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[EVE Evolved: New tools for the community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/eve-evolved-new-tools-for-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/eve-evolved-new-tools-for-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/eve-evolved-new-tools-for-the-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Earlier this week, CCP Games released a much-needed complete overhaul of the official EVE Online website. Having been in operation for nine long years, the old website had become a mismatch of marketing information aimed at new players and tools for the existing player community. The overhaul split the page into two awesome websites, with a new community site to cater to existing players and an impressive new main page to attract future players.

The main page uses HTML 5 to deliver incredible interactive views of the EVE Online galaxy and dozens of in-game ships right there on the website. The community website houses all of the news, devblogs, knowledgebase articles, fictional chronicles, and support tools that existing players use, but with a much neater layout than the old website. In web developer CCP Alice's recent In Development video, she revealed that the team would be working on new community tools following the launch of the new websites. With the community site completely de-cluttered, there's now room to incorporate a lot of the tools players want or currently use, opening up some interesting possibilities.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I discuss the new EVE Online website and community portal and speculate on awesome new community tools we might possibly see in the future.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: New tools for the community

MassivelyEVE Evolved: New tools for the community originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescorpcorporationdotlanefteveeve-evolvedeve-fitting-tooleve-onlineevemonfeaturedforumforumsgame-designguildguild-forumshtml5icscincarnamapmarketmarketingopinionsandboxsci-fitoolswebsiteSun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online has undergone countless changes and iterations since its first release in 2003, with major graphics overhauls and new gameplay systems arriving every year. In contrast, the official EVE website hasn't changed much over the years. With background information, screenshots, video, forums and knowledgebase articles, the EVE website now juggles content designed for prospective players and existing community members alike. CCP aims to change all that with a complete overhaul that will split community tools like the forums, knowledgebase, and account management from marketing designed to attract players.

In a new video devblog, web-developer CCP Alice shows off some of the features of EVE's brand new website. Built using HTML 5, the new page will feature a full built-in renderer able to show prospective players the EVE Online universe map and interactive renderings of every ship in the game. "Now that we have a better eveonline.com, the focus after this one is to focus on the community," says CCP Alice, hinting that new community tools will soon be on the way. In a follow-up devblog today, Community Manager CCP Guard confirmed that players will soon be able to start their own corporation forums hosted on CCP's servers. Check out the full video after the cut.

Continue reading EVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog

MassivelyEVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-aliceccp-gamesccp-guardcommunitycommunity-sitecorporationcorporationsdevblogeveeve-onlineforumforumsguildguild-forumsguildssandboxsci-fivideoWeb-DevelopmentwebsiteTue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Corporate benefits and new players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/eve-evolved-corporate-benefits-and-new-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/eve-evolved-corporate-benefits-and-new-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/eve-evolved-corporate-benefits-and-new-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In a recent article, I explored the effect that power players have on EVE Online's subscription retention. In particular, I suggested that CCP has stopped developing features with EVE's power players in mind and that this could be the cause of a worrying downward trend in new player retention. It's the responsibility of corp leaders and organisers to give players a place in EVE, to provide them with something to do and to instill them with the ambition to continue playing in the long term. I believe that CCP has let those organisers and leaders down by failing to provide the updated tools necessary to give players a purposeful place in the universe or give them a good start to the game.

A similar issue I've touched on before is the importance of corporate goals in EVE. I've always been amazed at the willingness of EVE players to donate their time and effort to achieve a collective goal rather than a personal one. People are far more likely to join a corporate mining op, for example, if the proceeds will be donated to the corp funds or the minerals will be used in a corp production scheme. Similarly, I've found players to be much more enthusiastic about a mission night or wormhole op if the intent is to fund the production of a corp capital ship or the purchase of starbase fuel.

With CCP's summer focus aimed at helping new players get into good corporations, this week's opinion-filled EVE Evolved examines some of the developments necessary to make that goal possible.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Corporate benefits and new players

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Corporate benefits and new players originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benefitsblueprintblueprintsccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-universityfeaturedfree-shipsgoalsguild-perksmanufacturingmotivationnew-playernew-player-experiencenew-playersnewbienewbiesopinionresearchSun, 08 May 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the most common things I hear from people who don't play EVE Online is that they don't like the game itself but they absolutely love the stories that come out of it. There's something inherently brutal and visceral about the stories players act out every day in EVE's colossal sandbox. Tales of high-profile thefts and political intrigue occasionally creep into the media and grab our attention, but stories of that sort are a lot more common than you'd think. Last year, we told one such story of a player's descent into criminality and revenge taken too far. In last week's EVE Evolved, I began to tell the true tale of that same player in one of his biggest heists to date. If you haven't read the first part of this story yet, head back to last week's EVE Evolved before reading on.

A matter of time

Having discovered an opportunity for theft much greater than expected, Scott recognised that he would need help to pull off a successful heist. With the wormhole corporation's assets within Scott's reach, a sense of urgency began to overtake him. Based on discussions with his new corp members, he knew that the group's wormhole tenancy had just begun and that they were still in the process of clearing the starbase up following a frantic move-in. This explained the secure containers littering space -- a temporary measure to be used until an adequate hangar permission scheme could be created.

In this week's conclusion of the story of the great wormhole heist, Scott discovers allies in some unexpected places and finds out first-hand whether there really is no honour amongst thieves.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesCCP-Wranglercorpcorporatecorporate-infiltrationcorporationcrimecriminaleveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedheistjohnmilton-keynesoutlawOutlawsrichardscottspyspyingstevewormholewormhole-explorationwormhole-heistwormholesSun, 17 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/10/eve-evolved-the-great-wormhole-heist-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Several years ago, EVE Online's Community Manager CCP Wrangler made a statement that I felt really crystalised the sentiment behind the game. He said that "EVE isn't designed to just look like a cold, dark and harsh world; it's designed to be a cold, dark and harsh world." Although most of us are content to indulge ourselves in PvP, market games and other traditional modes of gameplay, a criminal underworld runs beneath that innocuous surface. A significant few carve their own illicit destinies from the void, stealing and cheating their way to the top.

Whether these space-faring cyber-criminals are in it for fame and riches, political influence, or their own personal goals, the stories of their actions in EVE's colossal sandbox never fail to grip us. High-profile thefts like the Guiding Hand Social Club heist of 2005, the closure of EBank, and last year's Titans4U scandal have been made very public, and smaller-scale crimes occur every day in New Eden. Last year, we brought you the true tale of one player's revenge taken too far -- a story of corporate infiltration, social deception and utter destruction. Although this was Scott's first foray into criminality, it was most certainly not his last. The events in this week's story are true, but the names of the players and corporations involved have been changed.

In this week's EVE Evolved, Scott returns as I begin to tell the true story of his huge wormhole heist.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 1

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The great wormhole heist, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesCCP-Wranglercorpcorporatecorporate-infiltrationcorporationcrimecriminaleveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedheistmilton-keynesoutlawOutlawsrichardscottspyspyingwormholewormhole-explorationwormhole-heistwormholesSun, 10 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Power players and player retention]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/eve-evolved-power-players-and-player-retention/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/eve-evolved-power-players-and-player-retention/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/eve-evolved-power-players-and-player-retention/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As I mentioned in our coverage of the EVE Online Fanfest, the best part of the experience for me was discussing EVE with players who are as involved in and enthusiastic about the game as I am. On my first night there, I got into a fascinating discussion with a few players on a topic I hadn't really considered before -- power players. Every MMO has players who get heavily involved in their chosen game. EVE's Fanfest really highlighted this, as around a thousand of EVE's power players flew to Iceland just to talk about the game, contribute ideas in roundtable discussions and find out what the future holds for the game.

Ultimately, the fate of EVE lies in its community. EVE's main strength as an MMO is the fact that with so many players in one game universe, people form very real ties with each other. Corporations and alliances are more than just collections of people; they're sub-communities with their own aspirations, internal politics, playstyles, personalities and even senses of humour. These organisations give people support and a place to call home in an unforgiving universe, and it's the power players of EVE who make all of that possible.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I explore the importance of power players in MMOs and what the concept means for EVE's development.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Power players and player retention

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Power players and player retention originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescommunitiescommunitycorpcorporationcorporationscorpsdevelopmentemergenceemergenteveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfollowersleadersleadershiponline-communitiesopinionorganisationorganizationplayer-retentionplayerspower-playersretentionsubscribersSun, 03 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Tough lessons in corp management]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/eve-evolved-tough-lessons-in-corp-management/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/eve-evolved-tough-lessons-in-corp-management/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/eve-evolved-tough-lessons-in-corp-management/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Back in November, we began the Massively Mob -- an EVE Online corporation designed to help our readers get into EVE despite the game's steep learning curve and harsh death penalty. The primary goal of the Mob was was to provide advice and assistance to new players as well as a financial safety net to help them overcome the game's notoriously steep learning curve. Free corp ships were available to help players try out the many things the game has to offer without that fear of losing a lot of belongings in one newbie mistake.

Players flocked to the corp in droves, many just starting EVE or returning to give the game another shot. One member set up a forum, another a killboard, and a third provided a free teamspeak server. Members wrote helpful guides; the forums filled with ship fitting advice and mission fleets flew almost every night. Regular events and contests kept the corp alive with activity, and for a time everything was good. We started out with the best of intentions and set our sights on the very difficult task of being a large corporation that does a little bit of everything. It's been a bumpy road; the corp has lost its way several times and we've learned some very tough lessons.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I dig up some tough personal truths and share my experiences of the difficult job of corporate management.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Tough lessons in corp management

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Tough lessons in corp management originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationdelegationeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedguildmanagementmassivelymassively-mobmassively-mob-corpwarwardecwarfareSun, 27 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Does EVE make players better at other MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/eve-evolved-does-eve-make-players-better-at-other-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/eve-evolved-does-eve-make-players-better-at-other-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/eve-evolved-does-eve-make-players-better-at-other-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Every now and then on the EVE Online forums, someone will make a post about World of Warcraft. Sometimes a player will ask why CCP doesn't adopt an idea or two from the industry giant, or sometimes he'll just announce that he's quitting as soon as the next WoW expansion comes out. Recently, I saw a rather inflammatory statement in one of these threads that made me think. Someone wrote that "When a player quits EVE and goes to WoW, the average IQ in both games increases," implying that only stupid people quit EVE and that even the stupidest EVE player is smarter than the average WoW player.

It's an absurd and really quite offensive statement to make, but the above quote did get me thinking about whether playing EVE actually helps players to be more effective in other MMOs. Having gone from EVE's harsh world to more forgiving lands, I've definitely found that my experiences in New Eden have taught me to play MMOs more effectively. From the situational awareness that EVE's PvP forces on players to the organisation required for co-operative ventures and the complex trading experience EVE provides, there are definitely lessons to be learned that can apply to other MMOs.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at a few of the ways playing EVE can make someone more effective in other MMOs.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Does EVE make players better at other MMOs?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Does EVE make players better at other MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-ccpEVE-Evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedmarketopinionorganisationpvpraidstradetradingWorld-of-WarcraftwowSun, 12 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

At the end of last week's article on preparing for EVE Online's Incursion expansion, I mentioned that part of our expansion preparation here at Massively would involve opening a Massively corporation in the game. This is something I've always wanted to do but haven't had the time to properly launch. I've been running the Pillowsoft corporation in EVE for the past six years or so, during which time the corp has been involved in almost every major game expansion. In two and a half years of the EVE Evolved column, I've had countless readers ask to join my corporation and have had to turn them all down.

With Incursion rapidly approaching and Pillowsoft's latest wormhole expedition coming to an end, we now have the perfect opportunity to start a proper Massively corporation. In addition to providing financial help and some solid guidance to newer EVE players, the corp will be running frequent contests and event nights for any readers who want to participate. If you don't want to leave your current corporation but still want to hang out with other Massively readers and take part in our contests and events, don't worry. We also have an option just for you!

In this week's EVE Evolved, I introduce the EVE Online Massively Mob and explain how you can get involved.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentagentsccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfreemassivelymassively-mobmassively-mob-corpmissionmission-runningmissionsmobsecurityshipsSun, 28 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online player steals $45,000 worth of ISK in massive investment scam]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/eve-online-player-steals-45-000-worth-of-isk-in-massive-investm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/eve-online-player-steals-45-000-worth-of-isk-in-massive-investm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/eve-online-player-steals-45-000-worth-of-isk-in-massive-investm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It seems like every few months we hear about another major theft or scam in EVE Online. In most MMOs, acts of theft could earn the perpetrator a permanent game ban. In EVE Online, however, it's an accepted part of the game that people are strongly encouraged to protect themselves from. Even the game's developers have acknowledged that corporate infiltration, scamming and theft are just another part of the harsh criminal underworld of New Eden. With its latest official game trailer, CCP Games told an impressive tale of corporate theft and revenge, showcasing some of the emergent gameplay that typifies EVE.

Last week, the latest big scam to come out of the criminal underworld of New Eden came to completion. The popular investment scheme Titans4U turned bad, with the creator "Bad Bobby" stealing all of the company's assets. The theft was the ultimate conclusion of a plan that was set in motion years ago. Bobby began his investment career by running several smaller schemes to build up a positive public image. Over the years, he ran increasingly larger and more popular schemes and always returned on investments. Just over a year ago, his reputation-building efforts paid off as his good name secured the successful launch of the massive Titans4U investment fund.

Skip past the cut for the full story of how this apparently secure investment scheme turned into one of EVE's biggest scams to date.

Continue reading EVE Online player steals $45,000 worth of ISK in massive investment scam

MassivelyEVE Online player steals $45,000 worth of ISK in massive investment scam originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-bobbybillionccpccp-eveccp-gamescorporationeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedinterstellar-kreditiskscamscammingsharestheftSat, 11 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/eve-evolved-the-game-doesnt-really-start-until/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

While reading the latest Anti-Aliased, Seraphina Brennan's weekly opinion column here at Massively, I couldn't help but apply what she was talking about to EVE Online. Sera's opinion piece was centred on the idea that games should be fun right from the start. If there's a period of boredom or grind before you get to the fun parts of a game, the developers are doing something wrong. While this is most often attributed to theme-park MMOs, with their rush to endgame before the game really opens up, I can't help but think EVE falls into the same trap.

Despite its open-world sandbox nature with no forced progression or crafted endgame, I catch myself saying "EVE doesn't really start until ..." all the time. Most often I'm talking about how EVE's core gameplay really begins with PvP, and how motivationally essential it is to join a good player-run corporation. I've always found EVE's social structures and PvP to be its two most powerful components. Over the years, I've watched players who get involved in them stick with the game for years, while others who don't quickly become bored. I find myself wondering whether anything can be done to bring those parts of the game to new players right from the start.

In this opinion piece, I look at the idea that EVE doesn't really kick off for players until they get into PvP or join a good corporation. I go on to suggest a few changes to the new-player experience that might help bring these elusive endgames to new players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until...

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The game doesn't really start until... originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationend-gameendgameeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturednew-playernew-player-experienceopinionpvepvpsandboxsocialtutorialSun, 27 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum launches major patch, approaches open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/perpetuum-launches-major-patch-fast-approaches-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/perpetuum-launches-major-patch-fast-approaches-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/perpetuum-launches-major-patch-fast-approaches-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you like giant robots, PvP, and a sandbox environment, you've no doubt been following the development of Perpetuum with no small amount of interest. After all, the upcoming game includes all of those, along with some stunning graphics and deformable terrain to help keep players invested. The game is currently in the midst of closed beta testing, and is rolling out new features and improvements, especially with the most recent patch. Referred to by the developers as the game's largest patch to date, it expands the game's quality of life significantly and brings the game that much closer to release.

NPC corporations have gained more assignments, and there are six levels of security associated with them -- improved, naturally, by successfully completing more assignments for said corporation. They're now offering unique ammunition as a reward, which cannot be reverse-engineered. Prototypes have been improved, with the advantage that they now can have a slight edge over "normal" versions and are that much easier to reverse-engineer. Best of all for new players, the first stages of the game's tutorial have been added. While Perpetuum isn't yet in open beta, the team seems confident it won't be too much longer before everyone can try out the latest improvements.

[Thanks to GM Gremrod for the tip!]

MassivelyPerpetuum launches major patch, approaches open beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avataravatar-creationsbetacorporationgremrodpatchpatchesperpetuumperpetuum-onlinepvpupcomingThu, 27 May 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE University turns six years old today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/eve-university-turns-six-years-old-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/eve-university-turns-six-years-old-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/eve-university-turns-six-years-old-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online has made a name for itself as an MMO with a steep learning curve. Getting into the game can be a daunting experience for new players, particularly if they want to get involved in PvP. Six years ago today, EVE player "Morning Maniac" founded the EVE University corporation in an effort to combat exactly that problem. Since then, they've been EVE's best-known new player training corp, providing free training and supplies to players getting to grips with the game. The program has seen over 10,000 new players pass through and graduate on to bigger and better things. Their success has spawned many other training corps over the years, including those focused on piracy.

In his six year birthday announcement, Kelduum Revaan of EVE University talked about how the game had changed over the years, adding that "one thing has remained constant - there are always new players, and there is always more to learn." At last year's five year anniversary, a brief history of the corp graced the EVE news. Since then, EVE University has gone from strength to strength, with some impressive achievements over the last twelve months. Over 3,000 new players entered the program this year, for a time making EVE University possibly the biggest single corp in the game. They were even recommended by PC Gamer magazine as the best place for new players to start their EVE journey. This year also saw the opening of their wormhole operations division and the opening of access to NPC nullsec regions for members. The corp looks forward to expanding operations and we at Massively wish them every success over the coming year.

MassivelyEVE University turns six years old today originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdayccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-unieve-universityguildhelpinstructionnew-playernew-player-experiencenew-playerstrainingtraining-corpMon, 15 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The importance of corporate goals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/07/eve-evolved-the-importance-of-corporate-goals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/07/eve-evolved-the-importance-of-corporate-goals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/07/eve-evolved-the-importance-of-corporate-goals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

When new EVE Online players give up and quit the game, their reasons are usually very similar. A lack of drive to play the game is common, with players logging in only to change skills. Similarly, people complain that the game is boring and isn't really taking them anywhere. Most of these reasons boil down to a basic lack of motivation, purpose and goals. As a sandbox game, EVE doesn't really lead the player anywhere after the tutorials and it can be easy to get lost. This is where the EVE community steps in by providing a whole host of player-run corporations to help pilots find their way in EVE.

As a very social game, I don't think EVE truly takes off until you get into a good corporation. In addition to help and advice, a good corp with some solid corporate goals will offer players a sense of purpose and direction that can be hard to find on your own. The opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself and accomplish goals you could never hope to on your own can be a great motivator. Whether your corporation's goal is to build a freighter from scratch, run a massive industrial complex, engage in PvP or even lay claim to a system, it stands a much better chance of being achieved when pilots cooperate.

In this opinion piece, I show how the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts as I look at a few of the goals corporations commonly work toward as a team.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The importance of corporate goals

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The importance of corporate goals originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of EVE Online's defining factors is the idea that you're not completely safe anywhere in the game. If you're not docked in a station or securely logged off, there's always a chance that someone will pick a fight with you. Many pilots opt to stay in the relative safety of high security space but even this isn't an absolutely safe area. Suicide attacks, corporate wars, can flippers and loot thieves are a common sight in New Eden and if you don't know how to handle them, you could find yourself on the business end of a 150mm railgun.

In this guide for newer EVE players, I look at the main threats you could be exposed to in high security space and how to keep yourself safe in spite of them.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Staying safe in high security space

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Staying safe in high security space originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MassivelyEVE Evolved: Running your own corporation, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The term "corporation" in EVE Online is something of a misnomer. While a corp can be run as a full-on business entity, most are just like guilds or clans in other MMOs. It's a group of pilots that join together under one banner for mutual benefit, organised operations or even just to have some nice people to chat to while you mine. For those that can't find a good player-run corporation that's compatible with their aims and goals, there are a few options. One option is to stay in one of the many NPC-run corps but perhaps the most interesting choice is to start your own corp. With the upcoming 11% tax being applied to NPC corps, some of the people currently in those corps may even want to start their own one-man corps to evade the tax.

Running your own corporation provides you with additional tools like corporate hangers and the ability to set up starbases or declare war on other corps. It also opens the opportunity to recruit like-minded individuals and friends into your group so you can work together on anything from mining and mission-running to full-on PvP and piracy. EVE is one of those games that really starts to take off once you start working together with people. Starting your own corp can, however, be a daunting task that carries with it responsibilities and risks.

For all those that have ever wanted to run their own corporation, in this article I explain how to the process of starting a corp, recruiting and keeping the corp secure against threats. I also go into detail on some of the corp operations you can hope to enjoy with friends.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Running your own corporation

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Running your own corporation originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedinfiltrationminingmissionspvepvprecruitingsecuritythiefSun, 11 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Will you be trying out DUST 514?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/the-daily-grind-will-you-be-trying-out-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/the-daily-grind-will-you-be-trying-out-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/the-daily-grind-will-you-be-trying-out-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


With the announcement out of GamesCom a couple of days ago, EVE Online players have been buzzing. The new project revealed by CCP, DUST 514, seems like one of the most ambitious things we've heard in some time. Not only are CCP intending to build a completely new MMO strictly for the console, but they're tying that MMO into their other property. Unbalancing EVE Online could upset a great deal of hardcore followers and result in a very large loss of revenue for their company. That said, if they are able to pull it off, without a doubt we'll be witnessing a fairly large evolution of the genre. Companies will likely stop trying to figure out how to shoehorn extant MMOs on consoles (where they have patching issues thus making it prohibitive) and perhaps look into making separate but complimentary MMOs that can play well together instead.

Now having said that, the question is how many MMO players will likely make the jump into an FPS environment on a console to play in the EVE Online IP? As much as I personally tend to suck at FPS games (ask anyone who has played L4D with me, seriously) I really love EVE and have to admit I'm looking forward to playing DUST 514. Truthfully, my little industrial corp really won't likely ever be hiring DUST mercs to protect Sovereign space (we'd have to get some first). But the idea of playing on the planet as a gateway to building connections with a corp and making some ISK sounds like tons of fun. Especially as I have a lot of FPS-fiend friends that I could likely talk into playing with me.

What do you think? Do you think MMO players and FPS players can successfully play together? Is there enough crossover? Will FPS players care, or will it be purely about the ISK, with the highest bidder getting the best players? Are you looking forward to (or dreading) the ramifications of DUST 514 when it comes to control in your corp's Sovereign space? Or are you one of the folks like me who is in a corp that doesn't have Sov, and thinks this could be a fun way to potentially make some ISK - and connections - from the couch while enjoying a nice change of pace? For those of you of a more sinister bent, are you already targeting which corps you plan to merc out as a DUST soldier and then screw over? The questions are myriad - so we'd love to hear from you! Will you be checking DUST 514?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Will you be trying out DUST 514? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpconsolecorpcorporationdustdust-514eve-onlinefpsmmofpssovsovereign-spaceThu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Finding the perfect corporation in five easy steps]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/eve-evolved-finding-the-perfect-corporation-in-five-easy-steps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/eve-evolved-finding-the-perfect-corporation-in-five-easy-steps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/eve-evolved-finding-the-perfect-corporation-in-five-easy-steps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

It's said that sandbox MMO EVE Online doesn't really begin to shine until you join a good player-run corporation. There's only so much a lone pilot can accomplish and a lot of the game's most rewarding experiences are based around groups and collaboration. Wormhole expeditions, PvP, territorial wars, politics and much of EVE's other emergent gameplay routes rely heavily on forming groups and friendships in-game. In fact, I think you'd be hard pressed to find an MMO which doesn't have its game experience improved by group activities and forming friendships. But just as choosing the right corporation for your play style can make the game a lot better, choosing the wrong one or not joining one at all can ruin a new player's experience of the game.

Over the past few weeks, I've had several emails from readers looking for advice on how to find a good corporation. In this article aimed at new and prospective EVE players, I introduce a simple five-step approach for finding that perfect corporation who can turn playing EVE from a potentially boring experience into a very rewarding one.
(UPDATE: I had accidentally disabled comments, comments are now enabled on page 2)

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Finding the perfect corporation in five easy steps

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Finding the perfect corporation in five easy steps originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online, in short, is constant, controlled chaos. Alliances are made daily, are trained upwards, and ultimately fall. It's all just a question of when they fall that really differentiates them. Yet, amazingly, out of this controlled game of warfare comes a spark of philosophical intrigue -- the concept of state of nature.

Steven Croop from the Warcry Network has written a feature article discussing the states of EVE Online's types of government versus the old philosophical concept. He theorizes that the same state of self-preservation, noted in the original philosophical concept, does make an appearance in EVE. While the state has changed from its original form (struggle for survival versus struggle to not lose expensive stuff) it still drives the individual of EVE to seek out forms of government for protection, such as corporations and alliances.

Interested in the full read? Check it out over at Warcry and get your dose of philosophical goodness.

MassivelyThe state of nature: Philosophy applied to EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliancesccpcorporationcorporationseveeve-onlinegovernmenthobbeslockephilosophical-discussionphilosophyself-preservationstate-of-naturesteven-croopwarcryWed, 22 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Mercenaries, the hired goons of EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/eve-evolved-mercenaries-the-hired-goons-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/eve-evolved-mercenaries-the-hired-goons-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/eve-evolved-mercenaries-the-hired-goons-of-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


In the harsh, hyper-capitalistic world of EVE Online, everything is for sale and everyone has a price. If you've had the misfortune of making some enemies with deep pockets that really like to hold a grudge, you might find yourself staring down the gun barrel of one of EVE's oldest professionals - The mercenary. In this article, I examine some of the main types of mercenary contracts and take a talk about the two most impressive mercenary groups to date.

What is a mercenary in EVE?
The mercenary is another of those professions in EVE that just plain wouldn't work in other MMOs. In a society where everything has a price, you can always pay someone else to do your dirty work and execute your evil plans. Good mercenaries are more than just guns for hire, they're a tight-knit unit of professionals with the skills and experience required to achieve literally any objective.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Mercenaries, the hired goons of EVE

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Mercenaries, the hired goons of EVE originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Like many MMOs, EVE Online offers a free trial to let players try the game out before they buy it. While this lets you see if you like the gameplay before committing, the sheer scope of EVE makes it practically impossible to experience everything the game has to offer within the trial period. Additionally, since the learning curve is relatively steep to begin with, it's very easy to become overwhelmed in a short trial period. These factors can make it hard to experience what EVE is really like, meaning it's hard to make an informed decision.

In this guide, I explain how you can maximise your time and fun with the EVE free trial and help make an informed decision on whether it's the game for you.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Making the most of your EVE Online free trial

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Making the most of your EVE Online free trial originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the big lures to EVE Online is the fact that its PvP isn't just shoehorned into consensual duels and battlegrounds. Instead, EVE PvP can occur anywhere whether you like it or not and punishments are levied after-the-fact for engaging in unsanctioned combat in designated safe areas. In the previous three parts of this exhaustive guide on where you can take your PvP career, I described the different types of PvP EVE has to offer from small gang warfare to massive territorial fleets. In this final part, I explore EVE's evil side as I talk about piracy and corporate infiltration.

Griefing?:
In most MMOs, stealing from other players or indiscriminately killing them for fun or profit can be considered griefing and may be against the rules or worse. In the cold, harsh universe of New Eden, however, piracy and theft are just another facet of the complex player-based gameplay. From the common gatecamping pirate to the criminal masterminds behind the Guiding Hand Social Club heist, players of all kinds are drawn into the criminal underworld of EVE Online.

If piracy, theft and corporate infiltration sounds like your cup of tea, continue reading as I delve into the dark side of EVE Online.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: PvP masterclass - The dark side

MassivelyEVE Evolved: PvP masterclass - The dark side originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fleet warfare in EVE Online is a big step up from the small, casual PvP gangs discussed in last week's PvP Masterclass article. In this guide, I explore the day to day activities of EVE's largest combat machinations, from 30-man faction warfare gangs to 300-man territorial fleets. In stark contrast to a small and highly mobile gang, a large fleet is a lumbering hulk that favours combined firepower and good co-ordination over all else. Massive fleets of hundreds of pilots routinely clash in the outskirts of EVE's lawless 0.0 space. But when they move at the speed of their slowest member and are really only as good as their fleet commander, what can you do to make sure your fleet is a success?

Fight-by-numbers:
The essence of fleet warfare is that using more ships is usually better. By focusing all attacks on one enemy at a time, a larger fleet has a very high damage potential. It also allows a more diverse range of ship types to take part in the fight such as an electronic warfare wing or sniper squadron. Forming a large fleet usually requires some planning and co-ordination, making them less suited to casual PvP and more suited to organised assaults on specific targets like POS.

Read on as I tackle the question of how to make a fleet effective from the perspective of both the fleet's individual members and the fleet commander.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: PvP masterclass - Fleet warfare

MassivelyEVE Evolved: PvP masterclass - Fleet warfare originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PvP Masterclass is a series of articles explaining PvP from the bottom up and showing you how to get involved even if you're a new player. In part 1 of this series, I examined the main types of PvP a player can choose in EVE Online and showed the directions players can take their PvP careers. In this second part, I explore how small gang warfare fits into the PvP landscape of EVE and help you decide what avenues you should pursue if small gang warfare is your cup of tea.

Numbers game:
A complaint I hear all too often today is that small gang warfare in EVE is dead, that PvP is a numbers game and competing on the battlefield means having the biggest blob. It almost always transpires that these people are trying to shoehorn small gang warfare into places it's not suited for like major 0.0 territorial conflicts or that they're neglecting the importance of intel-gathering scouts. Small gang warfare isn't about your gang of five ships trying to take on a blob of two hundred. It's about putting together a small, tight unit of pilots and picking your fights carefully.

Whether you're planning to pirate, fight for the Gallente Federation or declare war on your neighbours, small gang warfare is for you. Read on as I examine the small roaming gang, one of EVE's oldest and most fun avenues of PvP.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: PvP masterclass - Gang warfare

MassivelyEVE Evolved: PvP masterclass - Gang warfare originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the most perplexing things about EVE Online has to be the fact that although the game is essentially designed around PvP, a lot of players avoid it entirely. In this new series of articles, I will explain PvP from the bottom up, with a particular focus on helping anyone that has always wanted to give EVE's high quality PvP a try but wasn't sure what to do. In this first article, I examine the different types of PvP available in EVE Online and suggest ways to get involved in them even if you're just finishing the 14-day trial.

Types of PvP:
In most MMOs, PvP means organised battleground matches or one versus one player duels. For those games lucky enough to have open world PvP, the options are a lot more varied. In EVE Online, the exact right combination of factors come together to create what on a good day I can only describe as the best PvP experience I have ever had in a computer game. Rather than just being something fun to do, PvP in EVE arises as a natural consequence of normal play, used by players to push forward their own agenda in a harsh, dismal space-borne society.

Continue reading as I help you choose which type of PvP suits you the best and suggest ways to get involved in it.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: PvP masterclass - Introduction

MassivelyEVE Evolved: PvP masterclass - Introduction originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's almost guaranteed that at some point in your time as an EVE Online pilot, you'll encounter a war declaration from another corporation. In some cases, the wardec may be provoked -- another corp's pilot killed or harassed, perhaps one ninja salvaging too many, and the next thing you know Concord sends you an email notifying you of hard times ahead. Then again, wardecs can also simply be used for kicks and consequence-free highsec kills. Potentially, a war declaration can also be a form of ransoming, a way for aggressors to extort money as a 'fee' to retract the wardec. Regardless of its cause, the situation remains the same: your opponents are free to fire upon you in high security space without triggering a response from Concord.

For a newer player, a feeling of panic can sink in. That warm, comfy security blanket of highsec no longer offers its sheltering protection from harm. Perhaps for the first time, there's real risk involved in playing the game. That's an angle of war declarations that writer Sam Guss discusses in a piece for MMORPG.com called "EVE Online: Surviving Your First War." (Guss is also a writer at EVE-Mag). But that's really just the backdrop. He recounts his own experience with being wardecced, from the surprise of the initial wardec to the sobering 24-hour countdown to war against far more experienced PvP-ers.

Continue reading A newbie's first war declaration in EVE Online

MassivelyA newbie's first war declaration in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the main things that keeps us playing MMOs are the communities that populate them. While some players can, and do, play their chosen game solo, for most it's the social component of these titles that pulls us away from those stunning graphics of consoles games and RPG titles for the PC. By comparison, while they're beautiful, many of those games seem 'empty' after having spent time with a massively multiplayer title.

Communities in whatever form they take -- be it a guild, alliance, or corporation -- are essential to the success of an MMO, but interest in playing a given title can wane over time. Likewise with the social aspects of these titles, tempers can flare and patience wears thin. Sometimes you find you just don't have that much in common with the people you're playing with and it's time to move on. Bearing that in mind, are the people you choose to play with in your MMO of choice the same people you started out with? Do you see any parallels between how the company you keep in-game changes over time and how your real-life relationships with friends is always changing?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Is the real draw of MMOs the company you keep? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliancescommunitiescommunitycorpcorporationculturefriendshipguildsopinionSun, 05 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online: Et tu, Brute?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/eve-online-et-tu-brute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/eve-online-et-tu-brute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/eve-online-et-tu-brute/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Mynxee of the Life in Low Sec blog is a prominent member of the EVE Online community, but like many others who share her passion for both playing the game and blogging about the experience, she has a tendency to 'violence boats'. Lots of them. In light of this fact, she found herself in a bit of a dilemma: Should friends made in the online space, who share the same passion for the game, be off-limits when she's hunting for targets in EVE?

She posed this question to her fellow capsuleers (and bloggers); carebears and pirates alike responded in kind. In fact, the comments read like a Who's Who of the EVE blogging community. While a few felt killing their friends should be off limits, the consensus was that anything that comes into their sites is fair game. After all, killing other pilots in acts of piracy -- or just for some PvP -- isn't usually personal, although victims may feel otherwise. Do you kill your friends who happen to be in other corps or alliances on an NBSI basis*, or would that be crossing a line for you in EVE?

* For those who are newer to EVE Online, NBSI means "Not Blue, Shoot It" -- in EVE you can set standings for different player corps and alliances. If a corp is set to red, they're fair game for anyone in your own corporation/alliance. If they're set to blue, you don't (or shouldn't) fire upon them.

MassivelyEVE Online: Et tu, Brute? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game journalist and EVE Online player Jim Rossignol has been coming to grips with the idea of conflict in EVE, in a series of articles written for Eurogamer. Rossignol began by looking at "the basic principles of killing people" and progressing to the large scale conflicts between alliances.

This week, Rossignol goes a step further by looking at the politics at the heart of much of the large-scale conflict in EVE Online, and how despite all the freedom the developers give players, it was inevitable that power blocs of players would be at each other's throats. "Players plus resources, plus more players, equals conflict. That's the basic mathematics that powers EVE Online. And it's been working for over five years now," Rossignol says.

Continue reading The political machinations of EVE Online

MassivelyThe political machinations of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-warfarealliancesccpccp-gamescombatconflictcorpcorporationcorporationseconomyendgameeurogamereveeve-onlinefeudalgame-journalismgame-journalistgame-mechanicsguildsjade-constantinejericho-fractionjim-rossignoljournalismpoliticspvpresourcesromervrsandboxsci-fistar-fractionstruggleterritorial-controlFri, 05 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE exploit warning affects corp infiltration practices]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/eve-exploit-warning-affects-corp-infiltration-practices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/eve-exploit-warning-affects-corp-infiltration-practices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/eve-exploit-warning-affects-corp-infiltration-practices/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

War declarations are an essential part of EVE Online. They allow corporations and alliances to fight for control over resources, territory, or simply to get revenge on their rivals. Then again, others declare war for the opportunity to grief in Empire space. Perhaps it's this latter tendency that prompted the latest announcement from CCP Games. They're branding the monkeywrenching of rival corporations during wartime as an exploit.

GM Grimmi states: "The practice of insta-joining/leaving warring corporations for the purpose of surprising war targets, or getting them in trouble with CONCORD, is considered an exploit from here on. Reports of this will be investigated on a case by case basis and warnings will be issued at the discretion of the GM. Repeated incidents may result in bans on accounts involved." This doesn't seem to apply to 'normal' corp infiltrations, though it does beg the question of why a corporation at war would even be accepting new recruits at all. What's the protocol in your corp, do you continue to accept applicants into the fold during a wardec, or is the risk of alt spying and sabotage too great?

MassivelyEVE exploit warning affects corp infiltration practices originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementccpccp-gamesconcordcorpcorp-theftcorp-thiefcorporationdev-blogempireeveeve-onlineexploitgmgm-grimmihangar-theftmonkeywrenchingsabotagespiesspywar-decwar-declarationwar-targetwardecWed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/eve-community-spotlight-jade-constantine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jade Constantine is a veteran player of EVE Online, long known for having a forceful personality and a flair for writing. As the CEO of Jericho Fraction and the head of The Star Fraction alliance, Jade has become a pioneer in EVE roleplay, upholding ideologies of freedom that run counter to some of the very systems that define the game.

Along the way, Jade has made some enemies, but clearly some allies as well, having garnered the most votes in the Council of Stellar Management (CSM) election. As Chairman of the CSM, Jade Constantine is a magnet for controversy, but as an elected delegate, is also in a unique position to deal directly with CCP Games and potentially change EVE. Massively recently spoke with Jade on the state of roleplaying in EVE Online, the challenges that the CSM faces, and what it's like to be under the magnifying glass.

Continue reading EVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine

MassivelyEVE Community Spotlight: Jade Constantine originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceamarrbackstorycaldaricapsuleerccpccp-gamesceocommunitycommunity-spotlightcorpcorporationcouncilcsmempyrean-ageeveeve-community-spotlighteve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfactionfactional-warfarefeaturedgallentegame-mechanicsjadejade-constantinejericho-fractionjoystiqfeaturesmilitiaminmatarpoliticsroleplayroleplayingrpsandboxstar-fractionWed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE dev blog announces changes to forum posting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/eve-dev-blog-announces-changes-to-forum-posting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/eve-dev-blog-announces-changes-to-forum-posting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/eve-dev-blog-announces-changes-to-forum-posting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online players know what a valuable resource the forums can be in learning about the game or keeping current with what's happening. However, it would be an understatement to say that it's been getting harder to find what you need among all the clutter. CCP Taera's latest dev blog, Forums Refined, announces the forthcoming EVE Online forum revamp, which will go into effect in the coming weeks. The announced changes don't address the search issues that players are well aware of, but rather deal with mergers of existing forum content as well as a few new additions. There will also be clearer descriptions of each forum category, hopefully resulting in fewer moved posts for those who have not trained up Reading Comprehension.

A new addition to the EVE forums will include 'Warfare and Tactics,' for PvP and Factional Warfare discussions. Once this section goes live, members of Factional Warfare NPC corporations lose their rights to post in the Corporations, Alliance and Organization Discussions (CAOD) forum, CCP Taera says. An EVE Gameplay Center category is also being added, which will place 'Science and Industry,' 'Missions and Complexes,' and 'Market Discussions' in one section, keeping them all near the top of the forums. It should have the added benefit of keeping it "easier to find specialized conversations on gameplay topics instead of just posting in General," CCP Taera adds.

Continue reading EVE dev blog announces changes to forum posting

MassivelyEVE dev blog announces changes to forum posting originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trust is a rare commodity in EVE Online, and is one of those aspects of the game that makes it at once interesting and frustrating. That friendly person who offers you assistance in a mission, wants to sell you a faction module, or seeks to join your corporation may very well be waiting to backstab you when you least expect it. This might sound bad, but it's not necessarily a terrible thing in terms of enjoying the game. Indeed, some may feel that it adds to the risk inherent in EVE, and thus the thrill. The fact that players can manipulate trust within the rules of the game is one of the aspects of EVE that sets it apart from most other MMOs.

The risk vs. reward stakes are raised when trust comes into play with groups of players. Collective action through corporations or alliances will, at some point in time, entail trust. It may be a CEO or director lifting restrictions on access to resources for a member of the corp, hoping that the faith placed in the recruit wasn't a bad move. In other scenarios, the situation is reversed -- a director decides to cut and run, seizing assets and leaving the corporation shocked and understandably enraged.

Continue reading The high price of trust in EVE

MassivelyThe high price of trust in EVE originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online has been getting increased mainstream media coverage. Recently the New York Times covered EVE's Council of Stellar Management (CSM) summit in Reykjavik, as well as the self-styled 'bad guy' alliance Band of Brother's initiative to annihilate their rivals in New Eden, wiping them from New Eden's star maps.

A new MMO article at Forbes takes a close look at the corporate paradigm of EVE Online, both in-game and out. The piece touches on the views of Goonswarm alliance leader and CSM delegate Sean Conover (aka Darius Johnson, CEO of Goonfleet) and the real-world CEO of CCP Games, Hilmar Veigar Petursson. The Icelandic CEO states: "There isn't a lot of difference between what you can apply within the game and out of it... It's more about social skills than gaming skills. It's very hard to stay on top."

Continue reading Leadership in EVE Online applicable to real-world ventures

MassivelyLeadership in EVE Online applicable to real-world ventures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceband-of-brothersbobccpccp-gamesceocorpcorporationentrepreneurentrepreneurshipeveeve-onlineforbesgame-mechanicsgoonfleetgoonswarmguildhardcorehilmarleadershipmainstreammaxmedianew-york-timesnytpoliticsreykjavikskillssocial-skillsTue, 22 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TurpsterVision: Don't tell Adam but I've been fooling around with EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/turpstervision-don-t-tell-adam-but-i-ve-been-fooling-around-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/turpstervision-don-t-tell-adam-but-i-ve-been-fooling-around-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/turpstervision-don-t-tell-adam-but-i-ve-been-fooling-around-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TV takes on EV(E)
Every Tuesday think "T" for Turpster and take the "a" in "day", capitalise it, remove the little bit in the middle, turn it upside down and you get a "V". Put the two together and you'll have TV for TurpsterVision -- the best Internet video podcast on Massively! (Never mind that business about it being the only video podcast on Massively...)

It's Tuesday! Hooray! If you like having intellectual discussions about current political events and their impact on the everyday life of the brave men and women serving abroad fighting for our freedom then I am afraid you have come to the wrong place. I don't have a clue about the wars going on here on planet Earth. What I do know about however, is a MMO universe so vast and EPIC that I makes the petty struggles of this world seem insignificant. That is right folks; today we are flying and fighting for our very lives in the turbulent universe of EVE Online!

Join us after the break if you think you are truly hardcore enough to play in a universe where you can Alt-Tab while you are meant to be working.

Continue reading TurpsterVision: Don't tell Adam but I've been fooling around with EVE

MassivelyTurpsterVision: Don't tell Adam but I've been fooling around with EVE originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcorporationeconomyendgameEveeve-onlineeveconomyfeaturedfunnygraphics-updatelazerspiratesplayer-councilpodpvprattingspacesteamthe-tturpsteruniversewow-insider-showTue, 11 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST