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[Myst Online goes open source (again)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/myst-online-goes-open-source-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/myst-online-goes-open-source-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/myst-online-goes-open-source-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If a dictionary entry for the phrase "long, strange road" existed, it likely would feature an image from Myst Online. The fantasy MMORPG began its checkered life as the multiplayer component of 2003's Uru: Ages Beyond Mist before being scrapped and subsequently revived by GameTap in 2007.

Cyan Worlds then acquired the title and released it as a free-to-play MMO, a strange move considering that the company also open-sourced Myst Online assets in 2008 but continued to support a commercial-grade centralized shard.

This morning, Rock, Paper Shotgun tipped us to the fact that Cyan is once again fanning the flames of open source by announcing that the game's MOULA client engine and associated development tools (as well as a MOULA server replacement called MOSS) will be made available and hosted on OpenUru.org. "The goal of the open source CyanWorlds.com Engine and the MOSS server is to provide a playground where new writers can learn their craft, and new maintainers can inspect it, and new cartographers can map it. The Cyan Worlds MOULA servers will continue to provide a (relatively) safe environment for the D'ni faithful to mingle and share," explains Cyan's Rand Miller.

MassivelyMyst Online goes open source (again) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyancyan-worldsf2pfantasyfree-to-playmossmoulamystmyst-onlinemyst-online-uru-liveopen-sourcePlayStationprivate-serversrand-milleruruuru-liveThu, 07 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: Soupdance!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/exploring-eberron-soupdance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/exploring-eberron-soupdance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/exploring-eberron-soupdance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although my wife doesn't know it yet, if we ever have another child, there's now a very real chance that we're going to call him or her Brawnpits, after my new favorite character in DDO. I think our entire group became enamoured with that name, but can you blame us? I don't think you can, especially after you meet Mr. or Ms. Pits (I have a theory it's a "she") in the first quest of the new Phiarlan Carnival chain that came in Update 5.

On Wednesday night, our Massively DDO guild OnedAwesome set aside time to conquer this module, mostly because I was bouncing on the tips of my toes saying, "Can we? Please? Please? Pleeeeeeease?" until everyone capitulated just to shut me up. One of the things I love about DDO is that these newer quests are pretty innovative and varied, and I don't think you can get much different than a thespian giant, an illusionary pig, and toilets that double as rest shrines.

Let's take a quick trip through the first two chapters of The Maleficent Cabal quest chain to see if it's worth your time -- and money. I say it is, if only to experience the majesty and jaw-dropping awe that is soupdance.

Continue reading Exploring Eberron: Soupdance!

MassivelyExploring Eberron: Soupdance! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aslanbabbrawnpitsbrownpitscraigslistcyanddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineexploring-eberronfeaturedglitter-underhillholographic-pink-pighouse-phouse-phiarlanillusionariuminkrakoslocal-npc-unionmaleficent-cabalonedawesomephiarlan-carnivalrougesaturday-night-feversoupdancestormreavertalent-agentthe-maleficent-cabaltheater-major-is-a-waste-of-timeturbineFri, 23 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mysterium calls the Myst Online faithful]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/mysterium-calls-the-myst-online-faithful/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/mysterium-calls-the-myst-online-faithful/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/mysterium-calls-the-myst-online-faithful/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shorah, Myst faithful! It's time once again to make your plans to attend this year's Mysterium, the gathering for devoted D'ni scholars and fans of Cyan Worlds' Myst -- including, of course, Myst Online: URU Live. This year's event will be held August 5th through the 8th in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with tickets currently going for the low price of $20.

As with previous years, the team behind Mysterium are soliciting designs for a convention logo as well as submissions of stories and other original works based on the worlds of Myst for inclusion in the convention book. (Mind you, all submissions must fit Cyan Worlds' guidelines for fan-created content.) The events are still in the early stages of planning, but they currently show live quests, puzzle challenges, and we'd bet there will be some bevin meetups for Myst Online: URU Live cavern-dwellers in the mix.

Considering CAVCON (or "cavern condition" for those unfamiliar) is currently standing at 4 (read: good) in regards to the current funding for Myst Online: URU Live, perhaps we'll see some official representatives from Cyan sign up to host a panel or two this year as well. Either way, it should be fun for all the D'ni devotees!

MassivelyMysterium calls the Myst Online faithful originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyancyan-worldsfan-conventionmoremoulmyst-online-restoration-experimentmyst-online-uru-livemysteriumTue, 18 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Myst Online roars back to life with a Welcome Back block party]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/myst-online-roars-back-to-life-with-a-welcome-back-block-party/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/myst-online-roars-back-to-life-with-a-welcome-back-block-party/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/myst-online-roars-back-to-life-with-a-welcome-back-block-party/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is the Myst that doesn't end, yes it goes on and on my friends... All jokes about the amazing resilience of Myst Online: URU Live aside, it appears that things are going well since Cyan Worlds brought the game back online. In a post on the official forums, it appears that the CAVCON (or Cavern Condition) is standing at 4, which -- unlike DEFCON -- is a good thing. CAVCON 4 indicates that they've gotten enough donations to cover the current operating expenses and are able to put a little to the side for the future. There have also been 13,997 accounts created, and 46,881 logins during the week ending Feb. 24th -- very good news!

To celebrate the resurrection of MO:UL, the Guild of Messengers is reporting that there is going to be an enormous "Return to URU Block Party" held this upcoming weekend: March 5-7. The party is being thrown by the Guild of Maintainers, and is open for everyone to attend -- from the old-school cavern-crawling D'ni scholars to brand new seekers fresh from the desert!

If you've ever wanted to try out Myst Online: URU Live but didn't know anyone in the game, this is a great way to meet some new friends and fellow adventurers. So check out Sera's great new player guide, strap on your Ki, and we'll see you in the caverns!

MassivelyMyst Online roars back to life with a Welcome Back block party originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavconcyancyan-worldsguild-of-maintainersguild-of-messengersmoulmyst-onlinemyst-online-uru-liveSat, 27 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An introduction to Myst Online for newbies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/an-introduction-to-myst-online-for-newbies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/an-introduction-to-myst-online-for-newbies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/an-introduction-to-myst-online-for-newbies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Shorah! Many years have passed since Myst was released to game stores everywhere, conquering the sales charts and mystifying anyone with a CD-ROM drive. Since then, the game has pretty much been the defining jewel of the adventure/puzzle genre, releasing four more titles in the series and creating a spinoff that we here at Massively have always been interested in: Myst Online.

However, its been years since an adventure game has captivated audiences. Some of you have played Myst long ago but were stumped by the onslaught of difficult puzzles while others have never even touched the game. But, with the re-opening of Myst Online and Cyan's servers getting slammed with people, you're interested. You want to know what Myst offers, but there's so much to learn, right? Today I want to guide you through what makes Myst so beautiful, and give you some tips on how to get your foot in the door with Myst Online (sans spoilers, of course.)

Continue reading An introduction to Myst Online for newbies

MassivelyAn introduction to Myst Online for newbies originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beginners-guidecyanfeaturedguideguild-of-greeterskimyst-onlinemyst-online-uru-livestarting-outuruSat, 13 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Myst Online is alive... again... for the, um, we lost count how many times it died]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/myst-online-is-alive-again-for-the-um-we-lost-count-how/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/myst-online-is-alive-again-for-the-um-we-lost-count-how/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/myst-online-is-alive-again-for-the-um-we-lost-count-how/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Myst fans, rejoice one more time.

The game that gives Lazarus a run for his money, Myst Online: URU Live, is kicking once more. Cyan Worlds has gotten enough money together again to start up a brand new Myst server as the first phase of making Myst Online an open source project. The cavern that's online now is mostly the same cavern that GameTap had right as the game went offline.

Best news of all? Myst Online is free. Yes, you heard us right -- free. Free as in no subscription, no paying for the client, no nothing. They're welcoming all cavern dwellers, new and old, back to the depths of D'ni. Their account creation page is getting hammered right now, as everyone wants to get back in ASAP, so if you can't create an account just give it some time.

While the game is free, servers and running a business are not. Cyan has opened up a donation page on PayPal for anyone who wants to donate towards the game's bills, so if you're feeling generous then by all means show Uru some support. The game has been through hell and back, and some help would be much appreciated around the Cyan offices. They've even said they're working on a little present for those who donate...

So, readers of Massively, can I get a shorah?

MassivelyMyst Online is alive... again... for the, um, we lost count how many times it died originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcyancyan-worldsgametapits-alive-again-holy-crapmyst-onlinemyst-online-uru-liveopen-sourceshorahMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The reasons why you need to play Myst Online: Uru Live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/the-reasons-why-you-need-to-play-myst-online-uru-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/the-reasons-why-you-need-to-play-myst-online-uru-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/the-reasons-why-you-need-to-play-myst-online-uru-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Shorah, readers! Kehnehn rahm b'yihm shehm!

Myst Online: Uru Live seems to be one game that not only continually gets the proverbial shaft, but also knows how to come back from the dead better than the Scourge of the Eastern Plaguelands. Ubisoft canned it, Cyan Worlds brought it back via a shard system in "Until Uru", GameTap brought it back officially, GameTap canned it after one season, and now Cyan Worlds is once again attempting to put life back into their only online Myst game thanks to the extremely active and vocal community.

Mike Fahey over at Kotaku might think Uru should die already, but this blogger is currently squealing in glee in his computer chair. In an attempt to pass the glee on to you, loyal readers of Massively.com, I've compiled not only what Myst Online: Uru Live is all about, but why you should turn your attention to this massive online adventure game.

Continue reading The reasons why you need to play Myst Online: Uru Live

MassivelyThe reasons why you need to play Myst Online: Uru Live originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyancyan-worldsfeaturedgametapjoystiqfeaturesmystmyst-onlinemyst-online-uru-liverelaunchubisoftuntil-uruuru-liveWed, 02 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapist wants you to consider Myst Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-escapist-on-myst-onlines-unique-narrative/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-escapist-on-myst-onlines-unique-narrative/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/the-escapist-on-myst-onlines-unique-narrative/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Storytelling in massively multiplayer games usually occurs only in footnotes. You might read a lore item's description here, get a hint in the quest text there, but it's almost always an ancillary part of the experience. In the olden days of text MUDs, that wasn't necessarily the case. In some MUDs, players and wizards engaged in communal storytelling, as in the best pen-and-paper roleplaying sessions.

If you look at today's mainstream online games, it seems as if that art has been lost. There are some smaller communities out there that still herald that kind of experience, though. The Escapist focused on one of those in an article titled "The Ending Has Not Yet Been Written." It's an excellent piece about how players and developers alike have fostered a unique, niche-storytelling experience in Cyan Worlds' Myst Online: Uru Live.

Myst has always been an eccentric in the gaming world. It was a groundbreaking success for computer games, and it spawned countless clones, but no one ever recaptured its magic. Now the series is treading a unique path in the online world, despite past setbacks.

MassivelyThe Escapist wants you to consider Myst Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyancyan-worldsmystmyst-onlineroleplayingstorytellingthe-escapisturuuru-liveTue, 06 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST