles ever made. Games like Jet Grind Radio, Space Channel 5, and Shenmue have remained fan favorites long after the Dreamcast's demise, which shows the legacy that these dev teams left behind.

But perhaps the Dreamcast's greatest gift to the gaming world wasn't crazy taxis or space dancing but a surprisingly forward-looking approach to online gaming. In 2000, the Dreamcast took the first steps to bringing an online console RPG to market, and while it wasn't a true MMO, it certainly paved the way for titles like EverQuest Online Adventures and Final Fantasy XI.

It was bold, it was addictive, and it was gosh-darned gorgeous. Ladies and gentlemen: Phantasy Star Online.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblue-burstchuchu-rocketconsole-mmodiablodial-updialupdreamcasteqoaeverquest-online-adventuresfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xigamecubeIsao-Okawajapan-game-awardjet-grind-radiomonster-hunterphantasy-star-onlinephantasy-star-online-2Phantasy-Star-Online-ver.2phantasy-star-universepsopso2psusegaShenmuesonicsonic-adventuressonic-teamsonic-the-hedgehogsonicteamspace-channel-5Takao-Miyoshithe-game-archaeologistthird-worldxboxyuki-nakaTue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 3 patch to require more disk space for Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/playstation-3-patch-to-require-more-disk-space-for-final-fantasy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/playstation-3-patch-to-require-more-disk-space-for-final-fantasy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/playstation-3-patch-to-require-more-disk-space-for-final-fantasy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI - Chocobo race
If you're playing Final Fantasy XI on your PlayStation 3, you might want to head to Gamer Escape to get the details on an upcoming hardware tweak.

The website reports that sometime in February, Sony will release a system update for the PS3 that will increase the hard drive space necessary to run the PlayStation 2 version of FFXI. PS3 models that feature 60GB and 20GB drives are the only units being affected, but it's worth noting because the FFXI client will require an additional 9GB of space after the patch (21GB total).

The PS2 version of FFXI isn't changing, nor is the Windows version, so don't sweat it if you're not playing the title on your PS3. If you are, though, the source article is worth a read. As of press time, Square-Enix hasn't divulged a reason for the space increase.

[Thanks to Andrew for the tip!]

MassivelyPlayStation 3 patch to require more disk space for Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmoconsolesfantasyffxi-ps3-hard-drive-spacefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xihard-drive-spaceplaystation-2playstation-3ps3sonysquaresquare-enixTue, 24 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard hiring Diablo III network engineer to work on consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/blizzard-hiring-diablo-iii-network-engineer-to-work-on-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Diablo III
As 2012 rolls in, many gamers are rejoicing that they might make it to a year that Diablo III actually releases. Blizzard's action-RPG will certainly be a hit on the PC, although console fans may have more hope today that Diablo III could reach the shores of their platform.

According to a job posting on Gamasutra, Blizzard is hiring a "Senior Software Engineer Console Network" to work on the Diablo team. It's a full-time position that will be in charge of designing and working on network systems for a console title. One of the requirements for the job is that the person have worked on a major Xbox 360 or PS3 title and have a good amount of experience with PSN and Xbox Live.

While this is not the first indication that Blizzard is working on a console version of Diablo III, it certainly lends credence to the notion that the company is actively working on it. The studio previously said that the title "is probably coming to consoles."

MassivelyBlizzard hiring Diablo III network engineer to work on consoles originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentconsoleconsole-mmodiablodiablo-3diablo-iiigamasutraplaystation-networkpsnsenior-software-engineer-console-networkxboxxbox-360xbox-liveThu, 29 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs' writer talks story in zombie MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/undead-labs-writer-talks-story-in-zombie-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/undead-labs-writer-talks-story-in-zombie-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/undead-labs-writer-talks-story-in-zombie-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Class3 - girl hiding from zombies
Don't look now, but there's another MMO jumping on the story bandwagon. This time it's Undead Labs' Class3 console game, and there's a new dev blog up on the title's official site that outlines writer Travis Stout's modus operandi.

Stout is a huge fan of the zombie genre, and that's a good thing given Class3's focus on the walking dead and the creeptastic atmosphere surrounding them. So what does Stout see as a writer's main mission when it comes to the upcoming MMO?

"Take the zombies out of the equation and be damn sure you've got a rock-solid story full of interesting, well-developed characters and exciting action," he explains. "Then put the zombies back in so those characters can smash their heads in with tire irons."

MassivelyUndead Labs' writer talks story in zombie MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-3class3console-mmoconsolesdev-blogdev-diaryfantasyhorrormmo-storymmo-story-zombiestravis-stoutundead-labszombiesMon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The memories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQOA
It's been a good month looking back at EverQuest Online Adventures, wouldn't you agree? Educational, almost. While this title is just about as far from the mainstream MMO eye as can be these days, it's heartening to know it's still out there, still running, and still capable of evoking fond memories from current and former players.

While we did attempt to contact SOE for an interview to see if we could find out anything new -- or even old -- about EQOA, it failed to materialize. As a wonderful consolation prize, however, this week we'll hear from three players who have extensive experience in the game. So let's hit this column running and equip our +2 Ears of Paying Attention!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The memories

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The memories originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-mmoeqoaeverquest-online-adventuresfeaturedfrontiersgriefermoomudmudsmushnorwaypalplaystationplaystation-2ps2soeSony-Online-Entertainmenttraintrain-to-zoneTue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The blogger]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EQOA
To tell you all the truth, the comments from last week's initial foray into EverQuest Online Adventures bowled me over -- I truly was not expecting so many players to be so passionate about the game! How cool is that? I hope that some of you send me in your EQOA stories to justin@massively.com so we can include them in next week's column.

Today I want to welcome Rick "Stoney" Stonebrook to our neck of the Massively woods. I remember finding Stoney's EQOA blog over a year ago and being so impressed that there was someone out there regularly updating a blog about this low-profile MMO. Stoney agreed to an interview about the game from a player's and blogger's perspective, so here goes!

The Game Archaeologist: Please introduce yourself and your blog! Why did you start blogging about EQOA?

Stoney: Well, I'm 24 and have lived in a lot of places in the past few years. I adopted the name Stoney when I started the blog, eqoa.wordpress.com, in October 2010. The purpose for the blog was simple: compile as much information about the game as I could find using various search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and YouTube. I hadn't played since 2005 and wasn't familiar with any new content. I had always wanted to return to the game. Thus the blog's goal evolved from a collection of memories to an effort to get people to return.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The blogger

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The blogger originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alchemistbetamaxblogbloggerconsoleconsole-mmoeqoaeverquesteverquest-online-adventuresexpansionf2pfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xifree-to-playfrontierfrontiersinterviewminidiscsplaystation-2playstation-3ps2ps3rick-stonebrooksocom-navy-sealssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstoneytgathe-game-archaeologistunderfootworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 15 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP reveals DUST 514 rapid deployment vehicle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ccp-reveals-dust-514-rapid-deployment-vehicle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ccp-reveals-dust-514-rapid-deployment-vehicle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ccp-reveals-dust-514-rapid-deployment-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Rapid deployment vehicle
What would a sci-fi shooter be without initials and military techno-jargon? Unusual, for starters, and though DUST 514 is more than your average kill-'em-all, it does share a love of equipment abbreviations with the rest of the genre. The latest such is the rapid deployment vehicle (or RDV), and the mobile monstrosity is the subject of CCP's latest PlayStation blog entry.

The RDVs are AI-driven, existing to deliver gear and other vehicles to players on the battlefield. The blog entry is heavy on lore details, and EVE Online veterans will recognize the RDV's manufacturer (Outer Ring Excavations) as the megacorp behind famous New Eden mining ships like the Hulk and the Orca.

MassivelyCCP reveals DUST 514 rapid deployment vehicle originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsole-mmoconsolesdustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterWed, 09 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/the-game-archaeologists-excellent-everquest-online-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EQOA
In the pantheon of Sony Online Entertainment's flagship EverQuest franchise, there is a whole family of MMOs gathered around the table every evening. There's Papa EverQuest, looking a little wrinkled and worn but also radiating fame and authority. Next to him is Mama EverQuest II, a powerful matron of entertainment if there ever was one. They look proudly down the table at a bassinet where Baby EverQuest Next lies, cooing as it grows into the future generation of this family.

Then, in the next room over is a cabinet. The cabinet is locked. Inside that cabinet is a weird abnormality that certainly looks like a member of the family, but he hasn't seen the light of day in quite some time. He subsists on the scraps of an aging console and the fading loyalty of fans, hoping against odds that one day he'll be allowed out for a stroll or something. His name is Cousin EverQuest Online Adventures, the EQ MMO nobody mentions.

EQOA is a strange abnormality in SOE's lineup. While it was one of the very first console MMOs and heir to the EverQuest name, it was quickly eclipsed in both areas by other games and left alone. Yet, against all odds, it continues to operate on the PlayStation 2, eight years and counting since its debut.

This month the Game Archaeologist will crack open that cabinet and give this interesting MMO a few weeks of attention and care. I think it's about time, don't you?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-adventureben-bellchurnclint-worleyconsole-mmodreamcasteqeqiieqoaeverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventureseverquest-online-adventures-frontiersexpansionfeaturedfinal-fantasy-xifrontiersnorrathphantasy-star-onlineplanetside-2playstation-2playstation-3ps2ps3psorod-humblesoesony-online-entertainmentthe-game-archaeologistvideoTue, 08 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 could be the PS3's 'most important game']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/dust-514-could-be-the-ps3s-most-important-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/dust-514-could-be-the-ps3s-most-important-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/dust-514-could-be-the-ps3s-most-important-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - lore concept art
Still miffed about CCP's decision to limit its DUST 514 MMOFPS to Sony's PlayStation 3 console? According to an article at Develop, the title is worth following anyway because it could be just what the doctor ordered in terms of bridging the gap between the PC and console gaming markets.

"The console space right now is where the PC was before the internet really kicked off," CCP's Thor Gunnarsson told Develop. "It is about to leap forwards and it won't look back."

Unlike traditional console games that may see an update or two (and in more recent years, a handful of downloadable content packs) before fading into obscurity, DUST will be built "iteratively in front of our community, with the same tight feedback loop as before," according to Gunnarsson. The ongoing attention, and the game's real-time connection with EVE Online, should allow for an engaging console experience to be found nowhere else.

It's not all roses, though, as Develop points out that console shooters are casual games almost by definition, while the EVE Online experience is anything but. Hit the source link to read the full article.

MassivelyDUST 514 could be the PS3's 'most important game' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoleconsole-mmoconsolesdustdust-514eveeve-onlinemmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenplaystation-3playstation3sandboxsci-fishootersonythor-gunnarssonTue, 25 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs Q&A touches on health bars, death mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/undead-labs-qanda-touches-on-health-bars-death-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/undead-labs-qanda-touches-on-health-bars-death-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/undead-labs-qanda-touches-on-health-bars-death-mechanics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Class 3 - ugly zombie dudes
Undead Labs has posted another question-and-answer session with fans of its upcoming Class 3 zombie MMO. The firm fielded a bunch of queries relating to healing, death, health bars, and assorted other topics.

"You'll have a health bar so you won't have to guess how much health you have, but zombies won't. While we could have opted to have no health bar for you too, we wanted to emphasize the survival aspect of the game by having the damage you take stick with you until you can heal up," the dev team says.

The Q&A also features some interesting tidbits about weight, fatigue and stamina, and the fact that zombies will respond to the noise generated by building survival structures (translation: Bring your duct tape). Read all about it at the official Undead Labs blog.

MassivelyUndead Labs Q&A touches on health bars, death mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-3class3console-mmoconsolesdeathgame-mechanicshealth-barshorrorundead-labszombiesSat, 22 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs moving right along with Class3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/undead-labs-moving-right-along-with-class3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/undead-labs-moving-right-along-with-class3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/undead-labs-moving-right-along-with-class3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Class3 - street corner with zombies or something, who knows
The end of September marked a graduation of sorts for members of the Undead Labs development team. The company's untitled maiden voyage has officially crossed the threshold from pre-production to in production, and a blog post on the firm's web site celebrates the milestone with something of a rah-rah speech from founder Jeff Strain.

"I'm blown away by how far we've come in such a short amount of time. Our task now as we move headlong into the production phase is to take this fun little gem and turn it into something we're proud to show the world," Strain wrote.

The gem he's referring to is currently known only by its Class3 codename. We do know that it's about zombies and that it's only for consoles. Aside from that, the title is shrouded in a fair bit of mystery. Strain's post also features a time-lapse video that shows off the game's CryEngine 3-powered time-of-day effects, and you can check that out after the cut.

Continue reading Undead Labs moving right along with Class3

MassivelyUndead Labs moving right along with Class3 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-3class3consoleconsole-mmoconsolescryengine-3cryengine3horrorjeff-strainpre-productionproductionrah-rahundead-labsvideozombieMon, 03 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Microsoft is 'the MMO graveyard']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/why-microsoft-is-the-mmo-graveyard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/why-microsoft-is-the-mmo-graveyard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/why-microsoft-is-the-mmo-graveyard/#commentsFiled under: , ,

True Fantasy Live Online
Anyone who's been following MMOs for any length of time will have come to the astute conclusion that Microsoft is not a fertile ground for the growth of such projects. In fact, in an opinion piece over at CVG, the author labels the company and Xbox Live as an "MMO graveyard" where good titles go to wither and die.

Citing MMOs such as Mythica and True Fantasy Live Online as evidence, CVG says that Microsoft's "inflexibility" became the company's biggest obstacle to seeing a title through to launch. Instead, MMO after MMO was canceled, transferred to other companies, or promised and forgotten. CVG says that there is enough evidence to suggest that Microsoft is unsure and afraid of the MMO model, and instead of doing its best to be accommodating to such projects, the company made it all but impossible for original projects or PC ports to come to fruition.

The article is a fascinating overview of the games and issues involved in Microsoft's approach to the MMO market, and ends with a handful of "hopefuls" that will prove that console MMOs can be done, and done well.

MassivelyWhy Microsoft is 'the MMO graveyard' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-mmoconsolescvgmicrosoftmmo-graveyardmythicaopiniontrue-fantasy-live-onlinexboxxbox-liveWed, 21 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Turbine working on console MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/rumor-turbine-working-on-console-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/rumor-turbine-working-on-console-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/rumor-turbine-working-on-console-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Internet scuttlebutt has it that Turbine is cooking up a console MMO codenamed Project Hendrix. A posting at GameSpot cites a Turbine job listing that seeks an engineer for an "unannounced online console project." The article also mentions the resume of one Josh Phelan, a Turbine employee who apparently mentioned the Hendrix title in his online resume (which has since gone dark).

Turbine's console aspirations are nothing new, as studio VP Craig Alexander hinted at such desires as early as 2009. Commenter speculation links the job listing to the mysterious Pottermore title, and given Turbine's acquisition by Warner Brothers (which also owns the Pottermore trademark), it's not unreasonable to suspect that the sorting hat could be getting ready to assign a Potter MMO to House Turbine.

Check out the details on GameSpot and let us know what you think in the comments.

MassivelyRumor: Turbine working on console MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmoconsolescraig-alexanderfantasygamespotharry-potterharry-potter-mmohendrixjosh-phelanmmo-industrypottermoreproject-hendrixrumorrumorsspeculationturbinewarner-broswarner-brotherswbMon, 20 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon's Dungeon Fighter Online coming to Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/nexons-dungeon-fighter-online-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The MMO console line-up just got a bit bigger thanks to the folks at Nexon and Softmax. The latter is porting the former's Dungeon Fighter Online beat-'em-up to the Xbox Live Arcade delivery platform, where the title will boast a freemium business model (meaning you download the client for free and pay for items and upgrades).

Nexon and Microsoft are splitting localization duties as the game will be released in eight languages worldwide. The console title -- Nexon's first -- will be exclusive to the 360. DFO features six character classes (with subclasses available at level 18) and further advancement possible at level 48 via an awakening quest.

[Thanks to Prime Synergy for the tip!]

MassivelyNexon's Dungeon Fighter Online coming to Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-mmoconsolesdfodungeon-fighterdungeon-fighter-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playmicrosoftnexonxblxblaxbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeThu, 24 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With the first month of DC Universe Online now in the past, the time has come for that all-important MMO decision -- is the game worth renewing? For some, the answer is no. The first major patch still has not dropped; it's meant to offer us many fixes and the new content we've been told is coming. Some players have hit the level cap and aren't interested in leveling alts or doing endgame content. Whatever each person's reason may be, the shine is wearing off for some.

Meanwhile, Hal Halpin, President of the Entertainment Consumer's Association, recently wrote a piece that presented another reason that some may not be renewing: Console gamers are feeling that Sony Online Entertainment has been less than open about the game's being locked to a single account. Many are upset about not being able to trade DC Universe Online in for another game now that their free month is up. His reasoning? "The problem, of course, is that console games are sold and the ownership conveyed, along with rights." There's only one flaw in that statement: This isn't anything new -- not even on consoles.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum

MassivelyAlter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmodc-universedc-universe-onlinedreamcastdude-wait-whatecaentertainment-consumer-associationentertainment-consumers-associationeulafeaturedhal-halpinlicenselicensesmmommorpgPlayStationplaystation-2playstation-3Playstation3ps2ps3reselling-gamessingle-usesoesony-online-entertainmentthe-ecatostrading-gamesSat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs reveals first release title, and it's not the zombie MMO [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/undead-labs-reveals-first-release-title-and-its-not-the-zombie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/undead-labs-reveals-first-release-title-and-its-not-the-zombie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/undead-labs-reveals-first-release-title-and-its-not-the-zombie/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Back in November 2009, ArenaNet co-founder Jeff Strain left the company to create a new development studio named Undead Labs. His plans included the development of a zombie-survival console MMO, an idea that has had fans of zombie apocalypse games excited ever since. In August 2010, Undead Labs graced the news once again when four more of ArenaNet's developers left to join the new studio and work on the upcoming zombie MMO. It wasn't long until we began to see the first details released of the impending zombie apocalypse, with a huge section in EGM Magazine. Most notable was the revelation that the game would be a console-only open-world sandbox.

Undead Labs unveiled its first officially planned release title today, and fans of the upcoming zombie MMO won't be disappointed. While the company's first release won't be the zombie MMO we all want so badly, the studio plans to first release a smaller-scale online zombie survival game on XBox Live Arcade. This game, code-named "Class 3" for now, will showcase the gameplay, setting and technology that will be used to develop the as-yet untitled zombie MMO. The team at Undead Labs plans to then use the game as a kind of training ground to help develop better gameplay experiences for the MMO that will follow. Although that means we'll have to wait a while to get our hands on that zombie-survival sandbox world we've all been dreaming of, the result should be a game that appeals more to players.

Jeff Strain, founder of Undead Labs, released the following statement: "Our mission is to create original online games that truly feel at home on the console platform, and Xbox 360 is a fantastic platform for online console gaming. We plan to create an ambitious open world XBLA game and use its gameplay, setting, and technology as the foundation for a full online world game."

[Update: Jeff Strain's also released a tongue-in-cheek "Rude Q&A" on Undead Labs' blog. It discusses the team's plans and goals for the new game as well as aims to stave off any misconceptions about both upcoming titles.]

MassivelyUndead Labs reveals first release title, and it's not the zombie MMO [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-mmohorrorjeff-strainopen-worldsandboxundeadundead-labsxblaxboxXbox-360Xbox-Live-Arcadezombiezombie-mmoThu, 03 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Bottle show]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/the-mog-log-bottle-show/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/the-mog-log-bottle-show/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/the-mog-log-bottle-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's a strange time in the Final Fantasy online world right now. For the first time in what seems to be a very long while, we don't know exactly what's coming next. Final Fantasy XIV has Naoki Yoshida's letter and poll, and Final Fantasy XI has the vague promise of another nine levels, but neither game has a future with any sort of clear-cut milestones right now. The next update on what to expect could come in a week, or it could come tomorrow. (Tomorrow for me, anyway. I'm writing this on Thursday; it's unlikely that much will happen on Sunday.)

While I made my predictions last week, and we'll see over the next year how accurate they are, I don't really know how many of those things will come to pass. And I have to wonder whether we're not the only ones who don't know what's waiting around the bend -- I think Square-Enix isn't totally sure what its next move is, because I think the past year has really forced a re-evaluation of some beliefs. I don't think it's a matter of cluelessness so much as not developing a plan B when plan A had worked up to this point, but I think plan A had only worked due to unique circumstances.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Bottle show

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Bottle show originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnconsoleconsole-mmofeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfuturefuture-plansopinionpopular-gamespopularitysquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logvacuumSat, 08 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Superman revealed in DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/superman-revealed-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/superman-revealed-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/superman-revealed-in-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You'd be hard-pressed to think of a more iconic superhero than Superman. The Man of Steel is instantly recognizable, the archetype that defines superheroes in every medium, a paragon of decency despite his titanic power. His presence has been felt in DC Universe Online for quite some time, and in a rather fitting turn of events, Sony Online Entertainment has decided to use the last weekend prior to the game's launch to reveal screenshots of Superman in action.

In addition to the concept sketch of the last son of Krypton and several neutral renders, the gallery shows off Superman fighting in a variety of environments, displaying both the range of his powers and the sheer level of power he operates at. While we can't promise that the most iconic hero in DC Universe Online will really ameliorate the wait until Tuesday's release, it might at least help take the edge off.

Gallery: DC Universe Online Superman reveal

MassivelySuperman revealed in DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With RIFT launching in the very near future, Trion Worlds is resting on its laurels and doing absolutely nothing... by which we mean the exact opposite. The team is looking for new staff to help develop the yet-unnamed action MMO created in partnership with SyFy, currently just named the "SyFy Action MMO." This in and of itself is good news for those who had thought the project had been abandoned, but it gets even more interesting when you realize that two of the jobs are targeting XBox 360 programmers.

Assuming that the game is targeting the 360 -- which seems likely under the circumstances -- it would join Final Fantasy XI as one of the only MMO options on the console. That would be a significant boon from a marketing perspective, as would the show/game integration promised back when rumors first began surfacing. The 360 programmers are not explicitly linked to the long-dormant game, but neither are they linked to the two existing games in Trion's stable. Although the job listing alone doesn't promise a future for the game, it's a step in the right direction for what might be a very different take on MMOs after all.

MassivelyTrion hiring for untitled SyFy action MMO, looking for XBox 360 programmers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoconsoleconsole-mmodevelopmentjob-listingsjobsmmo-developmentmmo-industrysyfysyfy-channeltriontrion-worldsxboxxbox-360Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs answers fan questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/undead-labs-answers-fan-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/undead-labs-answers-fan-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/undead-labs-answers-fan-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Undead Labs has published a list of reader questions (and a few select answers) regarding its zombie-themed console MMORPG currently in development. New community manager Emily Diehl checks in on the official Undead Labs website to bring us a wrap-up from the queries submitted on the game's forums.

The topics range from the title's shooting and aiming mechanics, to vehicle implementations, to its persistent qualities. Regarding this last bit, Undead Labs seems intent on putting to rest any notion that the game's console nature will result in anything less than a traditional open world experience. "This may seem like a no-brainer, but we're building an actual world. We want it to live, breathe, change and evolve over time, responding to the choices you make while immersed in it," the studio writes.

Check all the questions and answers on the game's official site.

MassivelyUndead Labs answers fan questions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmoconsolesemily-diehlhorrorin-developmentopen-worldpersistent-worldpost-apocalypticqaquestions-and-answersreader-questionsundead-labszombie-mmozombiesTue, 07 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Braaaaainssss: First details about Undead Labs' zombie MMO revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/braaaaainssss-first-details-about-undead-labs-zombie-mmo-revea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/braaaaainssss-first-details-about-undead-labs-zombie-mmo-revea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/braaaaainssss-first-details-about-undead-labs-zombie-mmo-revea/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's something about zombies and video games that bind geeks together in harmony, which is why we've been anxious to see what Jeff Strain's Undead Labs has in store for our favorite end-of-the-world scenario. Well drop your linen and start your grinnin', because Game By Night reports that EGM's latest physical issue (241.0) is chock-full of zombie goodness on the project.

The unnamed MMO is going to be console-only and will take place in today's world following a zombie apocalypse. Strain promises that the world will be dynamic and malleable -- think "sandbox" -- as players will build up defenses to protect settlements, lay down traps for the zombie horde and eventually take the fight to the undead. There may also be gardening (yup, you read that right).

A more dynamic world isn't the only cue from modern MMO development that Undead Labs is taking -- the game will skew more toward quick action-based fights than traditional MMO combat: "Banish the memories you have of the PC MMO paradigm for combat, and start thinking AAA console action game... weapons (like the M14 assault rifle or long-bladed machete) need to feel snap-fast and satisfying, to pierce bones and dismember limbs just so."

While the title is still in very early stages, EGM says that the team is looking to allow a more free-form character development, with players taking on specialty roles instead of being forced into rigid class constructs. You can read the full analysis over at Game By Night.

MassivelyBraaaaainssss: First details about Undead Labs' zombie MMO revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-based-combatassault-rifebecause-its-thriller-thriller-nightbreakingconsole-mmoegmgame-by-nightjeff-strainmachetesandboxundeadundead-labszombieWed, 06 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chris Cao claims DCUO will be the "ultimate superhero experience"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/chris-cao-claims-dcuo-will-be-the-ultimate-superhero-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/chris-cao-claims-dcuo-will-be-the-ultimate-superhero-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/chris-cao-claims-dcuo-will-be-the-ultimate-superhero-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The superhero MMO genre isn't as sparse as it used to be, but DCUO's Chris Cao isn't sweating the competition. In a recent interview with The MMO Gamer, DC Universe Online's creative director expresses supreme confidence that DCUO will be the one superhero title to rule them all. "It's just the ultimate superhero experience," he said. "You're not playing Batman this time. You are there with thousands of other players, working for and against him. That's never been done."

DCUO's simultaneous rollout to both the PC and PS3 was a significant part of the interview. Cao admits that he was attracted to the project specifically because it was going to be released for the console market as well, something he feels is largely unexplored territory.

Cao also discusses the relationship that his team built with DC proper during the game's development. Instead of being at odds with having thousands of player-run superheroes entering into the DC universe, DC worked hand-in-hand to both educate SOE's crew and help meld the comic book experience with the MMO. Cao shares one example of this: "In fact, just a couple weeks ago, Geoff Johns and I were talking, and we thought of a feature we wanted to put in, and he goes, 'No problem, we'll write it into the comic books. So now it's instant canon.' I don't think you can get much better than that."

You can read the full interview over at The MMO Gamer.

MassivelyChris Cao claims DCUO will be the "ultimate superhero experience" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanBOKAOOOWWWWchris-caoconsoleconsole-mmodcdc-universe-onlinedcuogreen-lanterninterviewps3soeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-mmo-gamerTue, 17 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SDCC 2010: Up, up and away at the DCUO panel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/sdcc-2010-up-up-and-away-at-the-dcuo-panel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/sdcc-2010-up-up-and-away-at-the-dcuo-panel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/sdcc-2010-up-up-and-away-at-the-dcuo-panel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Are you pumped for DC Universe Online after watching the recent "Who Do You Trust?" trailer or our own interview with John Smedley? We can hardly blame you -- it's tough being a superhero waiting in the wings. While we count down the days until its November 2nd launch, there's a lot more DCUO goodness to be had.

Massively was on hand at the DCUO panel at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, where Jens Andersen, Chris Cao, Marv Wolfman, Jim Lee and Mark Hamill (who is reprising his voice work as the Joker) were on hand to answer questions about DC's upcoming title. Hit the jump for the full skinny on time travel, heroes, villains and Bat-shark repellent.

Continue reading SDCC 2010: Up, up and away at the DCUO panel

MassivelySDCC 2010: Up, up and away at the DCUO panel originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambush-bugbackstorybainiacbat-shark-repellentBatman-Arkham-Asylumchris-caoconsole-mmodcdc-universe-onlinedcuodemented-clownfeaturedgreen-lanternjens-andersenjim-leejohn-smedleyjokerlex-luthormark-hamillmarv-wolfmanplaystation-plusPlaystation3ps3san-diego-comic-consdcc-2010soeSony-Online-Entertainmentsupermanthe-flashtime-traveltrailerwho-do-you-trustwonder-womanTue, 27 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive interview with SOE's John Smedley on the DCUO preorder and beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/exclusive-interview-with-soes-john-smedley-on-the-dcuo-preorder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/exclusive-interview-with-soes-john-smedley-on-the-dcuo-preorder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/exclusive-interview-with-soes-john-smedley-on-the-dcuo-preorder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MMO players looking forward to DC Universe Online got lots of exciting news earlier this week with the announcement of preorder bonuses and beta signups for the game.

As always, fans had plenty of questions as well as a few concerns here and there. We had some questions of our own here at Massively, so we went straight to the source. Sony Online Entertainment President John Smedley took some time to sit down and chat with us, and we covered plenty of ground.

John gave us new closed beta details, discussed the PlayStation 3/PC crossover, and even gave some hints at possible upcoming content! Follow along after the jump to see what he had to say.

Continue reading Exclusive interview with SOE's John Smedley on the DCUO preorder and beta

MassivelyExclusive interview with SOE's John Smedley on the DCUO preorder and beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betaconsole-mmodc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedinterviewjohn-smedleyPlaystation 3Playstation3pre-orderpre-order-bonuspre-order-bonusespreorderps3soeSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 21 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What Atari 2600 game would you like to see as an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/the-daily-grind-what-atari-2600-game-would-you-like-to-see-as-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/the-daily-grind-what-atari-2600-game-would-you-like-to-see-as-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/the-daily-grind-what-atari-2600-game-would-you-like-to-see-as-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For many of us old school gamers, the Atari 2600 was the first gaming console on which we cut our teeth -- literally. Mom said that chewing the wood panel sides would cause splinters, but oh! How good it did taste!

Of course, there were games on the system to be enjoyed as well, and many of us have fond memories of plugging away at Space Invaders, jumping the crocodiles in Pitfall, running from Evil Otto in Berzerk, and assembling the phone in E.T. OK, I lied, nobody has fond memories of E.T. Still, Atari 2600 titles (and other games from that era) had a certain bizarre lunacy to them and a charm that couldn't be denied. Perhaps this is why they endure through retro gaming to this day.

Engage with us on a flight of fancy, then, and tell us: What Atari 2600 game would make for a fine -- or, heck, interesting -- MMO? Would it be the thrilling vistas of Adventure? The heated PvP battlegrounds of Warlords? The fruit-stained corridors of Pac-Man? Or even the elegant simplicity of Combat?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What Atari 2600 game would you like to see as an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureatariatari-2600berzerkcombatconsoleconsole-mmoetet-phone-homeevil-ottoevil-otto-pwns-your-soulpac-manpitfallspace-invaderswarlordsWed, 21 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV not due for the Xbox 360 according to Hiromichi Tanaka]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/final-fantasy-xiv-not-due-for-the-xbox-360-according-to-hiromich/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/final-fantasy-xiv-not-due-for-the-xbox-360-according-to-hiromich/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/final-fantasy-xiv-not-due-for-the-xbox-360-according-to-hiromich/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI isn't just one of the only console MMOs in existence, it's also the most successful of the lot, due in part to the wide spread of available platforms. Since the game has long been playable on the Xbox, there were several Final Fantasy XIV fans (or Xbox 360 owners) hoping it would eventually come out on that console as well. But it's not happening, and according to a recently translated interview from 4players.de, the reason rests squarely with Microsoft.

When asked in an interview why Final Fantasy XIV wasn't appearing on Microsoft's console, Hiromichi Tanaka explained that Microsoft was unwilling to work with Square-Enix to deal with the Xbox Live setup. As he put it, it seemed the company made a one-time exception with Final Fantasy XI to get the console in people's minds as an online platform, but now that it's established the gates are closed. There are currently no plans to adapt the game for the console, but it will still be coming out for the PC in late September, with a Playstation 3 release due at some point after that. Check the interview here (if you can read German), and the translated highlights can be found here.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV not due for the Xbox 360 according to Hiromichi Tanaka originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmoconsole-mmosconsolesdevelopmentffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivhiromichi-tanakainterviewsmicrosoftplaystation-2playstation-3squaresquare-enixtranslationsxboxxbox-360xbox-liveMon, 12 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bioware: TOR not coming to consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bioware-tor-not-coming-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bioware-tor-not-coming-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bioware-tor-not-coming-to-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Itching to play BioWare's upcoming Star Wars opus on a console? You'd better buy some cream for that, as it likely won't be happening anytime soon. Daniel Erickson, lead designer and story writer on The Old Republic, recently told CVG that no one at the famed RPG-maker is working on a console port.

"There was not a question when we started Old Republic - or any of our games, for that matter - [what the lead format would be]. There's a reason the lead SKU for Dragon Age was PC as well. When we're developing an RPG, it's a natural place to be," Erickson said.

Unlike many developers who hint at console versions and rarely deliver, Erickson says BioWare hasn't even discussed the option. "There is nobody anywhere in BioWare laying the groundwork for that because we have a very large complicated game to ship first," he said.

MassivelyBioware: TOR not coming to consoles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareBioware-MMOconsole-mmodaniel-ericksonps3Star-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicXbox-360Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Twisted Pixel working on Turbine's console MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/26/rumor-twisted-pixel-working-on-turbines-console-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/26/rumor-twisted-pixel-working-on-turbines-console-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/26/rumor-twisted-pixel-working-on-turbines-console-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ever since we learned that Turbine's been dabbling in console game development, our speculation has run amok as to what that game might be. A Harry Potter MMO? Another Lord of the Rings title? A DDO port?

While we could be waiting a while longer to discover what the name of the title, Twisted Pixel Games seems to be a partner in this process. On their games page, the company state that they've finished working on an "unannounced console MMO" for Turbine. Twisted Pixel is a hire-for-contract console developer with a handful of XBLA titles under its belt as well as Blitz: The League II. Twisted Pixel claim to have helped, and that their part is finished, but they are otherwise mum on the project.

Still, it's great to hear that another Turbine game is on its way, and hopefully we'll hear more soon. The full statement is in the graphic above.

[Thanks Sam!]

MassivelyRumor: Twisted Pixel working on Turbine's console MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blitz-the-league-2breakingconsoleconsole-mmoddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineharry-potterlord-of-the-rings-onlinerumorturbinetwisted-pixelTwisted-Pixel-GamesxblaSat, 26 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeff Strain weighs in on console-specific MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/jeff-strain-weighs-in-on-console-specific-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/jeff-strain-weighs-in-on-console-specific-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/jeff-strain-weighs-in-on-console-specific-mmos/#commentsFiled under: ,

We might not hear much from him, but Jeff Strain is still hard at work at Undead Labs. We know his project is going to be a console zombie MMO, and the latest blog entry explores the overall advantages of console MMOs.

Jeff points out the cold reception given to the concept of console FPS games way back when, likening it to the skepticism that console MMOs are receiving these days. His feeling is that there are some exciting opportunities for consoles in the MMO market, and points out several in detail. Freedom of movement, an invisible interface, vehicle combat, and a destructible environment are just a few of the things he thinks consoles could add to the MMO world.

It's an interesting look at what console MMOs could achieve -- take a look at the full post and see what you think.

MassivelyJeff Strain weighs in on console-specific MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmojeff-strainundead-labszombie-mmoSun, 06 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What project would you like to see your favorite studio tackle next?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/the-daily-grind-what-project-would-you-like-to-see-your-favorit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/the-daily-grind-what-project-would-you-like-to-see-your-favorit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/the-daily-grind-what-project-would-you-like-to-see-your-favorit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Speculation and wishful thinking inevitably collide at the junction of studios and future MMOs. When we become rabid fans of a particular MMO studio we want them to succeed -- and not only with current games, but by expanding their portfolio into other titles as well. This is apparent when we eagerly grasp at even the barest hint of a rumor of a new studio MMO, as we've seen with NCSoft (City of Heroes 2?), Cryptic (Neverwinter Nights?), Blizzard (Call of Duty MMO?) and Turbine (console MMO?).

So pushing rumors aside to engage in the ultimate wish fulfillment, if you could select a project for your favorite MMO studio to take on, what would it be? Would you want to see them snag a popular IP that's remained untouched in online space up to this point? Would you like to see them expand into other markets than PC, such as mobile or console games? Would the studio be wise to greenlight a project that is radically different in both scope and business model than anything they've done before? If wishes were magical sparkle ponies, what project would you like to see your favorite studio tackle?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What project would you like to see your favorite studio tackle next? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcall-of-dutycity-of-heroesconsole-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosmagic-sparkle-ponyncsoftneverwinter-nightstdgthe-daily-grindturbineWed, 21 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon MMOs not coming to Mac or consoles any time soon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/nexon-mmos-not-coming-to-mac-or-consoles-any-time-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/nexon-mmos-not-coming-to-mac-or-consoles-any-time-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/nexon-mmos-not-coming-to-mac-or-consoles-any-time-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

There's been quite a bit of talk coming out of Nexon from the time of the GDC -- revealing two games, more news on the venerable MapleStory, and even a developer initiative announced shortly before the conference. But if you were waiting for the other shoe to drop, there is one after a fashion, because the company still has no plans to develop anything for the Mac or for consoles. Both Vindictus and Dragon Nest are apparently popular choices for players to request on consoles, but according to Nexon America vice president Min Kim, neither one is planned for development for the console platform.

Kim went on to explain that his company's base of operations in Korea meant that Mac support was a distant afterthought at best -- the market for non-PC games in Korea is minimal. Of course, in both cases he said that the support is something they would like to expand to eventually, but for now there's just not enough reason to expand. Which is sad news if you're one of the many users who prefer a fruit-based computer, especially with more and more games expanding to be playable on any platform.

[Thanks Tracey!]

MassivelyNexon MMOs not coming to Mac or consoles any time soon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmoconsolesdevelopmentdevelopment-plansdragon-nestgdc-2010koreamacmac-mmomaplestorymin-kimnexonnexon-americavindictusMon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What could the PS3 bug mean for console MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/what-could-the-ps3-bug-mean-for-console-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/what-could-the-ps3-bug-mean-for-console-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/what-could-the-ps3-bug-mean-for-console-mmos/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're a PS3 owner, you probably already know about the difficulties surrounding the PS3 Phat consoles as of late. You're probably also wondering why we are talking about this here at Massively. Well, the problems that began this weekend left many players unable to log into the Playstation Network, rendering certain games unplayable. Games like MAG. We're betting the MAG population is looking a bit sparse right now.

Earlier today, Sony warned owners of the affected consoles to shut them down and leave them alone for the next 24 hours, while they work to repair the bug with the internal clock that's causing the problem. While it's great that Sony has isolated the problem and is working to repair it, it leaves us with some food for thought.

MMO developers are beginning to turn an eye to the console market, and this incident highlights a potential significant weakness. PCs rely almost entirely on software and individual hardware when it comes to gaming. It's the rare MMO gamer who doesn't know how to open his or her tower and create a custom machine. Consoles don't work like that. If a bad update comes down or there is some sort of internal glitch (with the internal clock, for example), everyone who owns that particular console is going to get it because everyone has the same hardware. That, in turn, will affect everyone trying to play an MMO from their console.

While this doesn't mean mass hysteria and the doom of the console MMO market, hopefully it will serve to alert MMO developers to a problem that they can address before it moves from "potential" to "actual".

In the meantime, here's a little something to look at while you wait for your PS3 to come back to the land of the living.

MassivelyWhat could the PS3 bug mean for console MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Breakingconsole-mmohomeinternal-clock-bugmagmassive-action-gameplaystation-3playstation-homePlaystation3ps3ps3-fatps3-phatsodium-oneSONYMon, 01 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming MMO from Blueside also in development for Xbox360]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/upcoming-mmo-from-blueside-also-in-development-for-xbox360/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/upcoming-mmo-from-blueside-also-in-development-for-xbox360/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/upcoming-mmo-from-blueside-also-in-development-for-xbox360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We know Korean developer Blueside for Kingdom Under Fire, as well as the hush-hush project they've been working on for a while, an MMO known by the name of "Project T."

Given that Kingdom Under Fire is a sequel to the 2001 Xbox title Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders, it should come as no surprise that Blueside is taking a similar approach with the mysterious Project T. Not only will Project T be released for the PC, but we've also gotten word that an Xbox360 version is coming as well.

A recent Korean job listing specified that the company needs people with experience on commercial MMOs, and specifies that the MMO is in development for both platforms.

Details on Project T are still very scarce, and confirmation that Blueside is planning to join the emerging trend of console MMOs is the most we've heard for a while. We'll keep an eye out for more details!

MassivelyUpcoming MMO from Blueside also in development for Xbox360 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluesideconsole-mmoconsole-mmo-gameskingdom-under-fireproject-txbox 360xbox-360-mmoxbox-mmoXbox360Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The elusive breed of the console MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/the-elusive-breed-of-the-console-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/the-elusive-breed-of-the-console-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/the-elusive-breed-of-the-console-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Much like the Loch Ness Monster, the console MMO is a rarely-seen creature which nevertheless has captured the imagination of many. (Unlike the monster, console MMOs are not admitted hoaxes perpetuated by willing disbelief and a lakeside town's need for tourist revenue.) We've yet to see much progress made toward console MMOs, despite the huge available market (see also: China) and the increasingly robust hardware of consoles. Even more notable is the fact we've already seen publishers promising the game for consoles without it happening, with Age of Conan and Champions Online being the biggest offenders. What's the problem?

Syp recently asked and tried to answer this very question, noting that most of the problems come from the console hardware, both its short lifespan and lack of several input devices. Still, it hasn't stopped many from playing and enjoying Final Fantasy XI on the Playstation 2, nor does Sqare-Enix seem worried about placing Final Fantasy XIV on a console. The lifespan of consoles can also be somewhat elastic -- almost anyone who plays console games holds on to their systems longer than their market lifespan. Gordon at We Fly Spitfires believes it may be a split in audience, since computers are more ubiquitous than consoles -- but computers capable of serious gaming are far less common than the PS2. Whether a hardware issue or one of audiience, the breed remains elusive, though the subject of far fewer undewater searches and TV specials than the aforementioned lake monster.

MassivelyThe elusive breed of the console MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbio-breakchampions-onlinecoconsole-mmoconsolesffxiffxivfinal-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivloch-nessloch-ness-monsteropinionsypwe-fly-spitfiresTue, 19 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: MAG]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/first-impressions-mag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/first-impressions-mag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/first-impressions-mag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's a technical marvel, really, to be able to shoot at 256 people at once. Very few games have been able to get this many players into one enclosed space, and even fewer have been able to do it without having everything lock down in lag. But Zipper Interactive's MAG is taking the bull by the horns and is following in the footsteps of games like PlanetSide to deliver a true "war" experience to the PS3.

With the impending release of MAG to the shelves of stores everywhere, my editor wanted me to get down to the front lines of combat and find out what the fuss was all about. To that end, I've joined up with Shadow Raven Industries to get a taste of the combat that MAG has to offer. Follow after the break, and let's break down how this "Massive Action Game" plays out.

Continue reading First Impressions: MAG

MassivelyFirst Impressions: MAG originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>256-playersconsole-fpsconsole-mmofirst-impressionsmagmassive-action-gamemmofpsraven-industriesshadow-raven-industriesshadow-warzipper-interactiveTue, 12 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony launching MMO for PlayStation Home]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/sony-launching-mmo-for-playstation-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/sony-launching-mmo-for-playstation-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/sony-launching-mmo-for-playstation-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sony is adding an MMO to the ranks of games currently offered on PlayStation Home. Sodium One launches today and is a sci-fi themed game involving a variety of games and community events. Players will begin their experience in Sodium One with VICKIE, an NPC who is responsible for assigning quests. The first game is "Salt Shooter" (Are we sensing a theme here?), and sends you off in a tank to fight robots.

Sony has adopted a pricing structure that is becoming increasingly familiar: free-to-play to a point, with the option to break out the credit card and purchase more in an a la carte system. You can play the first five levels free, and additional items are available for purchase to help you advance beyond that.

The game launches today for PlayStation 3 owners who have a PlayStation Home account -- just look for the teleporter in the PlayStation Home Central Plaza and you're on your way.

MassivelySony launching MMO for PlayStation Home originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmosalt-shootersodium-oneSONYsony-playstation-3sony-playstation-homeThu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview with Undead Labs' Jeff Strain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/interview-with-undead-labs-jeff-strain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/interview-with-undead-labs-jeff-strain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/interview-with-undead-labs-jeff-strain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last month we heard about Jeff Strain's new studio Undead Labs, and his upcoming zombie MMO. In the wake of that exciting announcement, Kill Ten Rats was lucky enough to spend some time with Jeff in an interview.

They covered quite a few important questions: fast zombies or slow ones, why it's best to hide in a Costco in the event of a zombie apocalypse, those darn velociraptors, and why so many development companies are in Seattle.

Oh, yes, they also talked about gaming. Jeff covered some interesting points on the complexities of console MMO gaming -- the lack of a keyboard seems to be the biggest issue -- as well as how much he loves the term "MMO" (not really). Jeff also gave due respect to World of Warcraft, and even managed to toss in a "shameless plug" for Guild Wars 2. The full interview is well worth your time, and can be found here.

MassivelyInterview with Undead Labs' Jeff Strain originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmoGuild-Wars-2jeff-strainkill-ten-ratsundead-labsworld-of-warcraftzombiesWed, 16 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft reconsiders console MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/ncsoft-reconsiders-console-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/ncsoft-reconsiders-console-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/ncsoft-reconsiders-console-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The concept of console MMOs is not a new one, particularly to NCsoft. They've gone down this road before, and now it looks like they're giving it another shot. NCsoft PR team leader Jin-Won Yun spoke to Gamasutra at G*, and talked a bit about their plans. "After we finished Aion, we started thinking about what it would take to make an MMO come to consoles. We're testing that possibility. We're not in the development process yet, but we're in the thinking and planning stages."

Yun also stated that they are considering a multi-platform MMO, following in the steadily successful footsteps of Final Fantasy XI, but that it's only one path they are considering -- they're keeping their options open at this point. NCsoft doesn't have a strong console userbase in Korea, which can make it hard to study and analyze user patterns there during development, but also has the potential to be a wide open market for them.

MassivelyNCsoft reconsiders console MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionconsole-mmofinal-fantasy-xig-starjin-won-yunncsoftTue, 01 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AGDC09 Breaking: Turbine confirms console MMO in the works]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/agdc09-breaking-turbine-confirms-console-mmo-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/agdc09-breaking-turbine-confirms-console-mmo-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/agdc09-breaking-turbine-confirms-console-mmo-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

During his talk at AGDC entitled "MMOs to Consoles -- Challenges, Opportunities, Emerging Trends," Turbine's Craig Alexander, the VP of project development for the company, has confirmed that they are working on a console MMO.

The project has been in Turbine's production house for a year and a half now, and the staff is actively seeking to launch the title on Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles. Turbine does also have plans to develop for Wii in the future, although they did not go any further into that topic. Over 20 million dollars has been spent on developing the platform for this title. The targeted release date for this project is early 2011.

Craig also said during the speech that he believes that consoles will eventually pass PCs in the MMO market, making this a lucrative endeavor. He also hinted briefly at a free to play subscription model, saying that MMOs should have "minimum friction to access."

Turbine has said in the past that they will completely confirm their console MMO plans in early 2010, but speculation is still in the air as to if this is a brand new IP, or perhaps one of their former titles repackaged for the console. (Edit: Craig has now said, and we quote, "Under no circumstances should you attempt to port a title." This now looks to be a brand new console IP for Turbine.)

We'll keep this post updated with new information as we receive it.

Gallery: AGDC09: Turbine talks consoles

MassivelyAGDC09 Breaking: Turbine confirms console MMO in the works originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdcagdc-2009breakingconsole-mmoconsolescraig-alexanderddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroplaystation-3ps3turbinex360xbox-360Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:15:00 EST