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[Firefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Not a farewell to arms, mind you. That would make the game kind of silly.
The team at Red 5 Studios has been working hard on making Firefall the best game it can be, and as it turns out, that happens to be a game without traditional levels. A new video blog featuring lead designer Scott Youngblood and development VP James Macauley drops the news that the level system is being discarded and replaced with a much more organic system for player growth.

Under the new system, players still earn EXP. That EXP will be spent on specific upgrades at a player's discretion rather than marking off specific levels, allowing you to unlock the upgrades that feel relevant in the order you want them. It also places less emphasis on levels in head-to-head matchups, something Macauley stresses is important to the team.

There's more than just the removal of levels at work, however; the development team is also overhauling crafting to be more complex and rewarding as well as developing a new system of equipment tiers to keep players advancing. The full diary just past the break only gives brief glimpses of several new systems, but Firefall fans should be quite happy with what's over the horizon.

Continue reading Firefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill

MassivelyFirefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>design-blogdevelopmentdevelopment-blogf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playfuture-patchesfuture-updatesjames-macauleylevelsmmo-shootermmofpsnewsno-levelspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscott-youngbloodshootervideovideo-blogvideosvlogwarTue, 22 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![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[Pathfinder Online puts together a Kickstarter project [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pathfinder-online-puts-together-a-kickstarter-project/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pathfinder-online-puts-together-a-kickstarter-project/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pathfinder-online-puts-together-a-kickstarter-project/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The posing is a bit Liefeldian, but it's a fantasy woman wearing reasonable clothes and flat boots. I'm calling this a win.
Kickstarter has been getting a lot of attention from the gaming industry of late after a number of high-profile successes. It's even gained the attention of the team behind Pathfinder Online, the upcoming sandbox MMORPG based on the eponymous tabletop system. So instead of trying to secure venture capitalist funding for the project, the development team is reaching out directly to the fans via a new Kickstarter project to assemble a tech demo for the game.

It's important to note that the project is only for funding a demo of the game, enough to show bigger investors that the interest in the game does exist. However, the development team has still assembled a number of bonuses for prospective players, including special forum membership, specialized tabletop game products, and promotional posters. If you're interested in seeing the game continue in development, it's well worth dropping by the Kickstarter page and dropping in some money when it goes live soon.

[Update: The Kickstarter page is now live!]

MassivelyPathfinder Online puts together a Kickstarter project [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodevelopmentdevelopment-costsfantasygame-developmentgoblinworksinvestmentkickstarterpathfinderpathfinder-onlinepnpsandboxsandparktech-demoTue, 08 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The calcification of Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/the-mog-log-the-calcification-of-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/the-mog-log-the-calcification-of-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/the-mog-log-the-calcification-of-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Over the last couple of months, I've been trying something different. As I mentioned back in my anniversary column, I spent a year trying out a strictly alternating format for Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV, but it wasn't working out to my satisfaction for a number of reasons. Backing off and focusing on the game with more activity seems to be working quite well (from my perspective, anyway), but it also means that I haven't really been discussing Final Fantasy XI much.

This isn't entirely by coincidence, as the game itself hasn't changed much over the past several months. In an earlier column, I had mentioned that the roadmap made it pretty clear that if change was on the horizon, we wouldn't be seeing it until the new roadmap finally came out. And here we are, one new roadmap later. So what do I think? Is this the promised vision of the future, the prophecy to lead us all into a new era of joy and light across the game's continents?

Continue reading The Mog Log: The calcification of Final Fantasy XI

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The calcification of Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdevelopmentfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifuture-patchesmog-logopinionpatchesroad-aheadroadmapsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online posts Ask Cryptic answers for each day of May]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Attacking DS9 is always something like content.
Converting a game from a subscription model is hard work. That's the theme throughout the latest installment of Star Trek Online's regular Ask Cryptic feature: The reason that the game has gone for so long without major batches of new content is that the team has been wholly focused on switching models. But there's more coming to the game in the near future, starting with the major Season 6 patch hitting the test server soon.

The coming patch will feature new ground and space missions similar to STFs without being quite the same sort of content. The update will also feature a new Fleet Advancement system, which will give player groups a chance to improve themselves and acquire new bonuses. Star Trek Online players will be well-served by taking a look at the full list of answers, which go into further detail about upcoming systems and planned additions for the next patch and beyond.

MassivelyStar Trek Online posts Ask Cryptic answers for each day of May originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcrypticcryptic-studiosdevelopmentf2pfleet-advancementfree-to-playgame-mechanicsmajor-patchmajor-patchesnew-contentpatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-season-6Fri, 04 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Matt Higby discusses PlanetSide 2's progression and customization]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/matt-higby-discusses-planetside-2s-progression-and-customizatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/matt-higby-discusses-planetside-2s-progression-and-customizatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/matt-higby-discusses-planetside-2s-progression-and-customizatio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I'm not actually in the war, I just like riding this ATV.
PlanetSide 2 has but one real game it must live up to, but if you consider the unique elements that its predecessor brought to the table, that's still a tall order. A recent interview with the game's creative director, Matt Higby, highlights the ways that the game is being designed to fulfill the requirements of an engaging MMO and an engaging FPS. That means giving characters plenty of progression without locking out new players who just want to shoot things.

The game's overall progression path is meant to be one of options, not straight power. That's the case for classes as well as advancement; Heavy Assault characters will play distinctly from other classes, but they'll have a variety of unique abilities that players can choose among. The interview also sheds more light on what players can expect from the game's overarching persistent elements, which set the game and its factions apart from standard FPS fare. The game still has a long way to go in development, but what's been shown thus far is definitely an encouraging start.

MassivelyMatt Higby discusses PlanetSide 2's progression and customization originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentfpsinterviewsmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpsnew-titlesplanetsideplanetside-2previewsps2sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentupcoming-titlesWed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 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[New Darkfall development blog touches on key points]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Points not granted for equipping a dog with a hat, for the record.
Development on the next incarnation of Darkfall continues, promising big changes to the game's core mechanics. The latest update on the official blog addresses a variety of systems that hadn't previously been covered, starting with the game's large-scale UI improvements. The biggest revelation and item of interest, however, is the promise of the upcoming point system, which allows players to receive rewards for accomplishments that in turn fuel new play options.

Although the terminology used in the blog is a bit vague due to the fact that specifics on the system are under wraps, it's made very clear that the point system is not simply an achievement system (which will also be added). Rather, using points in-game will fuel certain abilities or grant access to new abilities, allowing players to open new paths as a reward for their accomplishments. There's also a few updates on the future of crafting, all of which should give Darkfall players something to look forward to when version 2.0 finally goes live.

MassivelyNew Darkfall development blog touches on key points originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0achievementsagonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0developmentdevelopment-previewdffantasygame-systemopen-pvppoint-systempointspvpsandboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Unfortunately, afterwards there will still be a lot of novelty robots out of a job.
As I personally have no real reservations about the impending destruction of human society by perfect killer robots, I thought I'd take the opportunity to dispel certain misunderstandings about living under the thumb of mechanical overseers. Specifically, I'd like to dispel the idea that we'll be living. Robots wouldn't be sending us to work in mines; they can build machines to do that faster than our frail organic bodies. Not to mention that those machines would whine a lot less. So don't worry! You won't be toiling for a monolithic AI for years; you'll just be obliterated or used as organic building material. Doesn't that make things better?

In unrelated news, it's time for this week's installment of Ask Massively, which focuses on the question of raw, unfettered action. If you've got a question you'd like to see in a future installment of the column, mail it along to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadviceadvice-columnask-massivelycombatculturedevelopmentfeaturedgame-mechanicshumorindustry-trendsmassively-metamechanicsmetaopinionThu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 and the evolving narrative of a personal story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/guild-wars-2-and-the-evolving-narrative-of-a-personal-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/guild-wars-2-and-the-evolving-narrative-of-a-personal-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/guild-wars-2-and-the-evolving-narrative-of-a-personal-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Yeah, it's mostly golems with these guys.
Guild Wars 2 has promised players a personal narrative from very early in development, but with all of the beta testing and class previews, it's a feature that hasn't seen as much description. So as the game draws ever closer to release, it's a good thing that the most recent development blog is all about the development of a player's personal narrative over the course of gameplay. According to the blog, the choices players make start during character creation and continue from there, resulting in 30 potential story paths just through the starter region alone.

Of course, branches alone aren't worth much of anything if they don't lead to some interesting gameplay in the process. The design blog discusses how this works in the Asura starting area, whose designers began with a design document stating that the player needed to investigate two genius golemancers to determine which one was culpable in a crisis. Rather than forcing the player to simply run to two separate locations and have a chat, the staff realized that the two geniuses would be more likely to be interacting at an event -- say, a competition of golems. The refinement goes on from there, with each step refining the narrative and investing the players further to make something more memorable than a simple questioning session.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 and the evolving narrative of a personal story originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetdeveloping-narrativesdeveloping-storiesdevelopmentdevelopment-blogfantasyguild-wars-2gw2narrativencsoftpersonal-storystoryMon, 19 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard clarifies Bashiok's statements about Diablo III and hints at release announcement]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/blizzard-clarifies-bashioks-statements-about-diablo-iii-and-hin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/blizzard-clarifies-bashioks-statements-about-diablo-iii-and-hin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/blizzard-clarifies-bashioks-statements-about-diablo-iii-and-hin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When I said 'you will not pass,' that was really more of a strongly worded suggestion.
The most recent tempest in a Diablo III-shaped teapot has been community manager Bashiok making a statement to fans urging them to lower their expectations for the game. Director Jay Wilson decided that this was worth a direct reply and stated in a recent open letter to the community that Bashiok's statements were "obviously sarcastic" and that the team does want fan expectations to remain high. The letter stresses that the development staff is quite happy with the game as it continues development and the current internally tested build in a better state than the beta.

Wilson goes on to claim that fans can expect a release date announcement in the near future, avoiding the dreaded Blizzard incarnation of "soon." Given his appraisal of the beta state, we suspect that the game will be heading for a retail edition before too long, at which point players will be able to decide for themselves whether or not their expectations were met.

MassivelyBlizzard clarifies Bashiok's statements about Diablo III and hints at release announcement originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbashiokbetabetasblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcommunitycultured3developmentdiablo-3diablo-iiidiiiexpectationsjay-wilsonlaunchnewswhat-is-this-i-cant-evenFri, 24 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HeroEngine licensing takes off thanks to SWTOR's success]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/heroengine-licensing-takes-off-thanks-to-swtors-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/heroengine-licensing-takes-off-thanks-to-swtors-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/heroengine-licensing-takes-off-thanks-to-swtors-success/#commentsFiled under: , ,

HeroEngine logo
The HeroEngine is making waves in MMO development circles these days, primarily as a result of BioWare's having used it to build Star Wars: The Old Republic. Idea Fabrik says thousands of would-be developers have licensed the tool suite in recent weeks.

The firm has also seen a sharp increase in subscribers for its HeroCloud service offering, which is basically a hosted system for making online RPGs, FPS titles, and social/casual games. Idea Fabrik COO Neil Harris says the technology is now a proven commodity thanks to its widespread adoption. "We crossed a major milestone once large games built on HeroEngine proved that our server technology can handle a hugely successful game. This lowers the perceived risk of developers in adopting the HeroEngine platform," he said.

The HeroEngine is also powering several indie sandbox titles, including Origins of Malu, The Repopulation, and Dominus. The engine was initially developed by Simutronics for a now-defunct MMO called Hero's Journey.

[Source: Idea Fabrik press release]

MassivelyHeroEngine licensing takes off thanks to SWTOR's success originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentdevelopment-platformdominusgame-developmenthero-cloudhero-engineherocloudheroengineIdea-Fabrikmmo-industryorigins-of-malusandboxstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthe-repopulationtorThu, 23 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare bringing weekly blogs and video guides for Star Wars: The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bioware-bringing-weekly-blogs-and-video-guides-for-star-wars-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bioware-bringing-weekly-blogs-and-video-guides-for-star-wars-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bioware-bringing-weekly-blogs-and-video-guides-for-star-wars-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Video guides to being a Sith mostly include a whole lot of pictures of puppies for you to scream at.
Bringing someone new into the world of an MMORPG can be a difficult task. BioWare is trying to make it easy for MMO newcomers to get into Star Wars: The Old Republic, and to that end the team has launched the first of a series of video guides to playing the game. The first video, narrated by Social Media Coordinator Eric Musco, covers starting fresh in the game, creating a character, and taking part in your first conversations.

Of course, you might be an old hand at playing the game by now. (If not, the video is embedded just past the cut.) For those players not in need of a helping hand, BioWare has also announced the launch of two weekly features -- a blog post rounding up all developer posts to the forums over the prior week, and a Q&A session that will pull 10 questions from a community thread to be answered each week. So even if you don't need help getting into the game, you can have a little extra guidance about what's going on behind the scenes.

Continue reading BioWare bringing weekly blogs and video guides for Star Wars: The Old Republic

MassivelyBioWare bringing weekly blogs and video guides for Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mythiccommunitycommunity-blogdevelopmentdevelopment-questionseaea-biowareelectronic-artseric-muscoguidesq-and-astar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorvideovideo-guidevideosFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 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[Newest Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter talks patch 1.21 release]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-talks-patch-1-21-rele/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-talks-patch-1-21-rele/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/newest-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter-talks-patch-1-21-rele/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Of course, in real life, Yoshida is the one who can spit fire.
It's been a little quiet on the Final Fantasy XIV front since the new year, but the team behind the game has been hard at work preparing the launch of patch 1.21. And it's going to be quite a massive patch, as outlined in Naoki Yoshida's most recent producer's letter for the fans. Not only does it contain the addition of the long-awaited Job system, but it also includes UI improvements, housing, two new instanced raids, a food and medicine overhaul, and a variety of smaller changes.

While the team had originally aimed for a launch in the second week of February, Yoshida notes that the patch will likely be delayed two weeks due to the sheer amount of content going in. He also discusses what he calls temporary server merges prior to the launch of 2.0 in November; as he puts it, the main concern is allowing players, especially from European regions, to have an ample playerbase to adventure with. It's a bit of unpleasant news for Final Fantasy XIV players, but it's packed in amidst many things to look forward to.

MassivelyNewest Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter talks patch 1.21 release originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coming-patchesdevelopmentffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.21final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivnaoki-yoshidanewspatchesproducers-letterserver-mergesserverssquaresquare-enixupdatesMon, 30 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar invites players to meet the Aurin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/wildstar-invites-players-to-meet-the-aurin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/wildstar-invites-players-to-meet-the-aurin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/wildstar-invites-players-to-meet-the-aurin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Unfortunately, no bunny-men yet. Oh, well.
There's a lot to be learned about the setting of WildStar before the game starts in on testing, but there are also a lot of prospective players eager to learn whatever they can. So they'll probably be happy to take a look at the latest entry on the official blog, a mock-interview with the Aurin character Liara from the game's original cinematic trailer. Aside from providing some character insights, it gives a look at the Aurin as a species beyond the obvious.

The Aurin come from the forested planet of Arboria, where large ears and long tails for balance have some decided evolutionary advantages. Unfortunately for the Aurin, the Dominion invaded the planet and began cutting everything down, leading to the displaced animal-people lending their knowledge to the Exiles. It's an interesting glimpse at the game's lore for both the Aurin and for Scientists, something that several eager WildStar fans will no doubt devour with vigor.

MassivelyWildStar invites players to meet the Aurin originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurinbackstorycarbinecarbine-studiosdevelopmentlorencsoftpreviewssettingwildstarThu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: On mourning a netbook edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ask-massively-on-mourning-a-netbook-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ask-massively-on-mourning-a-netbook-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ask-massively-on-mourning-a-netbook-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No, it's not a picture of River. I can't take a picture of her right now, she's wounded. It would be wrong.
Well, I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later. My stalwart little netbook, River, finally developed a serious problem: Her screen developed a pair of nasty cracks. I've had her for only a couple of years, but she's been a great portable machine and a real help at getting work done. Now if only it weren't such an enormous pain finding someplace where I could get her repaired, as I'd really prefer not to replace her. But it might come to that.

Even with an injured performer, however, the show must go on, and the show in question is Ask Massively. This week, we're fielding questions about ArcheAge and working in the gaming field, something that I'm sure is of interest to many of our readers. If you've got a question you'd like to see in a future installment of the column, mail it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited for brevity and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: On mourning a netbook edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: On mourning a netbook edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeageask-massivelycareerscolumncolumnsdevelopmentfeaturedgaming-industryjobslocalizationmmo-industryopinionwester-releaseThu, 26 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: I fell into a burning ring of Ryzom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/choose-my-adventure-i-fell-into-a-burning-ring-of-ryzom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/choose-my-adventure-i-fell-into-a-burning-ring-of-ryzom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/choose-my-adventure-i-fell-into-a-burning-ring-of-ryzom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Yes, I'm trying to spruce up the header a bit. Mixed results.
After an intensely close vote, the winner for my destination in this round of Choose My Adventure is Ryzom! And I do mean intensely close; up until the polls closed, it looked very possible that the vote would end in the favor of Lord of the Rings Online or even a straight-up tie. But the readers have spoken, and my destination is set to the world of Atys and its inhabitants. Meanwhile, Johnny Cash handily won the bonus poll, so it's time to spin up song songs by the Man in Black while I write this.

For those of you who don't know what in the world Ryzom is, you can sort of be forgiven. It's one of those games that seems to be uniquely brilliant while managing to fall off the radar altogether, which is a real shame. So this week I'm going to discuss the game in an overarching sense, outline what I'm looking forward to, and of course give everyone a chance to vote on the character that I'll be making for the next six weeks of exploration.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: I fell into a burning ring of Ryzom

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: I fell into a burning ring of Ryzom originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecolumnculturedevelopmentf2pfeaturedfree-to-playopen-sourceopinionpollpollsryzomthe-saga-of-ryzomwinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedWed, 25 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Schaefer talks Torchlight II development, potential MMO plans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/max-schaefer-talks-torchlight-ii-development-potential-mmo-plan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/max-schaefer-talks-torchlight-ii-development-potential-mmo-plan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/max-schaefer-talks-torchlight-ii-development-potential-mmo-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's up to you if you find Torchlight's somewhat exaggerated, cartoony style more or less grating than Diablo's insistence on layering black paint over further black paint.
There are a lot of people eagerly anticipating Diablo III, but there are also several people looking forward to Torchlight II, the followup to the hugely successful spiritual sequel to Diablo. A recent interview with Max Schaefer, co-founder and CEO of Runic Games, discusses the development of the sequel including some of the contrasting points between it and Diablo III -- including the lack of any sort of virtual item shop. As Schaefer puts it, the team wants to put together a good game that stands on its own, and if it's successful the developers will look in the direction of an expansion rather than a straightforward shop.

Schaefer also discusses a potential MMO coming out of the studio, something that's long been among the studio's plans -- one of the big reasons that Runic partnered with Perfect World Entertainment was due to its expertise with running an MMO. He claims that it's definitely still on the table, but it would be a big change for the studio, since the company has focused on staying small and launching an MMO is a very long-term commitment. Somewhat sad news for those hoping that Torchlight II's launch would spearhead MMO development directly, but the possibility certainly remains.

MassivelyMax Schaefer talks Torchlight II development, potential MMO plans originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgdevelopmentinterviewlaunchmax-schaefermmo-industrypotential-titlesrunicrunic-gamesspeculationtltl-mmotl2torchlighttorchlight-2torchlight-iitorchlight-mmoTue, 24 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Credible currency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/the-soapbox-credible-currency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/the-soapbox-credible-currency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/the-soapbox-credible-currency/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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[Pathfinder Online takes a look at death]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/pathfinder-online-takes-a-look-at-death/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/pathfinder-online-takes-a-look-at-death/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/pathfinder-online-takes-a-look-at-death/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Death is frequently preceded by sneering disdain at the concept of dying to lizardmen.
No matter what happens, sooner or later you're going to die in an MMO. It's pretty much a given. So it's probably for the best that the fourth developer blog on Pathfinder Online is all about death -- what happens when you die, what happens when another player kills you, and what you can do about it.

The death system is reminiscent in some ways of what would happen on death in EverQuest. You respawn at a predetermined location, and while you keep any equipment you were wearing, the rest of your inventory is on your soulless husk of a body. Retrieve it first and you get everything back. If someone else loots your body first, though, he or she gest a random assortment of items from your inventory and the rest are destroyed.

The blog entry also covers the issue of bounties, player-killing, and attempting to dissuade others from killing players in lawful regions. Players can set bounties on their killers, potentially refreshing the bounty each time said killer is successfully killed in retaliation, making a bounty hunter or group of same very rich indeed. Those interested in Pathfinder Online should check out all the details and keep watching as the game moves through development.

MassivelyPathfinder Online takes a look at death originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathdeath-penaltydeath-systemdevelopmentdyinggame-mechanicsgoblinworkspaizopaizo-publishingpathfinderpathfinder-onlineWed, 18 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon signs agreement with Unity Technologies for development platform]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/nexon-signs-agreement-with-unity-technologies-for-development-pl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/nexon-signs-agreement-with-unity-technologies-for-development-pl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/nexon-signs-agreement-with-unity-technologies-for-development-pl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nexon logo. It's hard to screencap a business agreement.
If you know MMOs, odds are good you know what Nexon is -- one of the biggest free-to-play publishers in South Korea with a stable of several games that have been quite successful in the US as well. You may not know of Unity Technologies, however. That may well change, as Nexon has just signed a license agreement with Unity Technologies to allow the company the rights to utilize the Unity development platform for further projects.

The Unity platform is meant to allow easier deployment of applications to alternative platforms, with the platform being in place for browsers, iOS, Android, and other systems. Nexon's agreement with Unity allows them full rights to the software for any and all subsidiaries, as well as the right to modify and alter the source code as necessary. Which projects Nexon has in the pipeline that might utilize this technology are unknown at this time, but it seems that the company is dedicated to branching out into alternative platforms.

[Source: Nexon/Unity Technologies press release]

MassivelyNexon signs agreement with Unity Technologies for development platform originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarrangementsbrowser-gamingbrowsersdevelopmentdevelopment-platformindustry-dealsiosmmo-industrymobilemobile-devicesmobile-gamingnexonnexon-usasoftwareunity-technologiesTue, 17 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Six small changes that will make a big difference to EVE players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/six-small-changes-that-will-make-a-big-difference-to-eve-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/six-small-changes-that-will-make-a-big-difference-to-eve-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/six-small-changes-that-will-make-a-big-difference-to-eve-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
Last year, EVE Online developer CCP Games tasked its illustrious Team Best Friends Forever with a project aimed at fixing all those little things that annoy EVE players on a daily basis. Font issues, windows stealing focus, implants not showing on killmails, and the problem of agent standings being overly complicated were all tackled in no time flat. For the Crucible expansion, Team BFF's leader, CCP Soundwave, was put in charge of multiple teams that hammered out hundreds of bug fixes, gameplay balance changes and quality of life improvements.

In a new devblog, CCP Punkturis reveals six small changes under development by Team BFF that will certainly make a big difference to EVE players. The skill queue will be getting a search feature, which is good news for older players with over a hundred skills to sort through. The watch list that keeps track of friendly targets in fleet operations will be able to hold 15 players, up from 10, and players will be able to re-order them any way they like.

If you've ever seen a player's face appear in the bottom right of the screen to tell you he's just logged in, chances are you've tried to click on it to talk to him at least once. When the next big patch goes live, you'll be able to do just that. The agent list in stations and module overload indicator will both receive graphical updates, and a new compact user list for the local channel with no portraits will be an absolute god-send to nullsec fleets.

MassivelySix small changes that will make a big difference to EVE players originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-punkturisccp-soundwavecrucibledevblogdevelopmenteveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefleetlittle-thingsnewsnullsecpvpteam-best-friends-foreverteam-bffWed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Greg Zeschuk talks about the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/dr-greg-zeschuk-talks-about-the-launch-of-star-wars-the-old-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/dr-greg-zeschuk-talks-about-the-launch-of-star-wars-the-old-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/dr-greg-zeschuk-talks-about-the-launch-of-star-wars-the-old-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

An army of one. Plus companion.
It's been just about a month since Star Wars: The Old Republic began its early access period, throwing open the doors for players all around the world. But the release wasn't just an interesting point for the many players anticipating the game -- after all, it had been BioWare's big project for many years. Fan site TORwars recently had a chat with Dr. Greg Zeschuk about his thoughts on the game at launch and a look back at what could have gone differently.

As Zeschuk says, there were definitely some aspects of the development that he would do differently if he could go back in time, including expanding the testing schedule and roster. He also shares his stories of getting his character going once the game went live, something that wound up being unexpectedly problematic. It's not filled with world-shattering revelations about the future of the game, but for players who are starting to look back over their first month with the game, it's certainly a nice look at the other side of the fence.

MassivelyDr. Greg Zeschuk talks about the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredevelopmentdr-greg-zeschukgreg-zeschukinterviewnewsopinionretrospectivestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorMon, 09 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Development on EVE in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/eve-evolved-development-on-eve-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/eve-evolved-development-on-eve-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/eve-evolved-development-on-eve-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Following the summer drama that came to be known as monoclegate, the past six months have been challenging for EVE Online's players and developers alike. When players learned that cash-shop clothing was priced higher than its real-life equivalent, the quirky story of the $80 monocle swept across gaming blogs like wildfire. The story's tone soon turned a great deal more sinister with the leak of an internal company newsletter titled Greed is Good, and a second leaked memo from CCP's CEO added more fuel to the flames. Ultimately, players spoke with their wallets; subscriptions fell by at least 8%, and with no financial backup plan, CCP was forced to lay off 20% of its staff worldwide.

The staff members who remained were faced with the task of turning things around, and with the feature-packed Crucible expansion, they did so spectacularly. In just a few short months, hundreds of high-profile features, graphical overhauls, and quality of life improvements breathed new life into a neglected universe. I think most players recognise that this has been a genuine turn-around from within CCP, but some are still skeptical that the company has really reformed. The question on everyone's mind is whether CCP can really keep up this quality of development in the coming year as it delivers two full expansions and integrates EVE with DUST 514.

Perhaps nobody is better qualified to assess that than CSM delegate and former CCP game designer Mark "Seleene" Heard, who recently attended the December CSM summit and witnessed first-hand the aftermath of monoclegate and Crucible's development.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I delve into Mark's CSM Summit report to find out how development at CCP has changed, what we can expect in 2012, and how monocle-gate has affected CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Development on EVE in 2012

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Development on EVE in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012-predictionsccpccp-abathurccp-eveccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcsm-delegatecsm-summitdecemberdevelopmentDominiondust-514eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfeaturedgame-developmentgraphicshilmarhilmar-peturssonhilmar-v-peturssonhilmar-veigar-peturssonmark-heardmmofpsmonoclegatesandboxsci-fiseleeneSun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brad McQuaid reminisces about the birth of EverQuest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/brad-mcquaid-reminisces-about-the-birth-of-everquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/brad-mcquaid-reminisces-about-the-birth-of-everquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/brad-mcquaid-reminisces-about-the-birth-of-everquest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The advent of the Internet dragon.
Maybe you're a big fan of EverQuest. Maybe you were at one point, but your ardor has cooled. Maybe you never liked it. Whatever your opinion on the game, you can't deny that it had a massive impact on the face of MMOs as a whole. In a new interview, Brad McQuaid talks about the genesis of EverQuest through development and what the game looked like from the other side, before it was a known fact that the game would be a success or even functional.

And yes, according to McQuaid, there were several points at which the team was worried that the game wouldn't work at all. Between the issues of 3-D performance and network issues, it was far from a certainty that the game could be played and enjoyed by a large enough number of people. The difficulty level of the game wasn't on the list of worries -- from the design team's perspective, that was half of the enjoyment of the game. Read the full interview for more anecdotes and opinions about the early development of one of the first big MMO successes.

MassivelyBrad McQuaid reminisces about the birth of EverQuest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaiddesigndevelopmentearly-gamesearly-mmoseqeverquestgaming-historyhistoryinterviewinterviewsretrospectivesoesony-online-entertainmentverantWed, 04 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The 2012 forecast]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-mog-log-the-2012-forecast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-mog-log-the-2012-forecast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-mog-log-the-2012-forecast/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
As we enter the twilight of 2011, I can say with absolute certainty that my predictions for Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV were wrong, which is fine, since when I made them last year I seem to recall saying to myself that I was predicting more on the basis of "should happen" than "will likely happen." I was overly optimistic about several things, overly pessimistic about a couple of others, and going in a completely different direction from the design team on the rest -- which is fine by me, actually.

That having been said, whether proving that I'm not afraid of failure or that I don't know when to quit, I'm coming back for another round of predictions for this coming year. But there's one major variable in the equation that's horrible to try and account for, and that's Final Fantasy XI. I can easily see the game going one of two ways, and while I think one's a bit more likely, there seem to be more divergent futures for it than for Final Fantasy XIV.

Continue reading The Mog Log: The 2012 forecast

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The 2012 forecast originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012-predictionscolumncolumnsdevelopmentexpansionsfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivmmo-industryopinionpredictionssquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 31 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT answers some community questions in time for the holidays]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/rift-answers-some-community-questions-in-time-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/rift-answers-some-community-questions-in-time-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/rift-answers-some-community-questions-in-time-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Merry RIFTmas? Someone's already made that pun, right?
Christmas (or your winter holiday of choice) is right upon us, and the staff at Trion Worlds seems to be in a giving state of mind. The team has just posted a new set of answers to several player questions about RIFT, ranging from the rationale behind some current content implementations to what's waiting in the wings. Whether you're a roleplayer, an endgame raider, or just leveling through the game for the first time, the answers should give you something to look forward to.

Among the more interesting updates is the reveal that the team is looking at improving level 50 gear below the top tier; Hammerknell and Rank 8 PvP gear will remain as-is, but the gear along the way will get buffed up a bit. The issue of Ember Isle difficulty is also addressed, the developers explaining that the island was meant to be reasonable for existing level 50 characters, giving it a bit more punch than players just hitting 50 might expect. Check the full list of questions and answers for other updates -- there's a lot to digest, but you've got a holiday break to do it.

MassivelyRIFT answers some community questions in time for the holidays originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityculturedesigndevelopmentdifficultyfeedbacknewspatchespreviewsq-and-aquestions-and-answersrespecsriftrift-planes-of-telaratriontrion-worldsThu, 22 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online senior producer stepping down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/eve-online-senior-producer-stepping-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/eve-online-senior-producer-stepping-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/eve-online-senior-producer-stepping-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

CCP Zulu
Big changes are in the works for EVE Online's management team, as senior producer Arnar "CCP Zulu" Gylfason is stepping down. In a brief blog post on the game's official website, Zulu describes EVE's past 18 months as "an incredibly intense time" filled with "quite a few harsh lessons."

Taking over for Zulu is Jon "CCP Unifex" Lander, who has been playing EVE since 2005 and heading up CCP's Carbon technology team since 2009. Lander spends his introductory post outlining the challenges in the offing for CCP's sci-fi sandbox, and he also mentions that the dev team currently numbers close to 200 people. In a nutshell, it looks like EVE is heading back to basics, as Lander says that the team "will be concentrating on those features we already have in the game after eight years of development."

Finally, all capsuleers who have an active subscription on December 31st will have their character names and images launched into space aboard a high-altitude balloon (yes, really). Head to the official website for more.

MassivelyEVE Online senior producer stepping down originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arnar-gylfasonbreakingccpccp-gamesccp-unifexccp-zuludevelopmenteveeve-onlinejon-landersandboxsci-fiThu, 22 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA producer's letter discusses new launcher, development progress]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/tera-producers-letter-discusses-new-launcher-development-progr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/tera-producers-letter-discusses-new-launcher-development-progr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/tera-producers-letter-discusses-new-launcher-development-progr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Screenshot -- TERA
A new holiday edition producer's letter has been published on the official TERA site, and in it Chris Hager announces that he is currently using the studio's new launcher to log in to the game. Why is this such a big deal? Hager explains that it "represents a huge leap for us here at En Masse." He goes on to tell how, over the past year, the team has worked "directly and intimately with the Bluehole development team to... add features that appeal to western gamers."

But why is the new launcher so important? Because it's one of the features that the studio built from the ground up. Hager also notes that the game has been in alpha for "about 4 months" and that this week is the last week of alpha testing. He says the team is also looking forward to "the next step in TERA's journey toward launch next spring." Here's to hoping that next step is a beta test. For the full letter, just click on over to the official TERA site.

MassivelyTERA producer's letter discusses new launcher, development progress originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testingblueholebluehole-studiochagerchris-hagerdevelopmenten-masseen-masse-entertainmentproducer-letterproducers-letterprogressterathe-exiled-realm-of-arboreaMon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life rolls out Linden Realms publicly on December 1st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Next month, raid content.
Something very unusual is coming to Second Life on December 1st: a game. All right, that in and of itself isn't all that unusual, since the virtual world has long empowered users to create their own systems and their own games. But this is still something different because it's not a user-created game. Linden Realms has been developed specifically by Linden Lab, and as of December 1st all users will be able to experience what a first-party game for the virtual environment feels like.

Second Life content creators will, rather unfortunately, be facing off against an in-house project. Luckily, the tools used in the development of Linden Realms will also be made available to the community, giving everyone a chance to play with the new tools and improve upon gameplay experiences. Whether or not this is a good thing or not for the game's overall health remains to be seen, but it may well provide an interesting boost to the community's user-created content.

MassivelySecond Life rolls out Linden Realms publicly on December 1st originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-contentdevelopmentgameplaygameslinden-lablinden-labslinden-realmssandboxessecond-lifesluser-created-contentvirtual-worldsWed, 30 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum dev blog talks MMO complexity, implementation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/perpetuum-dev-blog-talks-mmo-complexity-implementation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/perpetuum-dev-blog-talks-mmo-complexity-implementation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/perpetuum-dev-blog-talks-mmo-complexity-implementation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Perpetuum - fitting screen
Why don't those silly devs just fix it? It's a single line of code! It would take a few seconds! If you've played MMOs for a while, chances are you've uttered (or at least thought about) a variation on those lines at some point.

We suggest a read-through of the latest Perpetuum dev blog, as it's a real eye-opener when it comes to the complexity that goes into seemingly simple fixes. Avatar Creations walks us through an example of the ricochet effect that can result from changing a single integer value, and while it's not light reading or intended for those of us whose eyes glaze over at the thought of anything technical, it's nonetheless an interesting peek behind the curtain.

The dev blog also illustrates the Perpetuum team's allow-anyone-to-fix-anything-they-can mantra, and you can read the full text at the game's official website.

MassivelyPerpetuum dev blog talks MMO complexity, implementation originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-creationsbugsdev-blogdev-diarydevelopmentfix-itmmo-industryperpetuumsandboxsci-fiTue, 01 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Details of EVE's long-awaited hybrid balance patch revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/details-of-eves-long-awaited-hybrid-balance-patch-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/details-of-eves-long-awaited-hybrid-balance-patch-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/details-of-eves-long-awaited-hybrid-balance-patch-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
Balancing combat in a PvP-centric game like EVE Online is a tricky business. In a sandbox universe that pits fleets of hundreds of ships against each other in a struggle for territorial dominance, balance changes can alter the PvP landscape. Unfortunately, hybrid weapons have always received the short end of the stick in balancing efforts, leaving Gallente turret ships like the Deimos and Megathron behind their Amarr and Minmatar counterparts.

In a new devblog, CCP Tallest adds a major Hybrid weapon rework to the growing list of long-awaited features finally making an appearance in EVE's coming winter expansion. Blasters will be receiving some much-needed CPU and powergrid reductions, a 30% reduction on capacitor usage and a huge 20% bonus to tracking speed. Railguns receive the same CPU, powergrid and capacitor reduction as blasters, in addition to a straight 10% damage increase. All ships typically fit with blasters will also be getting speed bonuses to help them get into blaster range, and tech II ammo for all turrets is due for an update.

MassivelyDetails of EVE's long-awaited hybrid balance patch revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceblasterblastersccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-tallestdeimosdev-diarydevelopmentdominixeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansiongallentehybridhybridsmegathronrailgunrailgunsthoraxturretvexorwinterTue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE video devblog series shows off revamped nebulae]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/new-eve-video-devblog-series-shows-off-revamped-nebulae/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/new-eve-video-devblog-series-shows-off-revamped-nebulae/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/new-eve-video-devblog-series-shows-off-revamped-nebulae/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE gets new nebula effects
With CCP Games' recent refocusing on in-space content for EVE Online, developers on the floor have been working harder than ever to bring us shiny new toys for the winter expansion. We've already heard that the player-designed Tornado would be released as part of a new tier of gun-heavy battlecruisers, and CCP has gone on to show off the Gallente design also hand-picked from contest submissions.

This week's absolute flood of good news for EVE Online players continues with the first of a new video devblog series shot at CCP's Reykjavik headquarters -- the development hub for EVE. Part 1 of this look at the art department shows off the incredible new nebula graphics we'll be getting as part of the expansion, and hints at the development of a new model for the popular Caldari Raven. The Raven update is part of what Art Manager Benjamin Bohn calls the V3 project, a project that has brought us the new Scorpion model and will continue to deliver revamps of old ships.

Skip past the cut to watch the first in this new video devblog series. Note to viewers: The presenter is in fact carrying a microphone and not a live hand grenade.

Continue reading New EVE video devblog series shows off revamped nebulae

MassivelyNew EVE video devblog series shows off revamped nebulae originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdev-diarydevelopersdevelopmenteveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinegraphicsmmo-industrynebulanebulaenebulasnewsravensci-fishiptornadov3-projectvideoSat, 29 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest update to Final Fantasy XI is empty inside]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/newest-update-to-final-fantasy-xi-is-empty-inside/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/newest-update-to-final-fantasy-xi-is-empty-inside/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/newest-update-to-final-fantasy-xi-is-empty-inside/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Add some Silent Hill nurses, and this would basically just be a waking nightmare.
With Halloween just around the corner, perhaps your thoughts have turned to some of the genuine horror lurking throughout Final Fantasy XI. The Emptiness that was the focal point for several parts of Chains of Promathia was genuinely terrifying, conceptually as well as mechanically, for a very long time. (The removal of level restrictions made it a bit less frightening to run through.) So it's fitting that the game has just unveiled a minor version update in time for the holiday that takes players back to the Emptiness for a few new battles.

New Burning Circle battles can be fought at the spires of Holla, Dem, Mea, and Vahzl, using orbs obtained via Kindred Seals. Victories produce items that can be traded in at the NPC Shami for rewards. There are also updates to the Voidwatch battles and a few bugfixes, which should prove a nice garnish to the main course of the update's Emptiness-related battle candy for Final Fantasy XI's players.

MassivelyNewest update to Final Fantasy XI is empty inside originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldsburning-circlechains-of-promathiadevelopmentemptinessffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xisquaresquare-enixupdatesWed, 26 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda appeal denied for Fallout Online, work continues by Interplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/bethesda-appeal-denied-for-fallout-online-work-continues-by-int/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/bethesda-appeal-denied-for-fallout-online-work-continues-by-int/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/bethesda-appeal-denied-for-fallout-online-work-continues-by-int/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We're still a long way from doing more than looking at pictures.
Are you enjoying the game of Fallout Online? No, not the actual online game in which you adventure in a shattered wasteland, but the constant back-and-forth between Interplay and Bethesda over which company is allowed to work on the development. The game has been tied up in court for roughly forever, with Bethesda trying to block Interplay's further development via legal tactics, and while the first injunction was denied, the studio appealed to have the development halted.

It turns out that the courts remained firmly on Interplay's side, however, as the appeal has been denied and Interplay is in the clear to continue developing the game. Unfortunately, the game will still require express permission from Bethesda to launch, meaning that there's still no end in sight to the legal fighting and name-calling by both companies. For the time being, all that fans of the franchise can do is wait and see... assuming that Interplay remains financially able to develop the game after all.

MassivelyBethesda appeal denied for Fallout Online, work continues by Interplay originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealsbethesdacourtdevelopmentfalloutfallout-onlineinterplaylegallegal-issueslegal-wranglingmmo-industryWed, 26 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cliffhanger Productions shares some details on Shadowrun Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/cliffhanger-productions-shares-some-details-on-shadowrun-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/cliffhanger-productions-shares-some-details-on-shadowrun-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/cliffhanger-productions-shares-some-details-on-shadowrun-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If this image doesn't make you want to play a troll rigger, you might not be the target audience.
Almost any veteran of pen-and-paper games is at least passingly familiar with the setting for Shadowrun Online, currently under development by Cliffhanger Productions. It's a big setting with plenty of space for many different player types, so the real question comes down to what the developers want to do with the upcoming browser-based game. A recent interview puts forth just that question, with the development team answering some questions about what potential players can expect.

Of course, all of the answers are provided with the caveat that the development process has only just begun. But the game is currently set up to split between a tactical action map for missions such as infiltration and assault, with a city map and a more text-based interface for negotiating contracts and managing your character. There are also plans to keep the game's plot evolving based on character actions, such as which side players favor during a corporate war -- something that should keep players interested even with the admission that beta is at least a year out.

[Thanks to Onyx for the tip!]

MassivelyCliffhanger Productions shares some details on Shadowrun Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-based-gamebrowser-based-mmocliffhangercliffhanger-productionsdevelopmentinterviewshadowrunshadowrun-onlinesroTue, 25 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The human casualties]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/eve-evolved-the-human-casualties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/eve-evolved-the-human-casualties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/eve-evolved-the-human-casualties/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
This time last year, EVE Online developer CCP Games was an untouchable powerhouse in the games industry. In addition to servicing around 350,000 EVE subscribers, the company was also developing the World of Darkness MMO and the full scale MMOFPS DUST 514 set on the planets of EVE. Everything seemed to be going fine, but with the release of Incarna at the end of June, CCP faced the biggest crisis in the company's history. Due to a series of missteps and internal leaks that has come to be collectively known as Monoclegate, player confidence in CCP plummeted to record low.

Following the CEO's recent letter of apology promising a refocusing of development on in-space EVE features, news of highly requested features due for inclusion in EVE has gone a long way toward restoring confidence in CCP as a developer. With the return of ship spinning earlier this week and news of updates from hybrid turret rebalancing and implants being added to killmails to the release of the player-designed Tornado battlecruiser, the process of refocusing on EVE is well underway. Unfortunately, the good news of upcoming gameplay updates has been marred by the sobering reality that over 20% of CCP's worldwide staff have been laid off as part of the refocusing effort.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the human casualties of the recent EVE drama and speak to an insider at CCP about what's going on within the company. Unless quotes or facts in this article are specifically attributed to this insider, they are my own views and opinions based on publicly available information.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The human casualties

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The human casualties originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeveloperdevelopersdevelopmentdust-514eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedhilmarhilmar-peturssonhilmar-veigar-peturssoninsiderjobjob-lossjobsmmo-industrymonocle-gatemonoclegateopinionwodworld-of-darknessSun, 23 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[League of Legends turns two this Thursday, celebrations planned]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/league-of-legends-turns-two-this-thursday-celebrations-planned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/league-of-legends-turns-two-this-thursday-celebrations-planned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/league-of-legends-turns-two-this-thursday-celebrations-planned/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

League of Legends title image
The relatively new MOBA genre has seen a massive surge in popularity over the last few years, due mainly to the popularity of DotA remakes like League of Legends and Heroes of Newerth. It's hard to believe it, but League of Legends is already almost two years old. The free-to-play giant celebrates its second birthday this Thursday the 27th of October, and the developers at Riot Games aim to make sure the day goes down in players' memories. Celebrations have been planned for the big day, but Riot is keeping the details a secret until the day. Players are urged to keep an eye on the LoL website on Thursday.

To help celebrate reaching the two year mark, Riot has released an interactive development timeline page showing the game's development from launch day all the way up to last week's Graves patch. The timeline shows when each of LoL's champions was implemented, as well as major developments like the Twisted Treeline 3v3 map, the player-mediated banning tribunal and the recent release of the Dominion game mode.

MassivelyLeague of Legends turns two this Thursday, celebrations planned originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaydevelopmentleague-of-legendslolmobanewsriot-gamestimelinetwo-year-anniversarytwo-yearstwo-years-oldSun, 23 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST