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[City of Heroes player summit promises Water Blast power set, cyberpunk costumes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/city-of-heroes-player-summit-reveals-new-powers-and-new-costumes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/city-of-heroes-player-summit-reveals-new-powers-and-new-costumes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/city-of-heroes-player-summit-reveals-new-powers-and-new-costumes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sadly, you cannot have a friend summon you to the summit. Even if your friend is playing a time-based character.
If you weren't in California over the past weekend, you sadly had to miss out on the City of Heroes player summit. That means no voice in the several panels during which the doors were thrown open for new suggestions. But you can at least read through the summary of the weekend's events to find out what nifty new elements will be coming to the game in the near future, including four new powersets and several new costumes.

While there's not a firm launch schedule, players can look forward to Water Blast (exactly what it says on the tin), Natural Affinity (healing over time and debuffing), Symbiotic Armor (a new defensive set based around absorbing damage types), and Radiation Armor (again, what it says on the tin). Players can also look forward to another Super Pack as well as the upcoming Retro Sci-Fi costumes and a Cyberpunk set. There's a lot of interesting tidbits, so if you want to get excited about the future, best to read through the event summary at OnRPG.

MassivelyCity of Heroes player summit promises Water Blast power set, cyberpunk costumes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcoh-player-summitcostumescovcoxcyberpunkf2pfree-to-playfreedomfuture-costumesfuture-powersfuture-powersetsnatural-affinityncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplayer-summitypowerspowersetsradiation-armorreal-world-eventsuperherosuperheroessymbiotic-armorwater-blastThu, 03 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Otherland alpha sign-ups begin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/otherland-alpha-sign-ups-begin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/otherland-alpha-sign-ups-begin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/otherland-alpha-sign-ups-begin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Otherland - demon dude
Fancy getting an early peek at the MMO version of Tad Williams' Otherland? Head to gamigo's official forum, then, because the company is seeking a few good alpha testers.

This isn't your typical marketing beta, at least according to the sign-up verbiage. "As an alpha tester, you will be asked to focus-test specific game elements, document your user experience, and fill out in-depth surveys each week. Alpha testing is hard work," gamigo says. It's also unpaid work, so only die-hard Otherland fans need apply.

If you're not a die-hard but are still interested in the game, check out our GDC impressions as well as this handy post that collects all of the publicly known information in one place.

MassivelyOtherland alpha sign-ups begin originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacyberpunkf2pfree-to-playgamigootherlandotherland-alphaotherland-alpha-signupsotherland-alpha-testingrealusci-fitad-williamsvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 19 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Check and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Knight from B1 to -- aw, s**t.
Fans of Tad Williams' deliciously cyberpunk book series Otherland are almost certainly waiting with bated breath for gamigo and RealU's upcoming MMO adaptation of the universe. In hopes of making the wait just a tad easier, gamigo has released a new developer diary video focusing on the EightSquared universe of Otherland.

EightSquared, as you may have surmised from the name, is a simulation in which an entire medieval countryside has sprung forth from a gargantuan chess board on which the Red and White armies are locked in an eternal war/game. But something has gone wrong with the simulation: The armies are no longer following the rules of warfare (i.e., rules of chess), and it's up to players to find out where the problem lies before things get too far out of hand and cause the destruction of the simulation itself. The full dev diary also provides a look at the game's Lifecycle AI, which breathes life into the world by providing NPCs who follow their own day-to-day schedules.

So what are you waiting for? Log in to the Net and go take a look for yourself.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Check and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation

MassivelyCheck and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chesscyberpunkdev-diariesdev-diarydeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diaryeightsquaredf2pfree-to-playgamigootherlandrealusci-fitad-williamsvideovideosvirtual-worldvirtual-worldszonezonesFri, 30 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Otherland info collected in a single post]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/otherland-info-collected-in-a-single-post/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/otherland-info-collected-in-a-single-post/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/otherland-info-collected-in-a-single-post/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Otherland - coming Q3 2012?
We got our first real glimpse of Otherland at last week's GDC, and if you're hungry for more info on the upcoming MMORPG from gamigo, a fansite called Otherland Net Feed has you covered. The Tad Williams-inspired title might be available as early as the third quarter of 2012, according to the site, and to whet your appetite, the admin has collected just about every known game factoid in a single sprawling post.

There is plenty of verbiage relating to the title's simulations (that's Otherland-speak for zones) as well as a ton of images from the game's different locales. There are several trailer embeds too, along with concise reviews of combat, crafting, questing, and travel.

[Thanks to Travis for the tip!]

MassivelyOtherland info collected in a single post originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkf2pfantasyfree-to-playgamigootherlandrealusci-fitad-williamsvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsMon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-otherland-and-grimlands-with-gamigo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Otherland
Do you prefer a post-apocalyptic world or Tad Williams' vision of the internet of the future? Luckily, you can have them both by the end of the year because Gamigo is working busy at work preparing to launch two new titles. Massively had a chance to talk with Anthony Guzzardo, Gamigo's North American Publicity Manager, as well as PR Manager Dennis Hartmann as they showed off Otherland, based on the works of Tad Williams, and Grimlands, a post-apocalyptic vision in the desert.

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo

MassivelyGDC 2012: A look at Otherland and Grimlands with Gamigo originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony-guzzardoconconferenceconventioncyberpunkdemodennis-hartmannf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gamigogdcgdc-2012grimlandskaren-bryanotherlandrealusci-fitad-williamsvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsWed, 07 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/latest-otherland-trailer-gives-players-a-glimpse-of-the-net/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Otherland
Fans of Tad Williams' cyberpunk series Otherland, rejoice. The MMO adaptation of the series, which is being published by gamigo AG, has received a brand-new trailer showcasing many of the varied worlds you can visit on Otherland's Net. The trailer takes players on a tour of many of the game's interesting environments, which range from a medieval fortress to a Blade-Runner-esque metropolis. Fans also get a small taste of the game's combat set to some appropriately cyberpunk, wubwubwub-filled dubstep.

To watch the trailer for yourself, just click on past the cut and log in to the Net. We'll see you on the other side.

Continue reading Latest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net

MassivelyLatest Otherland trailer gives players a glimpse of the Net originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkdubstepf2pfree-to-playgamigogamigo-agotherlandsci-fiscience-fictiontad-williamstrailertrailersvideovideoswubwubwubMon, 27 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Otherland's Lambda Mall in new developer video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/see-otherlands-lambda-mall-in-new-developer-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/see-otherlands-lambda-mall-in-new-developer-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/see-otherlands-lambda-mall-in-new-developer-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Otherland - Lambda Mall
It's been several months since we saw the first installment of RealU's making-of video series on the new Otherland MMO. Today the firm has released part two, and while the earlier clip was focused on the game's action elements, the latest one centers around Lambda Mall.

Lambda Mall is basically a futuristic version of the internet, and in the game it functions as a social and questing hub complete with shops, bars, and plenty of space for your avatars to mix and mingle. The video shows off quite a few locations throughout the sprawling space, as well as plenty of sci-fantasy cyberpunk visuals.

There's also a little preview of Otherland's character customization options toward the end of the clip. Feast your eyes after the cut.

Continue reading See Otherland's Lambda Mall in new developer video

MassivelySee Otherland's Lambda Mall in new developer video originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkdev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playlambda-mallotherlandquest-hubrealusci-fantasysci-fisocial-hubvideoTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neal Stephenson talks MMORPGs and virtual economies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/neal-stephenson-talks-mmorpgs-and-virtual-economies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/neal-stephenson-talks-mmorpgs-and-virtual-economies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/neal-stephenson-talks-mmorpgs-and-virtual-economies/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neal Stephenson
"The virtual reality that we all talked about and that we all imagined 20 years ago didn't happen in the way that we predicted. It happened instead in the form of video games," says Neal Stephenson, nerd icon and noted author of Snow Crash and The Diamond Age.

In a new interview at Forbes, Stephenson talks up his latest sci-fi opus, Reamde, and also offers his opinion on everything from the Metaverse to gamer stereotypes to players converting their in-game labor into real money. "It's undoubtedly happening right now on an informal level all over the place. A huge amount of money is changing hands, and the thing that prevents it from coming out into the open and working the way it's depicted in the novel is a number of legal and regulatory hang ups," Stephenson says.

He also mentions his own gaming experiences as well as his new novel's tendency towards adventure in place of the brainiac speculative fiction he's famous for. Head to Forbes for the full report.

MassivelyNeal Stephenson talks MMORPGs and virtual economies originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsculturecyberpunkepic-beardinterviewsmetaverseneal-stephensonreamdesci-fisnow-crashvirtual-economyvirtual-worldsWed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom 2011: gamigo reveals Otherland trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gamescom-2011-gamigo-reveals-otherland-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gamescom-2011-gamigo-reveals-otherland-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/gamescom-2011-gamigo-reveals-otherland-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Otherland - female avatar in red
Prior to this week's Gamescom, blurbs about the Otherland MMO popped up once a year or so, if that. Now we're bringing you the second bit of news in as many days, courtesy of the trailer announcement that follows hot on the heels of yesterday's developer interview at IGN.

The video clip showed up on publisher gamigo's YouTube portal this afternoon with a curious action MMORPG label in tow. We say curious here because "action" isn't the first word that springs to mind when discussing Tad Williams' Otherland novels, nor is there a lot of action in the four-minute trailer. There is a lot of eye candy and appropriately bizarre cyberpunk trappings, though, and all of it is presented through the glossy stylings of the Unreal 3 engine.

The free-to-play title is scheduled to release sometime next year, and you can get a glimpse of what awaits you in the teaser after the cut.

Continue reading Gamescom 2011: gamigo reveals Otherland trailer

MassivelyGamescom 2011: gamigo reveals Otherland trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkf2pfree-to-playgamescomgamescom-2011gamigomultiverseotherlandsci-fitad-williamstrailerunreal-3unreal-enginevideoTue, 16 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the dragon of the deep dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-dragon-of-the-deep-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-dragon-of-the-deep-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-dragon-of-the-deep-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist is a lazy adventurer-slash-professor who dons his trademark cap for a weekly expedition through some of the most famous MMOs of the past few decades. Each month, he chooses a different title in order to examine its highlights, talk with its developers, and invite its fans to share their experiences.

Part of the holy mission of the Game Archaeologist is to ferret out the roots of history that ultimately led to MMORPGs as we know them today. Another part of the mission is to root out ferrets, as my claw-scarred arms can attest. Some of that history is fairly recent, but today we're going to travel back -- way back -- to a time before many of you were born. Including me, as a matter of fact.

The year is 1974. The world is hip-deep in the throes of shag carpeting, driftwood furniture and the strains of Grand Funk Railroad. It truly seemed like nothing would ever be cool or non-earth-toned again. At this, the lowest moment in all of history, game designers Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson took the concept of miniature wargaming, merged it with a fantasy motif, and sold it under the name Dungeons & Dragons. Geeks everywhere had a reason to rejoice, and through this roleplaying game the foundations for MMOs were laid.

Let's take a brief survey through D&D, giving special emphasis to how this great-granddaddy of RPGs passed down a legacy that we enjoy in our modern online titles. Also, there will be popcorn.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the dragon of the deep dungeon

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the dragon of the deep dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-editionbandicootcharacter-sheetscs-lewiscyberpunkdave-arnesondndDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinee.t.etfantasygary-gygaxgenregiant-spidersHello-Kittyhello-kitty-onlinehorrorjack-vancejrr-tolkienkirklord-of-the-ringslovecraftmichael-moorcockpen-and-paperrobert-e-howardroleplaying-gamerpgspace-elfspockstar-treksteampunkthe-game-archaeologistwesternxpTue, 21 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2010: Hands on with Rift: Planes of Telara]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/pax-2010-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/pax-2010-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/pax-2010-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The dungeon portal loomed ahead as a developer pushed a headset into my hands. "You heal," he said to me then moved on to the other four players standing next to me. "You tank. You three DPS. Don't worry too much; you're all a little over-leveled for this dungeon. Let us know when you're ready."

I hardly heard him as I frantically tried to memorize the full array of skills in front of me, rearranging my hotbar to put my heals up front and center. "Ohh, you're a druid," another Trion Worlds developer said over my shoulder. "They're fun -- they get a faerie pet that heals your team as well." I followed his pointing finger and clicked on the skill to summon what appeared to be a cross-breed between Tinkerbell and a Troll doll. Fun times.

The developer who pulled me into the live demonstration at PAX Prime took up his microphone and directed everyone around the booth to look up at the big screen and watch a team of total strangers jump into a mid-level dungeon. Welcome to Rift, I thought nervously. There's nothing like diving in head-first with your potential humiliation on public display.

Continue reading PAX 2010: Hands on with Rift: Planes of Telara

MassivelyPAX 2010: Hands on with Rift: Planes of Telara originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captain-planet-and-the-planeteersclap-for-tinkerbellcyberpunkdimensionsdynamic-eventsdynamic-world-eventsfantasypunkfeaturedgoblinhands-oninterviewpaxpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010riftrift-planes-of-telarasoulstriontrion-worldstrollyarnosaurMon, 06 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Blizzard's next MMO to be an MMOFPS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/rumor-blizzards-next-mmo-to-be-an-mmofps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/rumor-blizzards-next-mmo-to-be-an-mmofps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/rumor-blizzards-next-mmo-to-be-an-mmofps/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yep, another MMO rumor for you guys about the Blizzard's next title. While Blizzard has been very adamant in saying that their next MMO would be very different from World of Warcraft, there might be more difference here than just the game's setting.

The French gaming site NoFrag is reporting that Blizzard's next game will include an FPS portion as well as a social portion, splitting the player between two systems. While the player will be able to meet people, chat, and make friends in the social area of the game, they will also be able to then launch into the FPS portion with their friends and battle over objectives.

Adding this to the widely spread rumor that this next game is going to be a sci-fi title and Kaplan's hints that the game might be hitting consoles? We have a feeling we might be looking at a cyberpunk setting here, if players are switching between two "modes" of play. The social play would be set in the real world while the FPS would be set in a virtual landscape. But, of course, that's just our best guess.

[Via Blue's News]

MassivelyRumor: Blizzard's next MMO to be an MMOFPS originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzard-entertainmentblizzard-mmobreakingcyberpunkfpsmmofpsrumorsci-fisocialsocial-mmounnamed-mmoFri, 08 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Blizzard show their next MMO at BlizzCon 2010?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/will-blizzard-show-their-next-mmo-at-blizzcon-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/will-blizzard-show-their-next-mmo-at-blizzcon-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/will-blizzard-show-their-next-mmo-at-blizzcon-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WoW.com's Zach Yonzon takes a speculative look at BlizzCon 2010 and all the possibilities that lie ahead. The article predicts that Blizzard will officially announce their sophomore MMO effort this year, which seems likely given StarCraft II's impending release and Diablo III being a known quantity. To top it off, the developer probably wouldn't mind stifling some of the substantial buzz building up around Star Wars: The Old Republic.

We'd love to see the cyberpunk MMO described in the article, but who wouldn't want a sci-fi MMO that's like Diablo's dark fantasy to Warcraft's light-heartedness? Nobody (well, except for Blizzard) really knows what the future holds, although for now you can read about it and share your thoughts if that helps out -- at least, it helps us feel slightly less helpless when pondering our MMO gaming future.

MassivelyWill Blizzard show their next MMO at BlizzCon 2010? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbiowareblizzardblizzard-mmoblizzconcyberpunkdiablo-3diablo-iiieaelectronic-artslucasartspredictionsspeculationstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiswtorthe-old-republicwarcraftFri, 08 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your dream MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/the-daily-grind-whats-your-dream-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/the-daily-grind-whats-your-dream-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/the-daily-grind-whats-your-dream-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Everybody dreams of an MMO that does everything perfectly, at least for them. Ours would be some kind of deep, communal sandbox cyberpunk affair. Something like "Bladerunner the MMO", with lots of emphasis on character customization ala All Points Bulletin and plenty of motivation for socialization. Combat would be of the third-person shooter variant, although with RPG systems coming into play via skill progression. Visually, it should focus on a style that's immediately noticeable -- not necessarily "cartoony" but definitely stylized. The overall palette would be something familiar yet grungy, as if it were right out of a William Gibson or Neal Stephenson book.

Of course, this is about your dream MMO and not ours. Something tells us ours probably isn't very high on the popularity scale, anyhow. The dream often demands more than reality can deliver, but assuming your dream title could somehow manifest... what would it be?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your dream MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-point-bulletinapbbladerunnercyberpunkneal-stephensonopinionrealtime-worldssandboxsci-fitdgthe-daily-grindwilliam-gibsonFri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Blizzard's mysterious MMO Part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/the-digital-continuum-blizzards-mysterious-mmo-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/the-digital-continuum-blizzards-mysterious-mmo-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/the-digital-continuum-blizzards-mysterious-mmo-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Blizzard's mysterious MMO Part 2

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Blizzard's mysterious MMO Part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblizzardcyberpunkdark-fantasydragon-agemass-effectscience-fantasystar-warssteampunkswtorwuxiaTue, 19 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Blizzard's mysterious MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/the-digital-continuum-blizzards-mysterious-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/the-digital-continuum-blizzards-mysterious-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/the-digital-continuum-blizzards-mysterious-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've got a good reason to believe that Blizzard's next MMO is in actuality a new IP, which means it's the perfect time to discuss the potential of this newly crafted world. Assuming that Games Workshop isn't the inspiring factor for yet another Blizzard game, I'll lay out five settings that I hope will catch a few of you off guard.

Here's the thing about Blizzard, they rarely stick to vanilla settings. Diablo is the only real exception, but even it had the addition of the Japanese inspired Assassin class and Celtic inspired Druid class. StarCraft's races range over a several influences and Warcraft pulls stuff from all over the place, chief among them being some steampunk.

Will it be the same for this new IP?

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Blizzard's mysterious MMO

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Blizzard's mysterious MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblizzardcyberpunkcygnarfeaturediron-kingdomsjade-empiremass-effectpandarenshadowrunstarcraftsteampunkswtorthe-digital-continuumwarcraftwarmachineworld-of-warcraftwowwuxiaTue, 19 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First official confirmation that new Blizzard MMO is original IP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/first-official-confirmation-that-new-blizzard-mmo-is-original-ip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/first-official-confirmation-that-new-blizzard-mmo-is-original-ip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/first-official-confirmation-that-new-blizzard-mmo-is-original-ip/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While we've had reason to believe that Blizzard's next MMO would be a new IP, but this marks the first occasion that we've had some kind of official confirmation of our speculation.

In a post on the official World of Warcraft forums, Blizzard community manager Zarhym came out and said the new MMO was in fact an original IP, saying, "We have nothing to advertise for the new MMO because it's a shell of a game thus far. We've already stated it'll be a brand new franchise, which means the lore, art, and game play are being developed entirely from scratch. It's an overwhelming process, but a process through which we excel. Our track record supports this." While it's no press release or big event reveal, this is certainly the closest we've come to someone officially with Blizzard saying that, yes, it's not a previously created franchise.

So now that speculation on whether or not it's a new IP is over, we can begin to speculate on what genre this new IP will be! Science fiction, steampunk, cyberpunk or another fantasy setting? It's hard to say, although our hopes go for something decidedly not fantasy since Blizzard has already spent plenty of energy in those genres up to this point.

MassivelyFirst official confirmation that new Blizzard MMO is original IP originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 May 2009 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-mmobreakingcyberpunkdiablofantasysci-fistarcraftsteampunkunannounced-mmoworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 13 May 2009 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyberpunk MMO Otherland launches game preview site]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/cyberpunk-mmo-otherland-launches-game-preview-site/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/cyberpunk-mmo-otherland-launches-game-preview-site/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/cyberpunk-mmo-otherland-launches-game-preview-site/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It was only a few months ago when we first got word of a new cyberpunk/VR-themed MMO in development. Otherland is based on the the sci-fi novels of Tad Williams, which deal heavily with the interplay of the virtual and the real. Otherland is being built on the Unreal 3 engine by Singapore-based development studio Real U, a wholly-owned subsidiary of dtp entertainment AG in Germany.

The Otherland information page states the game will release in 2011 for PC, and it could potentially offer some interesting dimensions to MMO gameplay. The site states: "MMO fans can expect a fascinating gameplay experience. Based on the globally successful novels, the Otherland gameplay is distinguished by a unique narrative structure. Rather than retelling the story, players will experience their own individual stories within the Otherland universe and will encounter many of the familiar characters from the books. The game world will change dynamically around them during the course of the game."

Continue reading Cyberpunk MMO Otherland launches game preview site

MassivelyCyberpunk MMO Otherland launches game preview site originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkdtp-entertainmentdtp-entertainment-aggermanymmo-industrynew-titlesotherlandreal-usci-fisingaporetad-williamsunreal-3unreal-3-enginevirtual-realityvrMon, 06 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What tabletop games would make good MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/the-daily-grind-what-tabletop-games-would-make-good-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/the-daily-grind-what-tabletop-games-would-make-good-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/the-daily-grind-what-tabletop-games-would-make-good-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the tidbits of news that made many of us happy here this week was the claim (and yesterday's follow-up statement) that the MMO underway at Cryptic is most likely a Champions MMO. If the sheer geekgasm that occured amongst many veteran tabletop players is any indication, careful planning and design will likely make this a winning title, drawing quite a bit of player-base to it.

Of course, this got us to thinking about some of the tabletop games we've played, and in turn this brought up a variety of interesting IPs that could be optioned for a MMO. Today we thought we'd ask you -- if given your choice of all the different tabletop RPG systems out there, which do you want to see as an MMO? Are there any particular rulesets that you think would lend themselves more readily to the workings of an MMO? Are there any niche games that the world never picked up, but would be fantastic for an MMO?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What tabletop games would make good MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChampionsCrypticcyberpunkd20rpgtabletopthe-daily-grindSat, 16 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Fantasy, and not Science Fiction, Part Eleventy-Billion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/why-fantasy-and-not-science-fiction-part-eleventy-billion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/why-fantasy-and-not-science-fiction-part-eleventy-billion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/why-fantasy-and-not-science-fiction-part-eleventy-billion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

As my compadre Eli writes here, there is reasoning available that Fantasy MMOs have flourished due to there being a greater preponderance of Fantasy titles, in various media, upon which to draw inspiration to sustain an MMO. The lack of substantive Science Fiction titles of the time, therefore, leads to the correlating dearth of such MMOs. However, this argument only mentions in passing what I think is the more crucial element, which is this:

Fantasy titles are about the Hero's Journey, or the Epic. Science Fiction titles are about exploration of ideas. One of these story types makes for better adaptation to immersive gameplay. Guess which?

Now, I will back up a bit and acknowledge that as a blanket statement, what I said does not (and should not be considered to) cover every Fantasy or Science Fiction title everywhere. Clearly, Star Wars is the most well-known Epic SF story, but then again, Lucas based the plot almost entirely on Joseph Campbell's monomyth, which was itself formulated around the epic myths and stories of history. And perhaps one of the finest Fantasy titles ever written, John Crowley's Little, Big, uses Fantasy tropes to examine the idea of the complexity of human relationships, rather than one character's journey to overcome evil. But having made those concessions, let me make my case.

Continue reading Why Fantasy, and not Science Fiction, Part Eleventy-Billion

MassivelyWhy Fantasy, and not Science Fiction, Part Eleventy-Billion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-runnercyberpunkepiceve-onlineextrapolativefantasygeorge-lucasheros-journeyjohn-crowleyjohnny-mnemonicjoseph-campbelllittle-bigmax-headroommonomythneocron-onlinescience-fictionspace-operastarship-troopersstrange-daystabula-rasathe-matrixthe-terminatorworld-of-warcraftWed, 23 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MetaPlace goes MetaPunk]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/metaplace-goes-metapunk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/metaplace-goes-metapunk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/10/metaplace-goes-metapunk/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're not familiar with MetaPlace, here's the deal: it's an open platform that allows users to create and share their own casual massively multiplayer games. It's platform-agnostic -- meaning it'll be usable by anyone with access to the web. Oh, and did we mention it's the brainchild of Raph Koster, one of the big names in MMO development, and the guy behind Penny Arcade's hypothetical construction MMO?

MetaPlace is still in alpha testing, but fans of the project are thinking ahead. Check out the brand new official website of MetaPunk, a MetaPlace-based "cyberpunk massively multiplayer online role playing game." It's never too early to start planning for the fun. MetaPlace could be one of the most exciting things on the MMO horizon, so if it's something that sounds even remotely interesting to you, get involved in the community.

[Via Cuppytalk]

MassivelyMetaPlace goes MetaPunk originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Areaecommunitycontentcyberpunkforumsmetaplacemetapunkraph-kosteruser-createduser-generatedSat, 10 Nov 2007 20:54:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Pick a genre, any genre]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/the-daily-grind-pick-a-genre-any-genre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/the-daily-grind-pick-a-genre-any-genre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/the-daily-grind-pick-a-genre-any-genre/#commentsFiled under: ,

For today's edition of The Daily Grind, we thought we'd ask you what you were looking for in your next big MMO? Are you one of the many for whom fantasy is the universe you want to escape into? Or are you looking for something new? I know many of us were sad to see Perpetual's title Gods and Heroes get shelved, as Historical MMOs are definitely a cool concept. Personally, I have to admit, I'm hoping someone will eventually option someone like Phillip K. Dick or William Gibson and we'll see a strong cyberpunk MMO in the Sci-Fi genre.

How about you? If you had your pick of any genre that you'd like to see some new MMOs in, what would you pick? Would you like to be a dark elf, or a civil war soldier? Take the poll, leave your thoughts, and let's see what you all want.

What genre do you want to see more MMOs in?
Fantasy
Horror
War
Sci-Fi
Historical
Puzzle
Sports
Super-hero
Real-life
Something else you didn't list (comment below please)
Free polls from Pollhost.com

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Pick a genre, any genre originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercyberpunkfantasyfree-to-playgenregenreshistoricalhorrorpollpuzzlesci-fisportssuper-herosuper-villainthe-daily-grindwarSat, 03 Nov 2007 08:01:00 EST