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[New ArcheAge videos show off PvP, dancing gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/new-archeage-videos-show-off-pvp-dancing-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/new-archeage-videos-show-off-pvp-dancing-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/new-archeage-videos-show-off-pvp-dancing-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - Pop dance clubs? really?
A couple of ArcheAge tidbits surfaced during the recent Tencent Games Carnival. XLGAMES' sandpark MMO was on display since it is gearing up for both its fourth Korean beta phase and a 2012 beta in Tencent's native China.

Two noteworthy videos came out of the conference, and their radically different nature points to the breadth of gameplay on display in ArcheAge. First up is an over-the-shoulder clip featuring some five vs. five PvP gameplay. The action takes place on an instanced map known as the Siege Warfare Training Camp, and MMO Culture points out a couple of lingering bugs relating to character movement (as well as some interesting weapon combinations).

The second video comes directly from XLGAMES, and it shifts gears in favor of ArcheAge's social features. While many MMOs feature dance animations, thus far the only title to take a serious stab at dance gameplay has been Star Wars Galaxies. ArcheAge looks to continue that tradition by allowing players to choreograph dances and coordinate with other dancers, though we are scratching our heads a little bit due to the jarring mixture of high fantasy and pop music. You'll find both videos viewable after the cut.

Continue reading New ArcheAge videos show off PvP, dancing gameplay

MassivelyNew ArcheAge videos show off PvP, dancing gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arche-agearcheagebetachoreographyclosed-betadancingfantasyinstanced-pvpkorean-betanon-combatnon-combat-gameplaypvppvp-instancesandboxsandparksocial-featuressocial-gamingtencent-gamestrailersvideoxlxl-gamesxlgamesMon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Party planning committee, assemble!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/the-road-to-mordor-party-planning-committee-assemble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/the-road-to-mordor-party-planning-committee-assemble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/the-road-to-mordor-party-planning-committee-assemble/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Road to Mordor
Considering that Fellowship of the Ring begins with a huge party -- thrown in honor of Bilbo Baggins' eleventy-first birthday -- I think it's appropriate that Lord of the Rings Online is conducive to parties. I'm not just talking about dev-designed festivals, although those are great; I'm referring to parties that the community whips up from time to time.

Part of the appeal of LotRO to me is that it isn't just all about killing and leveling; it's also about exploring and living in this virtual Middle-earth. Life for the Free Peoples means celebrating even in the midst of oppressive evil, and it's in keeping with the spirit of the enterprise to throw a shindig now and then.

Turbine's given us quite a few tools and resources to use when assembling a party, and I thought that today we'd take an unusual detour from the Road to Mordor and go through the steps of throwing a memorable and enjoyable soirée. Ready to cut loose? Footloose? Good! Let's tear up the dance floor!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Party planning committee, assemble!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Party planning committee, assemble! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alebeerdancingdrinkingdrunkexplosionsfeaturedfireworksfreeze-taglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromusicpartiespartyparty-planningplayer-housingplayer-musicroad-to-mordorshindigsoireetagthe-road-to-mordorturbine-entertainmentweatherstockSat, 29 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raph Koster on the legacy of Star Wars Galaxies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/raph-koster-on-the-legacy-of-star-wars-galaxies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/raph-koster-on-the-legacy-of-star-wars-galaxies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/raph-koster-on-the-legacy-of-star-wars-galaxies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Amid all the internet commentary sure to be forthcoming over the next few days regarding Star Wars Galaxies and its upcoming swan-song, none of it is really as relevant as the thoughts of the man primarily responsible for designing the original game.

Raph Koster offers up a bit of commentary on SWG's demise via his personal website, and despite the brevity, he manages to touch on exactly why the game mattered to so many of us and why it will be sorely missed. "It gave us features that continue to amaze people who don't realize what can be done: Real economies complete with supply chains and wholesalers and shopkeepers, that amazing pet system, the moods and chat bubbles [...], player cities, vehicles, spaceflight," Koster says.

It also gave us dancing, and while many progression-focused gamers scoff at SWG's social features, Koster rightly concludes that they may well be the game's legacy since they allowed us to "stop saving the world or killing rats and realize the real scope and potential of the medium." In the end, Koster says that SWG's potential may have overshadowed the final product, but what remained was nonetheless a mold-breaking MMORPG. "I'd rather work on something with great potential than on fulfilling a promise of mediocrity. There's a reason people are passionate about it all these years later," he wrote.

MassivelyRaph Koster on the legacy of Star Wars Galaxies originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancingeconomiesentertainersfeatureskosterlucasartsnon-combat-gameplaynoooooooooraph-kostersandboxsocial-gamingsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessunsettingswgswg-shutting-downFri, 24 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/hyperspace-beacon-luminous-beings-are-we-not-this-crude-matter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/hyperspace-beacon-luminous-beings-are-we-not-this-crude-matter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/hyperspace-beacon-luminous-beings-are-we-not-this-crude-matter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's interesting: When I'm intrenched in the news of Star Wars: The Old Republic, I tend to forget sometimes what people know and don't know. For instance, I love what I've seen of Guild Wars 2, but if you were to ask me, "Who is that tiny race with the big machines?" I would have to look it up. So it shouldn't have surprised me when I received an email a couple of days ago asking about non-combat activities in SWTOR. I know there has been talk of non-combat activities, but it's usually pushed to the side so that combat can take the forefront. I certainly don't blame anyone for that. Most players are interested in combat, and BioWare's marketing is, of course, going to focus on that.

This message I received from Isaiah was concerning his whole guild. He asked the following:
We are primarily interested in the RP aspects of the game. I theorized that the RP elements and player interactions on the RP servers will be community-regulated, meaning the players drive the RP as opposed to BioWare. BioWare briefly touched on crafting months ago, but nothing new has been revealed. What about mounts? Player housing and the ability to name our ships? What about non-armor clothing options and general RP immersion into the universe? I know it's a rather open-ended line of questioning, but do you have any insights or theories about non-combat activities in game?
Beyond the break, I will answer these questions, and since he asked me about my theories, I will do a bit of that, too. See you on the other side.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v1BioWaredancingdejarikEAElectronic-ArtsemoteemotesfeaturedHands-of-DarknessIsaiahjames-ohlenKandycaneLucasArtsmini-gamespazaakracingroleplayRolePlayingStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 19 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The evolution of /dance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/the-perfect-ten-the-evolution-of-dance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/the-perfect-ten-the-evolution-of-dance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/the-perfect-ten-the-evolution-of-dance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I recall when I was a wee... teenager and C+C Music Factory would blast through our Walkmans to demand that everybody (1) dance and (2) dance now. It was commanding, enthralling and extremely dorky, but the dance could not be denied. Dancing is in the soles of our souls as humans; we simply must boogie to a good beat.

I'm not quite sure when or where dancing in MMOs became all the craze, but these days it seems as though every game (except the dour ones with bears, bears, bears) prides itself on a good set of /dance emotes. For some players, it's the perfect way to unwind after a long raid or chew up a bit of time while one waits for SgtCuddlyMonkey to return from his refreshing bio break. For others, it's a legitimate career path with a long and distinguished history of gyrating on top of mailboxes while annoyed postal recipients long for a day when a pelvis will not be gesturing at eye level.

So this week, let's loosen up, let our hair down, and samba across the ballroom floor as we count down (up?) 10 incredible MMO dances.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The evolution of /dance

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The evolution of /dance originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanallods-onlinebears-bears-bearsburning-crusadec+c-music-factorycarltonchicken-dancedancedance-emotedance-emotesdancingddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineemotesentertainereverybody-dance-nowfallen-earthfeaturedfree-realmsfresh-prince-of-bel-airgibberlingsguild-warsirish-jigjukeboxkoboldmichael-jacksonmoonkinnapoleon-dynamiteottos-irresistible-danceowlbearperfect-10perfect-tenrealm-rolledrick-astleyrickrolledriftrock-the-casbahrunescapestar-wars-galaxiesstygianstygian-danceswgtabula-rasathe-chicken-dancethe-perfect-tenthrillervote-for-pedroworld-of-warcraftThu, 10 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What game has the best /dances?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/the-daily-grind-what-game-has-the-best-dances/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/the-daily-grind-what-game-has-the-best-dances/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/the-daily-grind-what-game-has-the-best-dances/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There are tons of MMOs out there with /dance moves in them. Don't believe us? Search "mmo dance" on YouTube and you'll get an idea of all the various different ones out there. Sometimes they're easy to source, like all of the ones in World of Warcraft. Other times, they seem to have gone off and done their own thing, as perhaps with the video above from Aion.

With that said, some games do /dancing better than others - at least according to players. This morning we thought we'd ask you - which game do you think has the absolute best /dance emotes? Which has the absolute worst? If there are several different dances your character can do like City of Heroes and even Fallen Earth, which one is your absolute favorite? Alternately, if you can't decide, feel free to list all your favorites in the comments below!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What game has the best /dances? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bestdancedancingemotesopiniontdgthe-daily-grindworstSun, 20 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just /dance the night away]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/just-dance-the-night-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/just-dance-the-night-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/07/just-dance-the-night-away/#commentsFiled under:


About how long are you in a new game before you decide to check out the emotes? These gestures have become an integral part of the personalities we ascribe to our characters - and perhaps none more than the /dance emote. Ravious over on KillTenRats recently explored dancing in MMOs since newer games without the dance animations have had to spell out why they opted to step off of the dance floor. Many games have more than one animation for dancing. In fact, RuneScape has moves that can only be accessed by paid members and Lord of the Rings Online has dances that can only be gained after completing festival quests.

It remains to be seen if dancing is what truly brings a sense of community to the city squares as Ravious seems to allude. But one thing's for sure - anything's better than sitting around watching the toy train set that never ends!

MassivelyJust /dance the night away originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancedancingemoteslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrorunescapewarhammer-onlineSun, 07 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan newsletter previews new PvP, dungeons, and dancing!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/age-of-conan-newsletter-previews-new-pvp-dungeons-and-dancing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/age-of-conan-newsletter-previews-new-pvp-dungeons-and-dancing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/age-of-conan-newsletter-previews-new-pvp-dungeons-and-dancing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's only been a short time since Age of Conan launched, but it has already seen some troubles. The newest edition of the game newsletter hints that good times are just over the horizon. Above and beyond bug fixing and regular patches, Funcom has announced they have a slew of new concepts and content ideas on the stove. Here are the highlights from the newsletter:
  • Game director Gaute Godager answers a few questions we haven't seen addressed anywhere else. Primarily involving guild systems and tradeskilling, the quickie Q&A shouldn't take you long to read.
  • The team is introducing a sort of alternate advancement system they're calling Power Points. Points are similar to but not exactly like the "AAs" from games like EQ. You'll earn them just by having an open account, and it sounds like down the road new content will drop specifically for characters with enought PP.
  • A number of changes to guilds, guild housing, and the introduction of guild alliances are all discussed on the official site.
  • The newsletter goes back over all the patches they've dropped since launch, particularly noting the addition of unique dances for each race.
  • Funcom is completely revamping Age of Conan's PvP. They're adding PvP-specific leveling, consequences in the form of the 'fugitive system', and a number of tweaks and changes to the art of player on player war.
  • A number of quests past level 20 are getting voice over elements added in. The website lists every one they're working on, and in total this forms a specific storyline the developers want you to be sure to follow.
  • A better interface for chat and guild management will soon be available.
  • The Pyramid of the Ancients and Treasury of the Ancients in Khopshef Province will be getting bottom-to-top revamps.
  • A whole new dungeon will be added to Thunder River. No firm details, but they did release some concept art - the same art that was 'leaked' to the US forums earlier this week.
  • They're also planning an all new outdoor area called Ymir's Pass, which plans to fill a few holes in late-game leveling.
Make sure to check out the newsletter for full details.

MassivelyAge of Conan newsletter previews new PvP, dungeons, and dancing! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbreakingdancingdungeonsfuncomgaute-godagerpatchespvpFri, 13 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[TurpsterVision: Goodnight Sweet Prince]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/turpstervision-goodnight-sweet-prince/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/turpstervision-goodnight-sweet-prince/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/turpstervision-goodnight-sweet-prince/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Every Tuesday you used to think "T" for Turpster and you took the "a" in "day", capitalized it, removed the little bit in the middle, turned it upside down and you got a "V". When you put the two together you had TV for TurpsterVision -- the best Internet video podcast on Massively! (Never mind that business about it being canceled by Massively...)

Good day brave adventures! I use the term "Good" in the loosest sense possible, for today is far from it. Today sees the single brightest flame on the interwebs extinguished. Unfortunately due to an on going libel suit from the makers of RuneScape I am unable to comment further, though I have managed to negotiate a time to express my thanks to you all and ask you to read on after the break to read how I truly feel about the situation.

Continue reading TurpsterVision: Goodnight Sweet Prince

MassivelyTurpsterVision: Goodnight Sweet Prince originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaapril-fools-08bad-lightingconcept-artdancingfeaturedfiredfunnynew-mmono-powershowersoetime-traveling-flying-mountsturpsterturpster-visionTVtv-mmoTue, 01 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively: Bobbo No. 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/cinemassively-bobbo-no-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/cinemassively-bobbo-no-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/cinemassively-bobbo-no-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We're still filling in for our regular cinediva Moo Money who is ramping up for SXSW this weekend. This may or may not be a good thing, depending on if you like more amateur machinima or not. Today's Cinemassively is interesting to us from the standpoint of choreography, editing and just pure fun. If you're looking for epic story-lines, tight scripting, or great visual effects, this isn't it. If, however, you are looking for a fun little music video that features City of Heroes celebrity cameos, including what may quite possibly be the most Freakshow (yet best choreographed) CoH chorus line ever, then this is for you!

[Thanks, Blazefire from The Girls of Nukem High]

MassivelyCinemassively: Bobbo No. 5 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bobbo-no-5city-of-heroescohcoxdancingfreakshowfunnylou-begamusic-videosillyTue, 04 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TurpsterVision : Dancing in the Endless Forest [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/turpstervision-dancing-in-the-endless-forest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/turpstervision-dancing-in-the-endless-forest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/turpstervision-dancing-in-the-endless-forest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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! (Nevermind that business about it being the only video podcast on Massively...) Check it out after the break!

If you want to know how EPIC the intro for TV would have been had Turpster not had the help from the fantastic, awesome, uber-talented, Johnny Voruz from Unforgotten Realms then be sure to check out the extra video we included after the break! We'd like to note that Turpster is a highly trained professional, and as such, you should not attempt to recreate anything you see in TurpsterVision!

Continue reading TurpsterVision : Dancing in the Endless Forest [Updated]

MassivelyTurpsterVision : Dancing in the Endless Forest [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arguably-funnydancingdeerendless-forestfeaturedfunnygraveyardjoystiqfeaturesmark-turpintale-of-talesturpsterturpster-visionturpstervisiontwin-godsvideo-podcastvideocastwell-i-think-i-am-funnywow-insider-showTue, 12 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST