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[The Mog Log: A decade of Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/the-mog-log-a-decade-of-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/the-mog-log-a-decade-of-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/the-mog-log-a-decade-of-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Generally speaking, when I celebrate anniversaries, I celebrate the point when the game actually came out in a language that I could play it. This is relevant in the case of Final Fantasy XI, since the game took a year and a half to reach the shores of America (also known as "the place I live"). I learned my lesson about trying to learn a language just to muddle through a game back with Final Fantasy III.

However, when one of our eagle-eyed readers pointed out to me the milestone that the game had hit, that made an impact because even if I couldn't understand any of the game's text back when it launched, a decade is a long time for continuous operation of anything. So rather than talking about the Legacy campaign as I'd planned, I think I'd rather talk about the legacy of Final Fantasy XI this week, including where the game has gone from its state at launch. You know, when a Black Mage could make the entire world bow and you still got attacked when riding a chocobo.

Continue reading The Mog Log: A decade of Final Fantasy XI

MassivelyThe Mog Log: A decade of Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryconsoleconsolesdecadedesigndevelopmentfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xilaunch-anniversarymog-logopinionretrospectivesquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 19 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst predicts The Elder Scrolls Online will launch with a subscription fee]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/analyst-predicts-the-elder-scrolls-online-will-launch-with-a-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/analyst-predicts-the-elder-scrolls-online-will-launch-with-a-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/analyst-predicts-the-elder-scrolls-online-will-launch-with-a-sub/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We're a bit of a ways out from getting dynamic screenshots here.
Are you hoping that The Elder Scrolls Online will be part of the classic subscription model rather than go the free-to-play route? According to analyst Nicholas Lovell, founder of Gamesbrief, the odds are good that you'll get your wish. Lovell notes that since the game began development in 2007, when subscription games were at their apex, Bethesda is likely to launch using the more familiar business model. Whether or not it will remain as a subscription game is another matter.

Of course, the price of play is far from the minds of most fans -- the real question is what the game will look like when it's actually playable. Director Matt Firor recently sat down to discuss the game's earliest stages of development, the relationship between ZeniMax Online Studios and Bethesda, and working within the lore of the established IP. It's an interesting look behind the scenes of development, and if you're interested in the game, watching the video is certain to be six minutes well spent.

MassivelyAnalyst predicts The Elder Scrolls Online will launch with a subscription fee originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldesigndevelopmentelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinematt-firormorrowindnicholas-lovellnick-lovelloblivionplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxskyrimsubscriptionsubscription-feestamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic answers a new set of community questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/star-wars-the-old-republic-answers-a-new-set-of-community-quest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/star-wars-the-old-republic-answers-a-new-set-of-community-quest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/star-wars-the-old-republic-answers-a-new-set-of-community-quest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No, rakghouls are probably not one of the new playable races.
The Legacy update is live, the Rakghoul Plague is contained for the time being, and Star Wars: The Old Republic fans are eager for more content and more news. The latest set of community questions and answers doesn't really deliver any new content, but it does deliver tantalizing promises, such as the fact that players can expect to roster of playable races to expand this year. There are also promises of an overhaul to the Achievement system and more Legacy-wide rewards, potentially including datacrons.

Not all of the news is good, however, with dual spec confirmed to not be included in the the upcoming patch 1.3 (but hopefully in the following patch). There are also a few in-depth answers about crafting and the necessity of finding a crafter for optimal item modifications. Players can also expect to see future spontaneous world events, although the team doesn't want to precisely replicate the Rakghoul Plague with a new skin. Take a look at the full list of questions, and if you want something answered that isn't there, submit it for the next round.

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic answers a new set of community questions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecraftcrafterscraftingdesigndevelopmenteaelectronic-artslucasartsq-and-aquestions-and-answerssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorswtor-patch-1.2swtor-patch-1.3the-old-republictorupdatesFri, 27 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What in-game project made you the happiest to complete?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/the-daily-grind-what-in-game-project-made-you-the-happiest-to-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/the-daily-grind-what-in-game-project-made-you-the-happiest-to-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/the-daily-grind-what-in-game-project-made-you-the-happiest-to-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Reading Marmaduke doesn't qualify as a project, FYI.
MMOs give players a lot of freedom and a lot of different potential projects. That means players get to pick a goal and get to it, whether or not it's the "intended" play pattern for the game. Sure, you might have a clear progression from low levels to endgame, but you can just as easily decide that you want to see all of the task forces in City of Heroes or clear all of the World of Warcraft dungeons on-level or level in Final Fantasy XIV with only store-bought equipment.

That's not to imply that game-provided projects like clearing all endgame content are somehow easier or less relevant. So out of all the game projects you've experienced in MMOs, which project was the one that gave you the best feeling after clearing it. Was it something you were "supposed" to do or just a challenge that seemed interesting at the time? Has it shaped your play subsequently, or was it fun then and never again?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What in-game project made you the happiest to complete? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedaily-grinddesigngoalsin-game-projectsopinionplayer-goalsplayer-projectsprojectstdgthe-daily-grindSun, 22 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This is a game about basketball.
Much like its predecessor, World of Warplanes is not a game with an ambiguous title. This is a game about planes, and not the sort that flies cargo from one point on the globe to another. If flying around and getting into aerial dogfights sounds like an unappealing concept to you, well, you can pretty much just exit stage left when you hear the name.

But the lack of subtlety in the name, however noteworthy, doesn't really say much about the game itself. Is it fun to play? Does it succeed in what it sets out to do? Really, is it just World of Tanks up in the air? I can't speak to the last one, but I can say that it definitely delivers on its stated design goals. This is a game all about maximizing the rush of an aerial fight and striking a balance between crafting an in-depth flight simulation and providing accessibility to those new to the genre.

Gallery: World of Warplanes

Continue reading PAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions

MassivelyPAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondesignexactly-what-it-says-on-the-tinexpof2pfeaturedflightflight-simulatorfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhands-onhistoricalimpressionsinterviewinterviewsopinionpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoplaneplanespreviewpreviewspvpscreenshotscreenshotswarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplaneswowpFri, 06 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE time-lapse video shows PlanetSide 2's Scope 4X]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/soe-time-lapse-video-shows-planetside-2s-scope-4x/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/soe-time-lapse-video-shows-planetside-2s-scope-4x/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/soe-time-lapse-video-shows-planetside-2s-scope-4x/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - NC Scope 4X
Planning on playing for the New Conglomerate faction in PlanetSide 2? If so, you'll want to check out the new video we've got for you after the break.

Sony Online Entertainment has put together a three-minute piece detailing the NC's Scope 4X (and no, we're not kidding -- it really is a video about a rifle scope). While the 4X may seem like an odd choice for a dev diary clip, it's actually indicative of the amount of work SOE is pouring into its open-world MMOFPS.

SOE senior artist Patrick Ho steps us through the complete design process, and we get a long look at thumbnail sketches, 3-D modeling, painting, and the fine details that typify PlanetSide 2's gear.

Continue reading SOE time-lapse video shows PlanetSide 2's Scope 4X

MassivelySOE time-lapse video shows PlanetSide 2's Scope 4X originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdesign-videofpsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-conglomeratepatrick-hoplanetsideplanetside-2ps2ps2-scope-4xsandboxsci-fiscope-4xshootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttime-lapse-videovideoWed, 04 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Mechanical buildup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-soapbox-mechanical-buildup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-soapbox-mechanical-buildup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-soapbox-mechanical-buildup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The image is somewhat apt.
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I was in high school when I discovered a love for simplified tabletop games. I'd long been fond of the absurdly detailed and baroque structure that you could find in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, going so far as to purchase all of the various little add-ons that allowed you to reinvent the game systems in dizzying density. And I can pinpoint the moment when I decided that all of that was for the birds.

Specifically, it was the moment when I sat there with Skills & Powers open to one page, the Player's Handbook open to another, and the Complete Psionics Handbook open to yet another. It was when I stared at three separate passages and realized that I was on the second hour of making a character that resembled nothing so much as a math project. On that day, I understood intuitively why designers would look at the whole thing and advocate sweeping the mess away altogether -- just like what many, many MMOs do as they grow long in the tooth.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Mechanical buildup

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Mechanical buildup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designeditorialfeaturedgame-mechanicsgame-systemsmechanical-cruftmechanicsop-edopinionrantrantssoapboxsystemsthe-soapboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Leveling isn't bad -- its implementation is]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/the-soapbox-leveling-isnt-bad-its-implementation-is/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/the-soapbox-leveling-isnt-bad-its-implementation-is/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/the-soapbox-leveling-isnt-bad-its-implementation-is/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leveling picture
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

It's funny how tastes can change. I know mine certainly have, especially when it comes to entertainment. Heck, I used to swear by The Ramones and a bit of Slayer; now I tend to think that this Joni Mitchell song is a work of sheer genius. It seems that as I grow older, the less I care about impressing other people. My gaming tastes have changed, but maybe not as dramatically. I've never been a hardcore player and have never enjoyed spending countless hours repeating the same task. That sort of behavior tends to turn a hobby into a boring job. MMORPGs are notorious for being filled with content that is often ripped off from other games, so it surprised me when I thought about today's topic.

I came to the conclusion that leveling is not a bad thing. When I say leveling, I mean growing a character by performing an activity, getting better at it, gaining experience and hitting a new level. It's not a bad way to represent real-life growth. The problems come when developers use the same boring systems that are based on leveling to facilitate that growth.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Leveling isn't bad -- its implementation is

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Leveling isn't bad -- its implementation is originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbiowaredesigneditorialfeaturedlevellevelingop-edopinionrantrantssoapboxstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-soapboxultima-onlineTue, 27 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Nobody's hero]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-soapbox-nobodys-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-soapbox-nobodys-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-soapbox-nobodys-hero/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Heroes (which would make an awful MMO, btw)
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

We're not heroes, at least in the ubiquitous Hollywood sense. We're teachers and janitors and businessmen, and we may occasionally be heroic in the eyes of our kids or our colleagues, but rarely are we celebrated beyond a tiny circle of family and friends.

Games can meet this emotional need, at least temporarily, and that's a major reason they've become such a booming business over the last couple of decades. We get to be Kratos for a couple of hours, or fem-Shepard or a thousand other pixelized pariahs -- until we set foot in an MMORPG, that is.

Software companies sell pre-packaged heroism in ways that book publishers and filmmakers can only dream of, and it doesn't really matter that it's fake heroism or impersonal heroism crafted on an assembly line and shipped out to millions of consumers. Shouldn't it matter, though, when it comes to MMORPGs?

Continue reading The Soapbox: Nobody's hero

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Nobody's hero originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-heroclassic-mmodesigneditorialeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfake-heroismfakeryfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalaxiesgame-designheroismlucasartsmmo-designmmo-fakerymmo-heroesmmo-industrymmo-narrativemmo-storynancy-mcintyrenobodys-heroop-edopinionpessimistic-soapbox-is-pessimisticrantrantssandboxsci-fisoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgothe-soapboxthemeparkFri, 23 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns
Now that the glow of PlanetSide 2's GDC demo reveal is a couple of weeks back in the rear-view mirror, I've had time to digest it all and adjust my expectations of the game accordingly. Nothing I saw from Matt Higby and company dampened my enthusiasm for Sony Online Entertainment's MMOFPS opus, but a few things I didn't see are niggling at the back of my mind.

Don't get me wrong -- PS2 is still at the top of my most-anticipated MMO list, but there are a few points of contention that could relegate it to the status of fun diversion instead of zomg-must-play-every-day title.

Continue reading The Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns

MassivelyThe Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmodesignfeaturedfiring-linefpsgame-mechanicsimmersionmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2psps1ps2pvpsandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpsFri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: What you loved is still there]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-soapbox-what-you-loved-is-still-there/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-soapbox-what-you-loved-is-still-there/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/the-soapbox-what-you-loved-is-still-there/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Yes, I'm familiar with liking something most of the world doesn't.
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

One of my greatest fears as I slouch toward 30 is that my tastes will become immutable in certain fields -- music, especially. The last thing I want to do is be the obnoxious guy listening to music that was popular when I was in high school complaining about how bad modern bands are. So I try to broaden my horizons because I know that everything I already like is still waiting for me. I want to create a broader range, not just stick within the familiar.

It's probably for the best, then, that I don't share that worry about video games in general and MMOs in particular. I don't cry for a return to the MMOs I played in older days because in most cases they're still running. True, in many of them a great deal has changed to the point of unrecognizability, but I never ask what happened to the game I once loved. After all, just because I loved it doesn't mean that anyone else did.

Continue reading The Soapbox: What you loved is still there

MassivelyThe Soapbox: What you loved is still there originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedesigndesign-conventionsdesign-typeseditorialfeaturedgame-developmentgamesold-gamesop-edopinionrantrantssoapboxthe-soapboxFri, 16 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raph Koster categorizes his best game design blog posts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/raph-koster-categorizes-his-best-game-design-blog-posts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/raph-koster-categorizes-his-best-game-design-blog-posts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/raph-koster-categorizes-his-best-game-design-blog-posts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Raph Koster
If you're looking for an entry point into the voluminous back-catalogue of game design posts sitting on Raph Koster's web server, look no further than his newest entry, which serves as something of a greatest hits listing.

For those unfamiliar with Koster, most gamers associate him with watershed sandbox titles like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, and he has also written a book called A Theory of Fun for Game Design. Koster first published his website in 1997, and some of his articles date almost as far back. He's arranged the links in what he calls a "rough reverse chronological order," so grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and settle in for a lengthy design-focused read.

MassivelyRaph Koster categorizes his best game design blog posts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designgame-designgame-theorykosterMiscellaneousmmo-industryraph-kostersandboxtheoryThu, 15 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The inevitable Mass Effect MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-soapbox-the-inevitability-of-a-mass-effect-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-soapbox-the-inevitability-of-a-mass-effect-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-soapbox-the-inevitability-of-a-mass-effect-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mass Effect - The Normandy (SR1)
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I don't know about you, but I've yet to play Mass Effect 3. This is not by choice, mind you, and now that I've returned from the wilds of last week's GDC, it's time to settle in for another 30-hour tour with Shepard and company.

What does this have to do with MMOs? Well, nothing really, except that BioWare hasn't exactly closed the door on a Mass Effect title. On the contrary, the company's dynamic doctor duo have hinted at the fact that this, ahem, theoretical game would need to be somewhat different from the firm's maiden MMO voyage.

At this point I think an ME MMO is inevitable, so join me after the cut to discuss whether BioWare can really break the mold with its second effort as well as what that effort could look like.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The inevitable Mass Effect MMO

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The inevitable Mass Effect MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-comfort-zonecomfort-zonecutscenesdesignea-biowareeditorialelectronic-artsfeaturedfourth-pillargreg-zeschukmass-effectmass-effect-mmommo-comfort-zonemmo-industrymmo-storyop-edopinionplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpossibility-spacerantrantsray-muzykasandboxsandparksci-fisoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardstorythe-fourth-pillarthe-soapboxthemeparkuser-generated-contentTue, 13 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC 2012 logo
Like it or not, free-to-play is rapidly coming to dominate every corner of the gaming industry. While that's good on the surface, it also blurs the line between business and design, and it creates a lot of tension for both consumers and developers who are increasingly faced with the challenges inherent in separating monetary decisions from gameplay decisions.

One of the more interesting GDC 2012 round-tables featured Sony Online Entertainment executive producer Dave Georgeson, NCSoft publishing director Steve Levy, Perfect World VP John Young, GamersFirst monetization director Joe Willmon, and Digi-Capital Limited managing director Tim Merel, all of whom convened for a mind-meld on successfully migrating subscription games to F2P.

As you would expect, the panel was heavy on business-speak, but it also featured plenty of insight into the pricing phenomenon that has become the rule rather than the exception.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions

MassivelyGDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsconconferenceconventiondave-georgesondesignf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gamersfirstgdcgdc-2012grindjoe-willmonjohn-younglootmmo-industrymonetizationncsoftopinionpanelsperfect-world-entertainmentpolishing-a-turdpwesci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttim-merelwesternizationSun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: That's the way it should be!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-soapbox-thats-the-way-it-should-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-soapbox-thats-the-way-it-should-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-soapbox-thats-the-way-it-should-be/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There have been more than ten other incarnations of this character. None of them have ever committed suicide over losing a video game.
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Every fandom has it. In Transformers fandom, it's the segment of the population that insists the franchise peaked with the original G1 cartoon (and its numerous animation errors, bad scripting, and downright ridiculous plots). Star Trek fans will insist that the franchise should be more like the original series, where every plot revolved around Kirk's trying to bone someone or Spock's acting stoic. And then there are the tabletop gamers who miss the days of early Dungeons & Dragons, as if the books stopped working once the line stopped being active.

Some fandoms have terms just for this crowd; some don't. But they're all in the same general group -- they're the One True Way crowd. They're fans who insist that one particular incarnation was the right way to go and everything afterward has been a poor imitation. The camp exists with MMOs, as well, and just as with any other franchise, it's arguably the most harmful portion of the fanbase.

Continue reading The Soapbox: That's the way it should be!

MassivelyThe Soapbox: That's the way it should be! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columncolumnsdesigneditorialfeaturedgame-designgame-industryinnovationolder-gamesone-true-wayop-edopinionrantrantssandboxsoapboxthe-soapboxthemeparkthrowbacksTue, 06 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: City of Heroes 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/a-mild-mannered-reporter-city-of-heroes-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/a-mild-mannered-reporter-city-of-heroes-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/a-mild-mannered-reporter-city-of-heroes-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
Before the comments light up, I'm just going to say outright that City of Heroes 2 does not currently exist. We've heard no news about it, no announcements, nothing beyond the speculation of many City of Heroes players such as myself. I'm deviating (again) from the set schedule and talking about a purely hypothetical sequel that all of us are kind of expecting but that does not, at this point, exist. But considering all of the recent talk about Guild Wars 2, I think it's apropos.

Let's assume, for the purpose of this article, that Paragon Studios is knee-deep in development of City of Heroes 2 and simply isn't telling anyone. What sort of things would the game need? What would be the best possible route for the game to take? How could it satisfy fans of City of Heroes while drawing in new players? I don't have the absolute answers... but it sure does make for some interesting speculation, based on the things the team has been doing over the past several years.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: City of Heroes 2

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: City of Heroes 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reportercity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-2city-of-villainscohcolumncolumnscovcoxdesignfeaturedgame-designmmrncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiossequelsspeculationWed, 29 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Ballad of a teenage Zorai]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/choose-my-adventure-ballad-of-a-teenage-zorai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/choose-my-adventure-ballad-of-a-teenage-zorai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/choose-my-adventure-ballad-of-a-teenage-zorai/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I did get some great screenshots out of Ryzom, I have to say.
Last week, the unthinkable happened. Or at least the unprecedented. Yes, after a dozen or so columns under my belt for Choose My Adventure, one of the "joke" choices finally won a poll. Either everyone thought that the paradise city was actually a thing in Ryzom or the impassioned pleas in the comments the week before had done the trick.

For those of you under the misapprehension that this was, in fact, an actual thing, I apologize for the not particularly elaborate act of deception.

My question to myself, at this point, was what I actually had to do at this point. Did this mean that I had to search through every city in the game to find a paradise, only to discover at the end that paradise had metaphorically been at home the whole time? Was I already in the paradise city, judging by the fact that some people would call the jungle a virtual paradise? The girls were pretty, the grass was green, and by almost any metric you cared to use, Corlede was as close to home as she was getting.

But no, I knew what I had to do. Something I had known since I started playing. I went home.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Ballad of a teenage Zorai

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Ballad of a teenage Zorai originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmacolumncolumnscriticismculturedesigndesign-decisionsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgame-systemsmechanicsopinionparallelspollpollsryzomsystemsthe-saga-of-ryzomwinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedWed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Go behind the scenes with EVE's art department in new video diary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/go-behind-the-scenes-with-eves-art-department-in-new-video-diar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/go-behind-the-scenes-with-eves-art-department-in-new-video-diar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/go-behind-the-scenes-with-eves-art-department-in-new-video-diar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Caldari Ibis concept art
CCP's latest dev blog spills the beans on EVE Online's upcoming rookie ship revamp. CCP Guard reports that the redesign is "part of our ongoing effort to continuously update the art assets in EVE Online and [make] sure it remains the most beautiful MMO out there."

The blog entry features a video clip that takes us behind the scenes at CCP's art department, and there are plenty of talking-head interviews as well as a few glimpses of sexy internet spaceship concept art. The five-minute clip is basically a crash course in the lengthy process of adding new art assets to EVE, and you'll find it after the jump.

Continue reading Go behind the scenes with EVE's art department in new video diary

MassivelyGo behind the scenes with EVE's art department in new video diary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-designart-directionccpccp-gamesccp-guarddesigndev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlineeve-revampeve-rookie-ship-revampnew-edenrookie-shipssandboxsci-fiship-revampvideoTue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Get together]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/the-mog-log-get-together/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/the-mog-log-get-together/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/the-mog-log-get-together/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Grouping with other players is inconvenient. It can also be a lot of fun, but it takes more work to get a half-dozen people running in the same direction compared to just operating on your lonesome. But you're a lot more likely to stick with a game if you can find other people to play with, and thus both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV have offered different approaches to grouping and encouraging parties.

When I started playing MMOs back when Final Fantasy XI launched, I wound up being soured by the game's insistence on grouping for a long while. These days, I can take a much more objective view of both sides because for all the hiccups that the system brings, Final Fantasy XIV's much more open environment has its own pitfalls -- some a result of basic game design, some a result of the less demanding approach. But why just look at this from the top down?

Continue reading The Mog Log: Get together

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Get together originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columncolumnsdesignfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivgroupinggroupslevelingopinionsquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 18 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Quest rhythm]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Not pictured: Corlede being tied up by Zorai cavalry and insisting that they call her Dances with Bodoc.
Questing is an essential part of MMOs. You can say that players should be the ones crafting stories in games, not the developers, but quests provide you with structure and guidance. Even if you can create all sorts of stories on your own, it helps to know what the world is supposed to be like and how to set your own objectives. Not to mention the fact that having some sort of pointer is massively useful when you start playing.

So it makes sense to take a good look at the questing in Ryzom, even though the game definitely veers toward the "sandbox" side of the fence. Plus, questing won the poll last week, so even if I thought quests were categorical garbage, that would still be my destination. I can't run you through all of the quests that I've done in the game, but one in particular lent itself to a narrative, albeit in a somewhat disjointed form.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Quest rhythm

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Quest rhythm originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anecdoteschoose-my-adventurecmacolumndesignfeaturedhands-onhumoropinionpollpollsquestquestingquestsreaders-choiceryzomvotevotingwinch-gate-propertyWed, 15 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online will let players run the kingdom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/pathfinder-online-will-let-players-run-the-kingdom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/pathfinder-online-will-let-players-run-the-kingdom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/pathfinder-online-will-let-players-run-the-kingdom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The game itself has no real art yet, but the pen-and-paper game has quite a few nice pieces.
If you've played the Pathfinder tabletop game that Pathfinder Online is based upon, you know that you need to have grouping. After all, the former is all about bands of adventurers exploring the wilds. So it's fitting that the most recent developer blog is all about the game's methods of managing groups and playing in different numbers. And this isn't just a matter of parties or solo play -- at the high end, players can be running entire kingdoms as a social unit.

Solo play is meant to be somewhat discouraged, as the blog notes it will be a much more difficult road for a dedicated lone wolf. Parties will be the next step up, holding an undetermined number of players (the working target has about 24 players at the high end). Above those are chartered companies, settlements, and as mentioned, entire new player-run kingdoms. It's going to produce some interesting dynamics to have player organizations in such abundance, but the developers seem to have some confidence in their initial designs.

MassivelyPathfinder Online will let players run the kingdom originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogdesigndeveloper-blogsearly-designgoblinworksgroupinggroupspaizopaizo-publishingpartiespartypathfinderpathfinder-onlineplayer-housingplayer-nationsplayer-settlementspreviewssolosolo-playerWed, 15 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar's Troy Hewitt talks about the game's design philosophy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/wildstars-troy-hewitt-talks-about-the-games-design-philosophy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/wildstars-troy-hewitt-talks-about-the-games-design-philosophy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/wildstars-troy-hewitt-talks-about-the-games-design-philosophy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It never goes smooth! Why can't it ever go smooth?
It's likely to be a while longer before anyone gets to lay hands on WildStar's beta, much less the finished game, but there's still a lot to look forward to. A recent interview with producer Troy Hewitt might help salve a bit of that anticipation as Hewitt discusses the game's design philosophy and content systems. As he explains, Carbine Studios embraced the idea that players should be allowed to play how they want, when they want, and with whomever they want.

This extends to the game's content at multiple levels; Hewitt explains that solo and group content shouldn't be at odds, that even people who prefer to level and play solo are still enjoying the fact that they experience a persistent world with other players. There's also a lot of talk about players crafting their own stories as they explore the game world, something augmented by the game's split between different player types. Take a look at the full interview if you're following the game avidly, as there are plenty of interesting tidbits -- even if you might have preferred a release date.

MassivelyWildStar's Troy Hewitt talks about the game's design philosophy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioscontentdesigndesign-philosophygroupgroupinginterviewncsoftnew-titlesnewspreviewssolosoloingtroy-hewittupcoming-titleswildstarMon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar Wednesday talks about the game's narrative design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/wildstar-wednesday-talks-about-the-games-narrative-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/wildstar-wednesday-talks-about-the-games-narrative-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/wildstar-wednesday-talks-about-the-games-narrative-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is your captain speaking. We're having a little problem with our entry sequence, so we'll be experiencing some turbulence followed by... exploding.
Unless you were at PAX Prime last year, about all you've seen of WildStar in action has been the game's cinematic trailer. While it didn't give much of an idea of how the game played, said video certainly had a lot of style. According to the latest WildStar Wednesday community blog post, that style was a big part of the game's narrative design, which is seen as one of the main points of development -- making a game that feels large, engrossing, and epic.

As lead designer Chad Moore explains it, the narrative design team is responsible for outlining the world of Nexus, which was in part created to serve as a perfect locus for a variety of different adventures. While this design team isn't particularly concerned with mechanics, it is concerned with ensuring that every part of the game has the same degree of personality as the first cinematic trailer. If you're one of the many people anticipating the game heavily, take a look behind the scenes to see how it produces its feel.

MassivelyWildStar Wednesday talks about the game's narrative design originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aestheticcarbinecarbine-studioschad-moorecommunity-blogdesignfeelgame-designgame-feellooksnarrativenarrative-designncsoftproductionwildstarwildstar-wednesdayWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's Bruusgard talks skill decks, customization]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-secret-worlds-bruusgard-talks-skill-decks-customization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-secret-worlds-bruusgard-talks-skill-decks-customization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-secret-worlds-bruusgard-talks-skill-decks-customization/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Secret World - Templar girl fighting
The Secret World launch is fast approaching (though it may not be exactly when we some are reporting), and plenty of things of things about the game remain, well, secret.

GamesRadar recently cornered lead designer Martin Bruusgaard and sussed out a few details regarding the game's skill deck mechanics. Bruusgaard says the system was designed to offer players a way to get their heads around the game's 500-plus abilities. While there are some recommended decks and combos for newer players, Bruusgaard says the intent behind the The Secret World's classless progression system lies is adaptability and plenty of customization options.

"Some of the beauty of the system is allowing the players to come up with cool stuff themselves. We want to reward the players who dive into this and take their time to tinker with this, and there are lots of cool combinations we will save for these players," he explains.

MassivelyThe Secret World's Bruusgard talks skill decks, customization originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>decksdesignfantasyfuncomgame-mechanicshorrorinterviewmartin-bruusgaardsecret-worldskill-basedskill-decksskillsthe-secret-worldWed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Craft it one piece at a time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/choose-my-adventure-craft-it-one-piece-at-a-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/choose-my-adventure-craft-it-one-piece-at-a-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/choose-my-adventure-craft-it-one-piece-at-a-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Said Corlede in... well, not snow.
Sometimes, a well-planned weekend turns into a complete mess. Case in point: This past weekend, which I fully meant to use to get more of a footing in Ryzom, wound up being almost entirely dominated by a mixture of other responsibilities and necessities. As a result, I didn't get nearly as much time playing the game as I would have liked. The plan is to spend more time crafting away over the course of the week, but this article needs to be written up earlier than that.

As you can imagine, this results in a little bit of a hole in the narrative. Fortunately, crafting is pretty deep as a system but fairly thin in terms of a core narrative, unless you find "and then I made another set of light sleeves" to be engrossing. So while I didn't get several hours of story, if you're not familiar with what the system offers, there's still plenty of ground to cover.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Craft it one piece at a time

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Craft it one piece at a time originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmacolumncraftcraftingdesigndetailfeaturedmechanicsopinionpollpollsryzomthe-saga-of-ryzomwinch-gateWed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Evolution of a class]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/the-soapbox-evolution-of-a-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/the-soapbox-evolution-of-a-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/the-soapbox-evolution-of-a-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Draenei make everything better.
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

In 1974, the first roleplaying game was published under the name Dungeons & Dragons. Being the first of its field, it still had certain rough parts, which later designers would consider fundamental failures. Modern tabletop design looks at things like classes and levels as being relics in many ways -- elements that made sense as a crutch when the design of RPGs was one step removed from tactical wargames.

Compare that to, well, pretty much every MMORPG on the market. While there are certainly games that don't follow the class/level model, they're outnumbered by games that embrace it wholeheartedly. As a result, it's easy to look at the way game development has gone and feel as if the design of online games has not only stagnated but actively slid backward, going from a more advanced system to a far less developed one.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Evolution of a class

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Evolution of a class originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advancementclass-designclass-level-systemclassesculturedesignfeaturedgame-mechanicsmechanicsopinionskill-systemskillssoapboxthe-soapboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you think there's too much group mentality in MMO discussion?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-theres-too-much-group-mentality-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-theres-too-much-group-mentality-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-think-theres-too-much-group-mentality-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, IMMERSION IS DEAD, TRAMMEL WAS AN ABOMINATION, TALLY-HO AND ALL THAT!
When it comes to MMO design, people tend toward certain viewpoints. Some players think that immersion requires an open world, open PvP, and open targets; others think it just requires an interesting story and a player willing to invest. There are people who think that cash shops are a short step toward buying your way through content, and there are those who think cash shops are a great way to get some more gumballs for a game you like. In the broadest terms, there's a sense of an old guard and a new guard, but there's a lot of overlap and a lot that depends on personal viewpoints.

In some ways, this can be helpful for discussion -- knowing that someone really prefers old sandbox games like Ultima Online means that you know right off said person won't enjoy DC Universe Online, for instance. But it also means that we're far more likely to ignore the opinions of others because they dislike certain mechanics, even if they raise valid points. So do you think there's too much of a focus on "old guard" vs. "new guard" when talking about design?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you think there's too much group mentality in MMO discussion? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedesigndesign-pointsdiscussiondiscussion-topicsmeta-discussionnew-guardold-guardopiniontdgthe-daily-grindSun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online promises to let players stumble into adventure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/pathfinder-online-promises-to-let-players-stumble-into-adventure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/pathfinder-online-promises-to-let-players-stumble-into-adventure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/pathfinder-online-promises-to-let-players-stumble-into-adventure/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I'm not sure where the judicial branch comes in, but I'm thinking it should be on here.
Pathfinder Online is still too early in the development process to do much more than talk about principles, but said principles are certainly of interest to fans. The most recent development blog about the project discusses that game's PvE arm, which is meant to be an important part of the game without being the sole driving force. Instead of the game being driven by players going, gathering quests, and then going out to kill monsters, the development team hopes to create an environment where players go out to do something and then find themselves in the midst of a quest.

Four basic types of interconnection are outlined, ranging from wandering monsters to potential beasts attracted by overharvesting an area. (Cut down too much wood in an area and wood-dwelling creatures my start attacking lumberjacks... or some nasty flying monsters might decide the cleared area would make for an excellent nest.) It's certainly an interesting set of principles going into design, making the entry well worth a read for sandbox enthusiasts.

MassivelyPathfinder Online promises to let players stumble into adventure originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdevelopmentdevelopment-bloggoblinworksmonster-encounterspaizopaizo-publishingpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepreviewpvepve-encountersquestssandboxsystemsWed, 01 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How often do you want new abilities?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/the-daily-grind-how-often-do-you-want-new-abilities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/the-daily-grind-how-often-do-you-want-new-abilities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/the-daily-grind-how-often-do-you-want-new-abilities/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This level, I learned to bend my wrist ninety degrees in any direction without breaking it!
We're all very familiar with the term "ding." We're also familiar with the immediate follow-up to a ding -- namely, figuring out what new stuff you get following a new level. Of course, that varies a lot depending on the game. Guild Wars will give players new abilities all the time, whether or not you hit a new level, but Star Trek Online only offers up a new set of abilities every 10 levels or so (equipment notwithstanding).

Granted, if a game gives you abilities infrequently, each one tends to be more vital to your overall play experience. Having a wider spread of abilities means more choices, but it also means that each individual skill doesn't matter as much. So which do you prefer? Would you like to be swimming in new abilities and new tricks at every new level? Or would you prefer a slow roll, with new skills coming infrequently but being special when they do come?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How often do you want new abilities? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesabilitydesignlevelleveling-paceleveling-uplevelsnew-abilitiesnew-powersnew-skillsopinionpowersskillstdgthe-daily-grindtraitsSun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
On Christmas, Ms. Lady and I received a power juicer.

This wasn't a bad present by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a present that left us momentarily baffled. We hadn't asked for a power juicer, we didn't feel a great need for a power juicer, and we weren't even sure exactly what to do with a power juicer. (Make juice, obviously, but beyond that?) It was a great present but one that struck us as so far out of left field that we really weren't quite sure how to use it at first, much less what it would offer us.

Issue 22 of City of Heroes strikes me in much the same way. It's not that the update is bad or unwanted or unnecessary; it's that the entire thing is essentially aimed in a direction away from my own playstyle. I imagine a lot of free players are going to run into the same issue because even though it's being touted as the game's newest free update, there's precious little in there that's actually changed on the free side.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reportercity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcolumncolumnscovcoxdesignf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomincarnateincarnate-systemissue-22ncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospatchespowerspowersetsupdateszonesWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's Craig Morrison talks conquest vs. competition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/age-of-conans-craig-morrison-talks-conquest-vs-competition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/age-of-conans-craig-morrison-talks-conquest-vs-competition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/age-of-conans-craig-morrison-talks-conquest-vs-competition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan concept art
PvP is a naturally contentious subject, particularly when focused on its various flavors in the MMO space. Everyone thinks they know best, and whether they're arguing for a three-faction system, full loot, or open-world objectives, the discussion often devolves into verbal throw-downs every bit as violent as their in-game counterparts.

Age of Conan game director Craig Morrison recently waded into the fray via his personal blog, and he says that defining PvP in an MMO context involves separating the wish for conquest from the wish for competition.

Morrison touches on several interesting aspects of MMO PvP, including a bit of history relating to the arenas and battlegrounds that are usually reviled by hardcore player types. "The needs of accessibility dictated that designers try and find a way to accommodate the appeal of the conquest style of play while also retaining the fairness of the competitive desires of the players," he explains.

Ultimately, Morrison offers a bit of hope for those who prefer open-world conflict. "It's great to finish a great story and storm the castle and beat the bad guy. It is something else altogether to get to keep his castle, and for you to become the bad guy for the next would-be hero to try and conquer," he says.

MassivelyAge of Conan's Craig Morrison talks conquest vs. competition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sometimes the bird flies away, and sometimes you unchain it and smack it in the head and then complain that it left.
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

With all of the other crises hitting the gaming world, it's easy to have missed the fact that Lord of the Rings Online has started selling statted gear in the cash shop. It's not endgame gear, of course, and it's mostly there for low-level players to get a minor boost. Really, as has been said by others, it's not something all that unusual, nor is it game-breaking in the slightest. It's just a convenience thing.

It's also something that Turbine promised would never be done.

I don't have an issue with the sale of low-level armor with stats on it, in Lord of the Rings Online or in other games. What I do have an issue with is the matter of credibility, the one currency that every company starts with and loses over time. Credibility is something you have to spend carefully, and every so often, a company spends it wrong. And the results, in the long term, are never pretty.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Credible currency

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Credible currency originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-ideasbears-bears-bearsbroken-promisescash-shopscontroversiescontroversycostscredibilitydesigndevelopersdevelopmentfeaturedlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionpay-to-winplayer-faithpromisessoapboxstat-gearthe-soapboxturbineTurbine-EntertainmentTue, 24 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI classes, round four]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xi-classes-round-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xi-classes-round-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xi-classes-round-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header image by A. Fienemann
One of the funny things about writing a regular column is that sometimes, when you start out writing a series of connected columns on a topic, you have a point you want to make. Other times, you find a point making itself as you go, and you realize that it's a pretty good point. After our first three columns covering the various classes in Final Fantasy XI, that effect is on my mind, especially as I move into the fourth installment.

As before, the standard caveats apply. Nothing below is meant to debate relative power levels or overall worth; instead, I'll judge the class solely on its own merits -- how much does it offer other jobs, does it have a unique mechanical identity or not, and how cool is the darn thing. With that in mind, let's round out the advanced jobs from the core game with Beastmaster, Summoner, and Bard!

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI classes, round four

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI classes, round four originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Assembly Required - architectural banner
So you're an armchair game designer, eh? Well, EverQuest II invites you to put your money where your mouth is -- at least as it relates to dungeon creation.

While Sony Online Entertainment's venerable fantasy title is no stranger to player-generated content given its spectacular player- and guild-housing mechanics, this winter's Age of Discovery expansion upped the ante a little bit in the form of the new dungeon maker toolset. The system is a bit rough around the edges, but it's nonetheless a fantastic first iteration that adds a lot of fun and replay value to an MMO that was already chock-full of both.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A look at EQII's dungeon maker

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A look at EQII's dungeon maker originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoveryarmchair-designarmchair-developerdesigndungeon-makerdungeonseq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgrindnon-combat-gameplaynorrathopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentroleplayroleplayingsandboxsandparksome-assembly-requiredxp-grindFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Be the nemesis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/a-mild-mannered-reporter-be-the-nemesis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/a-mild-mannered-reporter-be-the-nemesis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/a-mild-mannered-reporter-be-the-nemesis/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
I have a nemesis, but it's not a person. It's an idea, and that idea is optimization.

Given enough time (about seven minutes), people will figure out the best builds and abilities for pretty much every single character class in any game. This is great if all you're interested in doing is banging out the best possible character to tackle endgame challenges, but it's kind of disappointing if you like creating odd characters, ones that play strangely or feature under-utilized abilities or specs. That's the sort of stuff that I like, the things I find fascinating.

City of Heroes is hardly the first game to do this, so I've had plenty of time to learn how to fight my nemesis. And so I offer you today the lessons of nemeses, the path to figuring out how to make your bad character into a force to be reckoned with. There are certain rules to being a nemesis rather than simply an adversary, and some of them aren't what you think.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Be the nemesis

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Be the nemesis originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterabilitiesbad-characterscharacter-abilitiescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncolumnscovcoxculturedesignfeaturedgame-mechanicsmetancsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosunderpowered-charactersWed, 18 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chris McDonough talks about the development of the World of Darkness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/chris-mcdonough-talks-about-the-development-of-the-world-of-dark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/chris-mcdonough-talks-about-the-development-of-the-world-of-dark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/chris-mcdonough-talks-about-the-development-of-the-world-of-dark/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Personally, I was hoping for the first game to be Hunter: The Reckoning. Just for shock value.
With layoffs having hit CCP, there's been a lot of apprehension about whether or not World of Darkness would continue in development or suffer a quiet death. But a recent interview with Senior Producer Chris McDonough makes it clear that the title is still very much in development and very much following in the footsteps of its older brother, EVE Online. Both games will share the single-shard setup, and McDonough states that several technologies developed for World of Darkness have been incorporated into EVE Online (something many players suspected about player avatars from the beginning).

McDonough also talks in depth about turning the game into an MMO, claiming that a pen-and-paper game naturally translates into an MMO better than other properties because of the lack of iconic characters who players wish to play. The challenge, of course, is bringing over some of the feel of a tabletop setting into an online environment, with McDonough explaining that several of the computer games such as Vampire: The Masquerade -- Bloodlines have been used as a point of common reference. Click past the break to see the full interview.

Continue reading Chris McDonough talks about the development of the World of Darkness

MassivelyChris McDonough talks about the development of the World of Darkness originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptationccpccp-gameschris-mcdonoughdesigneveeve-onlineinterviewvampirevampire-the-masqueradevampiresvideovideo-interviewvideosvtmwodworld-of-darknessTue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard seems to think that Cataclysm was too linear]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/blizzard-seems-to-think-that-cataclysm-was-too-linear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/blizzard-seems-to-think-that-cataclysm-was-too-linear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/blizzard-seems-to-think-that-cataclysm-was-too-linear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yeah, that guy seems to have the right idea, let's go that way.
Designing MMOs is often the art of shepherding players in a given direction while at the same time giving them a sense of freedom. Even in a themepark environment, players want to be invested in areas, to have reasons to come back and explore and go off of the rails should they want to. World of Warcraft's most recent expansion, Cataclysm, has frequently been accused of giving players nowhere to go but a series of rails, and according to a recent response from a community manager, Blizzard agrees.

A very long thread on the official forums has spawned some interesting discussions about the game's overall endgame philosophy, with community manager Draxxari stating that Cataclysm's tightly linear design was an "error" on the design level. He goes on to state that Mists of Pandaria is meant to give players more reason to venture out and explore the world, although players will have to wait to see whether that promise holds true or not.

[Thanks to SgtBaker for the tip!]

MassivelyBlizzard seems to think that Cataclysm was too linear originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcataclysmcommunityculturedesigndraxxarifreeformlinearmists-of-pandariamopopinionthemeparkworld-of-warcraftwowwow-cataclysmzone-designSat, 14 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Adventures equal battles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/the-mog-log-adventures-equal-battles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/the-mog-log-adventures-equal-battles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/the-mog-log-adventures-equal-battles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
One of the big selling points of Final Fantasy XIV before launch was that there were many classes devoted to doing things other than fighting. The promise was made, more than once (if memory serves), that even non-combat classes would get to take part in the main story, and it was also stated that these classes would still be useful to an adventuring party even if not quite as good as another Disciple of War or Magic.

At this point, of course, we can confidently say that part was a lie. A Botanist is about as useful in combat as an actual botanist in a fistfight. But Naoki Yoshida has gone on record that the former part is a lie as well -- that if you want to take part in the main storyline, you really do need to level a combat class. It wasn't something that was really highlighted, but it was still there, and it's worth unpacking as we look forward to another year of the game's ongoing development. If you came in expecting to only craft and gather, you're no longer going to have your run of the place.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Adventures equal battles

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Adventures equal battles originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars Galaxies - Cantina gambling
Yeah, you read that right, virtual world fans. One of the more celebrated sandbox MMORPG developers is apparently throwing in the towel when it comes to immersion. Raph Koster wrote what can only be termed a lament on his personal blog today, saying that "immersion does not make a lot of sense in a mobile, interruptable world."

Koster characterizes immersion as a style whose time has come and gone, and he concludes that games are no longer for dreamers due to their far-reaching popularity. "I mourn the gradual loss of deep immersion and the trappings of geekery that I love," Koster writes. "I see the ways in which the worlds I once dove into headlong have become incredibly expensive endeavors, movies-with-button-presses far more invested in telling me their story, rather than letting me tell my own."

Whether you agree with him or not, it's a sobering read coming from one of the chief creative forces behind Star Wars Galaxies and Ultima Online.

MassivelyRaph Koster: Immersion is not a core game virtue originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-least-it-has-a-karateka-screenshotcasualdepressingdesignhardcoreimmersionkosterMiscellaneousopinionraph-kosterroleplaysandboxstar-wars-galaxiesswgultima-onlinevirtual-worldsFri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New WAKFU dev diary highlights player freedom, sandbox features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-wakfu-dev-diary-highlights-player-freedom-sandbox-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-wakfu-dev-diary-highlights-player-freedom-sandbox-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-wakfu-dev-diary-highlights-player-freedom-sandbox-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

WAKFU gameplay screenshot
If it's true that MMORPGs have become more linear as the genre has grown, it's also true that Ankama is setting out to do something different with WAKFU. The French development firm has released a new video dev diary titled Power to the Player, and it outlines how the free-to-play game is tackling some of the challenges inherent in sandbox design.

"We really wanted to make WAKFU a game based on freedom, a game which puts the player in control," says Ankama designer Azael. "Most current MMOs create a game and then insert the player. With WAKFU we aimed to create the game around the players."

WAKFU features very few NPCs (and no traditional vendor NPCs at all), and it also boasts mobs that don't drop money. Players create the game's currency themselves by harvesting ores and making use of minting machines, and players are also responsible for seeding the world with monsters since they don't respawn on their own. You can learn more about WAKFU by viewing the video after the break.

Continue reading New WAKFU dev diary highlights player freedom, sandbox features

MassivelyNew WAKFU dev diary highlights player freedom, sandbox features originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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