Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Does running a guild have to be so hard?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-guild-counsel-does-running-a-guild-have-to-be-so-hard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-guild-counsel-does-running-a-guild-have-to-be-so-hard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-guild-counsel-does-running-a-guild-have-to-be-so-hard/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Herding cats
When you hear people describe the role of guild leader, you often hear descriptions like "herding cats," "constantly busy," or "running the crazy house." Guild leaders are often easily identified because they're the ones running around at a frantic pace, trying to micromanage every last detail. It's no surprise that few people actually want to be guild leaders because the way the role is described, you're almost expected to take on a second job.

But sometimes guild leaders make things harder than they need to be. Part of that is from a desire to take on too much, but part of that is because there have traditionally been certain things we all assume have to be done. Whether you're a brand-new guild leader or someone who's been running the show for years, it's worth stepping back and questioning whether we really need to be doing all of the things we're doing. Let's put on some Bob Marley and look at a few ways to cut down on the busy work.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Does running a guild have to be so hard?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Does running a guild have to be so hard? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebackflaggingdkpfeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-bankguild-busy-workguild-counselguild-dkpguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-nannyguildskaren-bryanleadershipopinionthe-guild-counselThu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: You might be a turkey if you...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-guild-counsel-you-might-be-a-turkey-if-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-guild-counsel-you-might-be-a-turkey-if-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-guild-counsel-you-might-be-a-turkey-if-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Turkey danger
You may not be aware, but the turkey you're about to consume could actually be a danger to you and your loved ones. That's right: If you're frying them, you're rolling the dice, and you might come up with snake eyes.

Now, I'm not completely familiar with the origins of the meaning of snake eyes, but I do know that you shouldn't over-fill a fryer with hot oil, and you also shouldn't shove a fryer over on its side because the oil spills and combusts. But apparently, this is what gamers call "l33t b3ta inf0z," and if you're from the Department of Homeland Security, it's your job to get the word out. That got me thinking: If Americans don't know the ins and outs of cooking a turkey safely, perhaps MMO players don't know the proper way to safely be part of a guild. In this week's Guild Counsel, let's look at a few ways to avoid being the guild turkey.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: You might be a turkey if you...

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: You might be a turkey if you... originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dkpfeaturedguild-counselguild-dramaguild-issuesguild-leadershipguild-managementguildskaren-bryanThu, 24 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Confronting our raid ghosts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/the-guild-counsel-confronting-our-raid-ghosts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/the-guild-counsel-confronting-our-raid-ghosts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/the-guild-counsel-confronting-our-raid-ghosts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In last week's Guild Counsel, we looked at how parsing tools can aid in raid leading. It triggered a lively discussion on raiding in general, and it was pretty clear that it's not everyone's cup of tea. Scripts, add-ons, dps checks -- they leave some standing in shock like Theoden, muttering "how did it come to this?" Others will channel their inner-Gimli and shout, "bring your pretty face to my axe."

Raiding offers both the best and worst parts of MMOs, and it's come a long way through the years. It's worth taking a step back, and spending some time with the ghosts of raiding -- past, present, and future. In this week's Guild Counsel, we'll do just that!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Confronting our raid ghosts

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Confronting our raid ghosts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsdkpeverquestguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsinstancesraidingraidsThu, 04 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: DKP will set you free]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/the-guild-counsel-dkp-will-set-you-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/the-guild-counsel-dkp-will-set-you-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/the-guild-counsel-dkp-will-set-you-free/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are many questions in life that have been debated for eternity. The chicken or the egg? Pie or cake? Fish or cut bait? Pirates or ninjas? Yankees or Red Sox? Democrats or Republicans? Add to this list another age-old question -- merit or DKP? Although there are several systems for awarding loot, these two have traditionally been the most popular with guilds. I've used both extensively, and while each system is time-tested and works well, I've slowly become a DKP convert. In this week's Guild Counsel, it's time to take a look at the hot-button issue of what to do with loot.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: DKP will set you free

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: DKP will set you free originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dkpeqdkpeverquestfeaturedguild-counselguild-cultureguild-dramaguild-leadershipguild-managementguildslootmerit-lootthe-guild-counselThu, 03 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: A cozy chit-chat with Thom Terrazas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-a-cozy-chit-ch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-a-cozy-chit-ch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-a-cozy-chit-ch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Welcome back to the Game Archaeologist's third week of our EverQuest expedition! So, OK, we lost a few valued members of our team crossing the wilds of Norrath, but who would ever think that 10 rats could be so vicious when out for vengeance? It comes with the territory, and really, it's well worth the loss of human life if we can educate just one soul on one of the most influential MMOs of all time. Their mothers will understand their sacrifice.

We've already taken a look at the highlights of EverQuest and the perspectives of several veterans of the game, which means this week we must be gearing up for an inside look into the machinations of grinding, hell levels, alternative advancement and DKP. For this, we struggled through the Swamp of Sony to find the ramshackle hut of Thom Terrazas -- and he was expecting us. A fight ensued, with many a chicken flung in anger, not to mention a few pokes in the eye, Three Stooges-style. But in the end, Terrazas capitulated and told us everything we wanted to know.

Thom Terrazas almost has all his SOE merit badges, having worked on Planetside, Vanguard and now EverQuest in various roles. I was curious -- what was it like to be handed the keys to not just a game, but a veritable institution? Hit the jump to see what Terrazas has to say about his favorite memories, the future of the game, and why EQ hit it out of the park in 1999.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: A cozy chit-chat with Thom Terrazas

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: A cozy chit-chat with Thom Terrazas originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>989-studiosAlan-VanCouveringcircle-of-lifecommunitycustomer-servicedkpdndDoug-CronkhiteDungeons-and-Dragonseqeq-nexteq2eqiieqoaeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventuresexpansionf2pfree-to-playgame-breakergame-mastergmhousingLydia-Popemlbneeeeerdsnorrathplanes-of-powerplanetsideplayer-housingraidraidingscars-of-veliousshadows-of-luclinsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentswamp-of-sonythe-game-archaeologistthe-ruins-of-kunarkthom-terrazasthree-stoogesunderwearvanguardTue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To many veteran MMO players, the opening horns of EverQuest's score are enough to trigger vivid memories, violent hallucinations, and an unstoppable desire to leap through the computer screen to return to Norrath. It all depends, of course, on which MMO you first cut your teeth, and while many gamers would claim titles like World of Warcraft as their first, there is a large contingent who will confess that EQ was their first MMO lover.

In fact, before WoW came on the scene in 2004, EverQuest was the gold standard of MMOs for a half-decade -- it was insanely popular, perfectly addictive, and absolutely revolutionary. It was a giant that roamed the virtual lands of those days, a giant that continues to forge new grounds well over a decade from its inception.

It was 1995 when John Smedley realized the potential for online gaming and roped in Brad McQuaid and Steve Clover to start putting together an online RPG for SOE. What began as a small project ballooned into a crazy endeavor as the growing team created a monster RPG the likes the world had never seen before -- a game that would forever shape the MMO genre.

This month, the Game Archaeologist is going after one of the biggest treasures of recorded history as we unearth the secrets to EverQuest's popularity, legacy, and longevity. The first step on our journey is to look at some of the highlights that made EQ what it is today.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-dacAlex-Afrasiabiasherons-callbrad-mcquaidclone-wars-adventuresdc-universe-onlinedcuodikumuddingdkpdoomDuke-Nukem-3De-deqeq-iieq2evercrackedevercracked-the-phenomenom-of-everquesteverquestEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iiexpansionsfarmfree-realmshouse-of-thuleignj-allen-brackjace-halljeff-kaplanjohn-smedleykunarkmeridian-59mezzmudnerfnichenorrathPirates-of-the-Burning-Seaplanetsideprocraph-kosterrezrob-pardoshadows-of-luclinsoesonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-accesssteve-cloversubscription-numberssubscriptionsswgthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-ruins-of-kunarkultima-onlineunderfootuovanguardverantverant-interactiveWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MUD history dissolving into the waters of time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/mud-history-dissolving-into-the-waters-of-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/mud-history-dissolving-into-the-waters-of-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/mud-history-dissolving-into-the-waters-of-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


While many modern MMO users may never have looked at a screen of white text on a black background and typed "go north," multi-user dungeons, or MUDs, were the forerunners to modern graphical MMOs. Without their appeal and gameplay concepts, we wouldn't be playing World of Warcraft or even EverQuest. So, logically, we should make sure to preserve the histories behind the many MUDs which began our conquest of the online playing field, right?

Well, it appears Wikipedia does not think the same way we do on this matter. The online encyclopedia powered by user contributions has begun cracking down and removing articles on MUDs, citing inability to provide verification along with reliable sources. Currently on the chopping block is the entry for Threshold, one of the oldest MUDs still active to this day. This isn't the first time Wikipedia has put online games under fire -- already pulling out the entries for BYOND, LegendMUD, and even removing the article on dragon kill points (DKP) for a time. The removal for the entry of LegendMUD is particularly painful, as there are other articles on Wikipedia that reference the LegendMUD entry, yet are still apparently viable on their own.

Continue reading MUD history dissolving into the waters of time

MassivelyMUD history dissolving into the waters of time originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>byonddamion-schubertdkphistoryindustry-historylegendmudlum-the-madmudmushraph-kosterrichard-bartlerob-pardothresholdwikipediaworld-of-warcraftTue, 06 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite loot system?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-loot-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-loot-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-loot-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Loot. As a raider, it is both boon and bane to us. If you're in a guild that has a system you can agree with, then loot can be a wonderful thing. However, if not, loot can often destroy morale and even take entire raiding guilds under. We've all heard stories of the inevitable blow-up that occurs after the piece someone's been after forever goes to someone who just joined the guild.

That said, as we know we have lots and lots of people with quite a bit of MMOG experience out there, we thought we'd ask you what loot systems you prefer for raiding? Do you still think the oldest is best, and like to run with DKP (Dragon Kill Points), or are you all about the roll and distribute. Perhaps you prefer one of the other systems like Suicide Kings, which goes down a list that moves based on who attends and doesn't loot (thus heading for the top) versus those who attend and loot (who land at the bottom). We're curious what you think is best for keeping raid looting "fair."

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your favorite loot system? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dkpepic-lootepicslootneed-vs-greedrollsuicide-kingstdgthe-daily-grindMon, 30 Jun 2008 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Player vs. Everything: Fixing the problem of guild-hopping]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/player-vs-everything-fixing-the-problem-of-guild-hopping/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/player-vs-everything-fixing-the-problem-of-guild-hopping/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/player-vs-everything-fixing-the-problem-of-guild-hopping/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's a bit of a discussion going on in the blogosphere right now about how to handle the topic of dungeon and raid rewards in MMOGs (specifically World of Warcraft, actually, but it universally applies). Tobold started the whole conversation by suggesting that the problem of players leaving to join a better guild when their gear progression is further along than the rest of their guild could be fixed by adding deterrents to leaving, like forcing you to leave any gear acquired with the help of your guild in the guild bank. After all, he argues, you couldn't have gotten those epics on your own. Why should you get to take your gear and walk away with it when 24 other people helped you obtain it, while waiting patiently for their turn?

Other people then made the counter-argument that hopping to further-progressed guilds is only one of the many reasons that people leave guilds, and that tying loot to your guild would give too much power to guild masters and punish people for circumstances that are often outside of their control (what if your work schedule changes and you can't raid anymore? Many hardcore guilds don't allow casual players). There were some more good points made as to why this system would be a bad idea. Still, it's a good thing that Tobold brought this up, because it's a very real issue. Even if tying loot directly to the guild is a bad idea, what can you do to discourage people getting what they need and then leaving for greener pastures?

Continue reading Player vs. Everything: Fixing the problem of guild-hopping

MassivelyPlayer vs. Everything: Fixing the problem of guild-hopping originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badge-lootbadge-of-justicebadgesdkpdramafeaturedguildguild-dramaguildslootloot-distributionplayer-vs-everythingpotshottoboldworld-of-warcraftWed, 30 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST