Massively

WAKFU's Haven Worlds update postponed

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Patches, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries

WAKFU is pushing back its Haven Worlds update a week to June 25th as the team cites testing concerns. "Our forums and internal discussions, as well as the internal playtest, raised concerns on some of the main aspects of the Haven Worlds," Ankama posted. "Since our intention is to offer quality content that matches your expectations, we decided to take one more week to improve a few gameplay details."

The team decided not to implement tollbooths in the patch but created a more "malleable" system to fill the role. Several other small changes, including those to taxes and GvG features, are detailed in the delay post.

To fill the void between now and the 25th, Ankama has put up a new dev diary to show off Haven Worlds and all the goodness that is to come. Check it out after the break!

Continue reading WAKFU's Haven Worlds update postponed

WAKFU's Haven Worlds update postponed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

CCP marks EVE Online: Odyssey launch with trio of new videos

Mike Foster — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, EVE Online, Launches, News Items, Sandbox

Odyssey, the 19th free content expansion for sci-fi sandbox EVE Online, is now live. Like the EVE expansions that came before it, Odyssey brings a collection of changes, tweaks and major overhauls to EVE's existing universe, among them resource redistribution, deep modifications to the exploration career, a brand-new radial navigation tool, upgrades to player-owned stations, and a redesigned system scanner.

To mark the occasion, CCP has released no fewer than three videos covering Odyssey, including the expansion's final launch trailer. Check out all three after the break, and have a look at our Odyssey coverage for in-depth information on everything that's changing.

Continue reading CCP marks EVE Online: Odyssey launch with trio of new videos

CCP marks EVE Online: Odyssey launch with trio of new videos originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Get a video overview of Dragon's Prophet right here, right now

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries

Runewaker's follow-up to Runes of Magic, Dragon's Prophet, promises to "evolutionize" MMOs. Now that you've been mortally wounded by a pun, perhaps you want to spend your last few minutes on this earth by watching a dev interview about this upcoming fantasy title?

Dragon's Prophet's core feature is bonding players with dragons as they go about adventuring. Dragons can be ridden as mounts, leveled up, and used as fighting companions. But that's not all! If you order now in the next 10 minutes, your dragon will be available for production and gathering tasks. Operators are standing by!

The seven-minute video is a good primer to the world of Dragon's Prophet, and it's all yours after the break.

[Thanks to Hirundo for the tip!]

Continue reading Get a video overview of Dragon's Prophet right here, right now

Get a video overview of Dragon's Prophet right here, right now originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Defiance takes the lid off of its open world PvP

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, PvP, Free-to-Play, MMOFPS, Dev Diaries, Defiance

"Player vs. player in Defiance is like nothing console players have ever seen," promises Trion Worlds Creative Lead Bill Trost. "Everything's different, everything's fresh, every time you play."

Thus begins Trion's latest Defiance dev diary, this one focusing on the game's open world PvP system. The team has dubbed this system the Shadow War and said that it is integrated fully with the game's PvE experience. Players have a choice whether to participate in it or not, but the action will be happening across a shared landscape.

Why is it this way? The devs say that they didn't want a typical FPS experience, in which players went through a solo campaign and then hit the reset button for multiplayer. The progression between PvE and PvP is the same, although there are special outfits for hardcore PvPers.

We've got the full dev diary for you after the break, so don't be shy!

Continue reading Defiance takes the lid off of its open world PvP

Defiance takes the lid off of its open world PvP originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

RIFT team calls down the thunder in Storm Legion dev diary

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Expansions, RIFT, Dev Diaries

"You are a fantasy character going up against technology that is far beyond you," a Trion Worlds developer cautions in a brand-new RIFT: Storm Legion video. In the span of three minutes, Trion's team attempts to convince you why RIFT's first expansion warrants your sincere and undivided attention.

The core concepts of the expansion are laid out, from the new continents to the storyline. In fact, consider this your cheat sheet for Storm Legion if you're looking for a tidy and exciting summary.

The devs also state that this isn't just your same-old, same-old romp through familiar territory. "Instead of more high fantasy, we're getting creatures that people have never even imagined before," promises Design Producer Hal Hanlin.

Watch the full dev diary after the break and let us know what you think about Storm Legion's prospects in the comments!

Continue reading RIFT team calls down the thunder in Storm Legion dev diary

RIFT team calls down the thunder in Storm Legion dev diary originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Guild Wars 2 provides a visual overview of World vs. World

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, PvP, Guild Wars 2

If you felt disappointed that ArenaNet left Guild Wars 2's World vs. World out of its video splurge last week, consider this: Maybe the studio was saving the best for last. In any case, today we're finally treated to an overview of the WvW system in the game, narrated by the devs.

World vs. World is arguably the centerpiece of PvP combat in the game. Taking place across four massive maps, WvW pits three factions of players against each other in an attempt to conquer keeps, control supply lines, and bring the pain to their fellow man (or Sylvari).

You can check out the WvW video after the jump!

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 provides a visual overview of World vs. World

Guild Wars 2 provides a visual overview of World vs. World originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New Otherland making-of video shows off Five Isle, Tad Williams

Jef Reahard — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Video, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Otherland

RealU and gamigo have released a new making-of video update for Otherland. The clip focuses on the in-game world of Five Isle, so named for the five elements of fire, water, earth, wood, and metal that feature in Chinese mythology.

Interestingly, Five Isle is a new invention created specifically for the MMO and does not appear in Tad Williams' series of Otherland novels. Williams himself does appear in the new video along with a handful of game developers. See what they have to say after the break.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading New Otherland making-of video shows off Five Isle, Tad Williams

New Otherland making-of video shows off Five Isle, Tad Williams originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sound guru brings The Secret World's ur draug monster to life

Jef Reahard — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Horror, Video, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, The Secret World

If you've ever wondered how MMO sound designers do their thing, a new developer video by Creating Sound will probably be music to your ears.

Sound designer and "audio generalist" Alexandre Saba takes us through the creation of The Secret World's ur draug sound suite. What the heck is an ur draug? It's a "creature from the deepest, darkest oceans, a Lovecraftian, god-like creature," according to TSW creative director Ragnar Tornquist.

Since Funcom couldn't just go out and mic the nearest ur draug, it turned to Saba, who performs a number of foley tricks to bring the creature's bellow, skin, and wing sounds to life. Look, listen, and learn after the cut.

Continue reading Sound guru brings The Secret World's ur draug monster to life

Sound guru brings The Secret World's ur draug monster to life originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LotRO devs show off its mounted combat system

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Lord of the Rings Online, Expansions, Game Mechanics, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries

While the upcoming Riders of Rohan expansion for Lord of the Rings Online promises a great wealth of content for players, undoubtedly its keystone feature is mounted combat. This system became the centerpiece of a filmed discussion between CM Rick Heaton and Producer Aaron Campbell.

One of the concerns that Heaton addresses is how player classes will translate once on horseback. Campbell says that the team has created ways for those roles to continue, albeit in a slightly different form. One example given was how Guardians can taunt, except that on horseback, it means that the enemy will then start riding alongside of you. "You can bring them in and control the battlefield," Campbell says.

Other points of discussion include how Fellowships work while mounted, the different stances (aggressive, utility, and defensive), the speed of combat, and situational awareness. The pair also gives us a first glimpse of mounted combat in action.

You can watch the full dev video after the jump!

Continue reading LotRO devs show off its mounted combat system

LotRO devs show off its mounted combat system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Embers of Caerus videos cover player stats and dynamic ecology

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Game Mechanics, Dev Diaries, Sandbox

Indie sandbox MMO Embers of Caerus wrapped up its kickstarter feature week with a pair of developer videos covering player stats and something called "dynamic ecology." That sounds like a 400-level college course if you ask us.

Embers of Caerus has 10 player stats that are divided into two categories: physical and mental. These stats aren't just linebackers for your DPS quarterback; they're highly important to the game's many sub-systems. For example, resilience is vital to help fight off infection and parasites. It's interesting to note that while stats increase as players engage in related activities, they will also decrease over time if neglected.

The devs say that the dynamic ecology system is "one of the most ambitious sides to the project." Dynamic ecology enables the world to be alive and changing, particularly in respect to creatures. While Ultima Online attempted to do this and failed, the Embers of Caerus team is confident that it can succeed due to lessons learned. There will be few if any static spawns, and each kill will matter a lot more than as in other MMOs.

Check out the two lengthy videos after the jump!

Continue reading Embers of Caerus videos cover player stats and dynamic ecology

Embers of Caerus videos cover player stats and dynamic ecology originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

RIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide'

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Previews, PvP, RIFT

Curious how the makers of RIFT are going to turn a two-faction game into a three-faction PvP brawl? Us too! But Trion Worlds has a few clever ideas to capitalize on the best elements of PvP innovation and evolution with its upcoming Conquest system.

"With Conquest we're really trying to capture the essence of open-world PvP gameplay," shares Lead Designer William Fisher in a new developer video. "This is where realities collide." He goes on to say that this new system isn't Defiants against Guardians, but instead three brand-new factions from across the planes duking it out with player assistance.

Check out the new video after the jump, and when you're done with that, catch up with our very own Karen Bryan's hands-on experience with the Conquest system!

Continue reading RIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide'

RIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Repopulation lets players customize outfits to their hearts' content

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Video, Game Mechanics, Previews, Dev Diaries, Sandbox

As The Repopulation is free from conventional MMO leveling and hews to skill-based progression instead, dealing with player gear is substantially more difficult than it would be otherwise. The team posted a five-minute dev video explaining how items, repair, and what it calls "fittings" work in the game.

The long and the short of The Repopulation's gear system is that players will be able to pick the outfit (or "shells") that they like the best visually and then equip the stats they want on it. This is done through fittings, which is similar to socket systems found in other MMOs.

As outfits take damage, the conditions of the fittings can and do degrade, reducing the stats associated with it. If it gets too bad, the fittings will either need to be repaired or replaced.

You can check out The Repopulation's gear system after the break. The team is currently accepting signups for June's alpha testing.

[Thanks to Halldorr and J.C. for the tip!]

Continue reading The Repopulation lets players customize outfits to their hearts' content

The Repopulation lets players customize outfits to their hearts' content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Namaste Entertainment trumpets upcoming Storybricks beta

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Video, Dev Diaries, Miscellaneous, Sandbox

If you're part of the crowd that grouses at unoriginality in the MMO genre and are craving a fresh breath of minty innovation, then you might have been intrigued at the ideas put forth by Namaste Entertainment's Storybricks toolset earlier this year. But when would this become reality? Turns out the answer is sooner than you'd think.

Namaste announced that Storybricks' beta is scheduled for February next year, and if you want to check it out, all you need to do is sign up for the newsletter and you'll be on the list. The beta will be a "skeletal version" of the toolkit without the associated game, but it should allow players to fiddle around with creating their own MMO scenarios and worlds. During the beta process, the devs will be actively creating Storybricks content and releasing it for testing as well.

To cement the good news, Lead Designer Stephane Bura and MMO Architect Brian "Psychochild" Green have put forth their first developer diary talking about the lead-up to beta and what is planned for early next year. Feast your eyeballs and eardrums on the excitement after the jump!

Continue reading Namaste Entertainment trumpets upcoming Storybricks beta

Namaste Entertainment trumpets upcoming Storybricks beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Massively Exclusive: EverQuest's City of Tides unveiled

Matt Daniel — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, EverQuest, Expansions, Previews, News Items

EverQuest is beginning to gear up for its 18th expansion, Veil of Alaris. Along with raising the level cap to 95, introducing new AA options, and a providing a smorgasbord of other new features, the expansion includes a whopping 12 new zones.

One such zone is known as Sarith, the City of Tides. We have an exclusive look at this fabled location in the form of a short dev diary video, courtesy of the fine folks at Sony Online Entertainment. The devs talk about the city's unique architecture and the process involved in bringing the city to life. For the full video preview of Sarith, jump on past the cut and take a look.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: EverQuest's City of Tides unveiled

Massively Exclusive: EverQuest's City of Tides unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments