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[Enter at Your Own Rift: Conquest PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/enter-at-your-own-rift-conquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/enter-at-your-own-rift-conquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/enter-at-your-own-rift-conquest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

rift conquest
RIFT fans wracked their brains trying to decipher the cryptic message on the forums a few weeks ago, and it turned out they were right: RIFT is on the verge of seeing the arrival of three faction PvP, and the game took its first step toward that with a test session on PTS last week.

If you missed it, take heart because this week's Enter at Your Own Rift gives a recap of the event and a beginning look at how Conquest plays out. Read on for handy primer on three-faction PvP in Telara!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Conquest PvP

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Conquest PvP originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdominionenter-at-your-own-riftextractorsfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedhands-onkaren-bryannightfalloathswornopinionpreviewpreviewspvpriftrift-planes-of-telararvrtelarathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: D3 approaches, HoN reveals MidWars game mode]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/not-so-massively-d3-approaches-hon-reveals-midwars-game-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/not-so-massively-d3-approaches-hon-reveals-midwars-game-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/not-so-massively-d3-approaches-hon-reveals-midwars-game-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
With just over a week to go until Diablo III is released, Blizzard revealed the final details of the real money auction house, released some fantastic new class wallpapers, and launched a TV advertising campaign. Meanwhile, Torchlight II showed off the impressive final result of its earlier armour design contest and encouraged players to produce armour mods when the game is released.

Heroes of Newerth released a brand-new community-inspired MidWars game map this week to lend official support to the popular unofficial game mode. League of Legends revealed upcoming champion Varus with a full run-down of his abilities and a great art spotlight video. Dota 2 fixed some bizarre bugs and introduced classic hero Phantom Lancer. Rise of Immortals revealed details of its upcoming immortal Nauria, the Angel of Agony. Finally, Wrath of Heroes announced the controversial addition of health potions to its microtransaction store.

Continue reading Not So Massively: D3 approaches, HoN reveals MidWars game mode

MassivelyNot So Massively: D3 approaches, HoN reveals MidWars game mode originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidominiondotae-sporte-sportseaelectronic-artsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasyheroes-of-newerthhonleague-of-legendslolmid-warsmidwarsmobamultiplayermythicmythic-entertainmentnewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesphantom-lancerpvpreal-money-auction-housereal-money-tradereal-money-tradingreal-money-transactionsriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsrmahrmtrmt-ahrmtahroiround-uprounduprpgrunic-gamess2s2-gamesvideowarhammerwarhammer-wrath-of-heroeswohwrath-of-heroesMon, 07 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Summoner's Guidebook: Improving our skillshot dodging skills]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-summoners-guidebook-improving-our-skillshot-dodging-skills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-summoners-guidebook-improving-our-skillshot-dodging-skills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-summoners-guidebook-improving-our-skillshot-dodging-skills/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

League of Legends screenshot
Although the term "skillshot" was a new word for me when I started playing League of Legends, the concept of avoidable attacks is something that is very intuitive for even novice gamers. Skillshot is just a fancy term that roughly means "dodgable attack" in MOBA games. Although the official terminology sometimes differentiates between ground-targeted AoE and true skillshots (which are generally projectiles or groups of projectiles), that distinction is not really necessary for us. If it can be evaded, we'll call it a skillshot.

Dodging skillshots is something that is fairly easy to develop skill for. It takes only a little bit of mental effort to dramatically improve your ability to evade them. It's also a skill that can always be improved with practice. We can always react to them faster or predict them more reliably. This makes it a good area to improve on because we can always get better.

Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: Improving our skillshot dodging skills

MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: Improving our skillshot dodging skills originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agh-nidalee-spear-in-my-facedodgingdodging-nidalee-spearsdodging-skillshotsdodging-spearsdominionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfrench-maid-nidalee-is-pretty-hotguideguidesleagueleague-of-legendslolmobanidaleeopinionriotriot-gamesskillshotskillshotssummoners-guidebooksummoners-riftthe-summoners-guidebookyorick-versus-nidaleeThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Summoner's Guidebook: Practice makes perfect]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-summoners-guidebook-practice-makes-perfect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-summoners-guidebook-practice-makes-perfect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-summoners-guidebook-practice-makes-perfect/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

League of Legends screenshot
If you haven't noticed from previous editions of The Summoner's Guidebook, I emphasize practicing new techniques a lot. Practice is the only thing separating novice League of Legends players from experts. Talent can help speed up the process, but the best summoners are those who work hard to improve their skills. No pro player got to where he is today by playing only one or two games a day.

However, merely playing a lot of games doesn't make you a good player. In fact, the wrong kind of practice builds bad habits that are hard to break. When I first got into League of Legends, I knew quite a few people who also played the game. Although a few (who are semi-pro players) are still much better than I am, I became vastly better than the rest of my peers in a very short amount of time. Want to know my secrets? Read on!

Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: Practice makes perfect

MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: Practice makes perfect originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-scardominionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playl2pl2pvpleagueleague-of-legendsleague-of-legends-dominionlearning-to-playlolmobaopinionpracticepractice-makes-perfectriotriot-gamessummoners-guidebooksummoners-riftthe-summoners-guidebookThu, 05 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Summoner's Guidebook: Carrying Dominion games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-summoners-guidebook-carrying-dominion-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-summoners-guidebook-carrying-dominion-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-summoners-guidebook-carrying-dominion-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

League of Legends
One of the best things about League of Legends' Dominion mode is that individual bad players can't ruin games quite as much as they can on Summoner's Rift. It's true that a bad player is still not going to be as valuable as a good player, but in Classic, a single bad player is often worse than an AFK. It's never fun to lose a game when there's absolutely nothing you can do about Tryndamere feeding the top lane.

In Dominion, single players don't contribute quite as much, in general. However, there is an exception: the bottom lane. You'll be hearing me talk about the bottom lane in Dominion a lot. In most games, it's the most important element of the entire map. One player generally holds and controls the lane solo, and his ability to do this job well has more of an outcome on the game than any other individual's skill. A team that wins the bottom lane usually wins the game.

Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: Carrying Dominion games

MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: Carrying Dominion games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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League of Legends
I'm a huge fan of League of Legends' Dominion gametype. One of the complaints I hear regularly is that Dominion doesn't have a ranked mode. Right now, Dominion's highly skilled summoners must choose between "curbstomping pubbies" in blind pick mode or waiting for a year in queue for draft pick mode. A ranked mode would solve these issues, as players would be encouraged to play more and would be able to see improvements in their gameplay.

A lot of people don't think that Dominion is ready for ranked. Most of the arguments along these lines have something to do with poor champion balance. What do they mean by "bad balance?" I have a suspicion that many of the complaints stem from a lack of counter-knowledge more than any fault of the developers.

Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: Dominion isn't ready for ranked

MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: Dominion isn't ready for ranked originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cassiopeiadominionelo-ratingf2pfeaturedfree-to-playkassadinleagueleague-of-legendslolmobaopinionrammusrankedranked-matchesriotriot-gamessummoners-guidebookthe-summoners-guidebookThu, 15 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Summoner's Guidebook: The game without a meta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-summoners-guidebook-the-game-without-a-meta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-summoners-guidebook-the-game-without-a-meta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-summoners-guidebook-the-game-without-a-meta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It should be no shocker that the Crystal Scar is my favorite League of Legends map. Dominion is a more frantic and dynamic gametype, and it rewards tactical, free-thinking play more than the Classic game mode. The Classic maps reward technical skill and strategic thinking, but they aren't my preferred battlefield. I know a lot of you dear readers feel the same way.

Dominion is weird because it doesn't have a real, established metagame. Although cries of "4 top, 1 bottom" can be heard in virtually every match, they rarely hold up for more than a few minutes, and the four top players can be seen running backdoors, ganking bottom, or solo jungle roaming as the game progresses.

This is my first attempt at a Dominion overview, but the honest truth is that even the hardcore analyst-types like yours truly struggle to define exactly what wins Dominion games. There's a lot of room for discussion on this one, so let's get started.

Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: The game without a meta

MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: The game without a meta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backdoorbackdooringcontrol-pointscrystal-scardominionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playleagueleague-of-legendslolmobaopinionriotriot-gamesthe-crystal-scarthe-summoners-guidebookThu, 08 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: D3 cuts death animations and HoN releases another broken hero]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/not-so-massively-d3-cuts-death-animations-and-hon-releases-anot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/not-so-massively-d3-cuts-death-animations-and-hon-releases-anot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/not-so-massively-d3-cuts-death-animations-and-hon-releases-anot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Diablo III delivered 100,000 beta keys to North American fans this week, but it also revealed that the epic death animations from the game's first gameplay reveal were actually faked and won't be in the final game. Upcoming online FPS Blacklight: Retribution has challenged players to play 20 ranked matchmaking games by Thursday to win an exclusive golden helmet, and Massively still has beta keys if you'd like to get involved.

Heroes of Newerth released its potentially overpowered new hero Berzerker this week, placing Artesia into the free hero pool for legacy accounts a week early. League of Legends introduced its updated AI, adding 40 champions to the bot roster for both Summoner's Rift and Dominion co-op games. Dota 2 released a new test version to trial experimental changes without interrupting balance testing, and dungeon crawler Path of Exile showed off two new screenshots of its upcoming 0.9.6 patch. Finally, Bloodline Champions increased all XP gains by 50% this week in patch 2.3 and has launched a hilarious new photo content that's sure to get some questionable entries.

Continue reading Not So Massively: D3 cuts death animations and HoN releases another broken hero

MassivelyNot So Massively: D3 cuts death animations and HoN releases another broken hero originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbattlenetberzerkerblacklightblacklight-retributionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championscompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidominiondotae-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheadhunterheroes-of-newerthhonleague-of-legendslolmark-norrismmofpsmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exileperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpoepvppweriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamessteamstunlockstunlock-studiosvalvevideozombie-studiosMon, 06 Feb 2012 20:00:00 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[Stephen D'Angelo promises 'one more surprise' for Star Trek Online in December]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/stephen-dangelo-promises-one-more-surprise-for-star-trek-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/stephen-dangelo-promises-one-more-surprise-for-star-trek-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/stephen-dangelo-promises-one-more-surprise-for-star-trek-onli/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

STO
Star Trek Online's Stephen D'Angelo is one of the game's biggest cheerleaders, and it shows in his latest developer diary. "December has been an amazing month," he begins, citing the release of Season 5, new starships, and the Duty Officer system.

He highlights the game's first holiday, Q's Winter Wonderland, and the minigames and activities in which the players can participate to get the most out of this whimsical event. Of course, it's not all fun and games when serious prizes, like a holographic bridge officer or a Jem'Hadar Attack Ship, are on the line.

D'Angelo also says that a Duty Officer mini-event is on the docket for the month, as will "one more fun surprise." He concludes his letter by sharing the news that the team is now focusing on February's Dominion Episodes and ground skills/UI improvements.

MassivelyStephen D'Angelo promises 'one more surprise' for Star Trek Online in December originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-entertainmentdev-diarydeveloper-diarydominionduty-officerduty-officer-systemf2pfree-to-playqqs-winter-wonderlandseason-5season-fivestar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostoTue, 13 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar unveils world information page]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/wildstar-unveils-world-information-page/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/wildstar-unveils-world-information-page/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/wildstar-unveils-world-information-page/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WildStar concept art
The world of WildStar is one of adventure, intrigue, and of course, treasure. But many players are curious as to what kind of environs they'll be visiting, what grand sights they'll be seeing, and what unfortunate natives they'll be mercilessly slaughtering. Well, the folks at Carbine Studios are looking to relieve some of that curiosity with the freshly launched World page.

The first planet up for review is one of the game's main hubs, Nexus. Originally the planet of the mysterious and technologically advanced Eldan, Nexus has since been claimed by the galactic empire known as The Dominion. As The Dominion declares war upon the planet's new settlers (known as the Exiles), treasure-hunters, pirates, and intergalactic corporations alike have come to Nexus in an attempt to find valuable and powerful Eldan artifacts and to uncover the secret of the Eldan's mysterious disappearance. For the full details, head on over to the WildStar official site.

MassivelyWildStar unveils world information page originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosdominioneldanlorencsoftnexusthe-dominionthe-worlduniversewildstarworldThu, 17 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online dev blog talks new content, Dominion featured episode]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/star-trek-online-dev-blog-talks-new-content-dominion-featured-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/star-trek-online-dev-blog-talks-new-content-dominion-featured-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/star-trek-online-dev-blog-talks-new-content-dominion-featured-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Star Trek Online - captain's viewport
Cryptic executive producer Stephen D'Angelo has posted another Star Trek Online Path to F2P dev diary. For the 23rd installment (yes, 23!), D'Angelo outlines a near future roadmap for the game as the business model transition continues.

D'Angelo says that STO will boast a Featured Episode Replay event for the remainder of November on the live server. The first week of December should see a new game build migrating to the live shard from the Tribble test server. This update will feature "new content, new systems, and many gameplay improvements," and D'Angelo characterizes it as a "significant" release.

How significant? It includes new Borg content (the Invasion of Defera), the new duty officer system, and several new events and dailies. There's more to read at the official STO website (including an upcoming Featured Episode series focused on the Dominion!), so check it out by following the link below.

MassivelyStar Trek Online dev blog talks new content, Dominion featured episode originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bogborgcrypticdev-blogdev-diarydominionf2pfeatured-episodefeatured-episode-replayfree-to-playnew-contentperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-onlinestephen-dangeloThu, 17 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Livestreaming edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/not-so-massively-livestreaming-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/not-so-massively-livestreaming-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/not-so-massively-livestreaming-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Welcome to Not So Massively, our weekly roundup of the top news from popular multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other multiplayer online games that aren't quite MMOs. Published every Monday, the column covers games such as League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, Rise of Immortals, Bloodline Champions and more.

With over 200 viewers tuning in to watch last week's Path of Exile beta livestream, this week we'll be continuing the new tradition with our third Not So Massively livestream. Tune in to the Massively livestream channel on Friday, October 21st at 6 p.m. EDT to catch me and a few of the Massively staff playing incredibly popular MOBA League of Legends. Riot recently released a new champion spotlight on Teemo, one of the older champions and definitely the cutest.

This week, Bloodline Champions revealed details of upcoming bloodline Metal Warden along with an interesting photo contest to win one of several Metal Warden pre-order packs. Firefall developer Mark Kern showed off the Forge level editor this week and discussed the team's daunting goals for content scale. Rise of Immortals released a Halloween themed update along with new immortal Talia, and Blizzard announced a massive Diablo III beta key sweepstakes.

Skip past the cut for details of this week's biggest news from the world of MOBAs and other online games that aren't quite MMOs.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Livestreaming edition

MassivelyNot So Massively: Livestreaming edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-keybeta-keysbetasblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentdiablodiablo-3diablo-3-betadiablo-IIIdiablo-iii-betaDominionfeaturedfirefallgrinding-gear-gamesHalloweenheroes-of-newerthleague-of-legendslivestreamLiveStreamingnot-so-massivelypath-of-exilepetroglyphred-5-studiosriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsS2-GamesvideovideosMon, 17 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Expansions, not excuses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/eve-evolved-expansions-not-excuses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/eve-evolved-expansions-not-excuses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/eve-evolved-expansions-not-excuses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Over the last few months, the phrase "Flying in Space" has been increasingly used by both EVE Online's developers and its players to describe features other than those of Incarna. It seems like a redundant phrase as all of EVE's gameplay currently takes place in space, but the distinction has become necessary when discussing the allocation of development resources. Members of EVE's player-elected Council of Stellar Management have recently spearheaded a wave of new complaints about the level of resources dedicated to EVE's in-space features, claiming that developers have been left without the resources necessary to do a good job.

In the previous three EVE Evolved columns, I discussed the upcoming nullsec revamp scheduled to begin this winter and the incredible new gameplay players might get as part of it. Members of the CSM know exactly how many people will be working on that revamp, and although those numbers haven't been made public, several delegates have gone public with their disapproval. EVE's subscription fees are currently paying for the development of CCP's upcoming fantasy MMO World of Darkness and its ambitious console MMOFPS DUST 514, leaving few resources for new EVE gameplay and content.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the success of EVE's first blockbuster expansion and ask why development on EVE Online has dramatically decreased over the past two and a half years.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Expansions, not excuses

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Expansions, not excuses originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-eveccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdominioneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedflying-in-spaceincarnaincursionmark-heardpeak-concurrent-usersseleenespacesubscription-numbersthe-mittanityrannisSun, 11 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Force projection and jump bridges]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/eve-evolved-force-projection-and-jump-bridges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/eve-evolved-force-projection-and-jump-bridges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/eve-evolved-force-projection-and-jump-bridges/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

When EVE Online's Dominion expansion launched, we expected to see large empires contract into smaller areas of space and smaller entities move in to fill in the gaps. High sovereignty maintenance fees were meant to keep alliances from claiming systems they didn't intend to fully use, and smaller territories were meant to localise wars to only an alliance's immediate neighbours. Unfortunately, almost the exact opposite happened. Large alliances continued to group together into massive mega-coalitions, collectively owning huge regions of space and preventing smaller organisations from staking a claim on their own.

Dominion failed to achieve its stated goals, and in the years since its release CCP has been reluctant or unable to revisit the sovereignty mechanics Dominion overhauled. In that time, the face of EVE's nullsec warfare has changed drastically, with most large alliances now flaunting dozens of once-rare supercarriers and titans. Starbase jump bridge networks, titan jump portals and jump-drive enabled ships allow alliances to project force over immense distances, letting them support a war on the other side of the map.

With the recent announcement of changes coming to jump bridges, the force projection debate has once again taken center stage in forums and blogs. In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the problems associated with force projection, examine the jump bridge changes and weigh in on the debate.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Force projection and jump bridges

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Force projection and jump bridges originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdominioneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedforce-projectionhot-drophotdropnullsecpvpsupercarrierterritorial-warfaretitanSun, 22 May 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Video Corner: SuperTwinkey69 vs Dominion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/eve-video-corner-supertwinkey69-vs-dominion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/eve-video-corner-supertwinkey69-vs-dominion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/eve-video-corner-supertwinkey69-vs-dominion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The EVE Online community is known for producing some incredible videos, from epic cinematic compositions to some awesome alliance recruitment videos and films showcasing PvP at its best. We've seen amazing videos like the Clarion Call series, Kale Ryoko's Future Proof and Ian Chrisholm's Clear Skies I and II effortlessly merge a passion for EVE with cinematic direction that puts official game trailers to shame.

The official Dominion trailer was released back in 2009, depicting an epic clash between warring fleets in the far reaches of nullsec. CCP went to significant lengths to ensure the action and dialogue in the video weren't completely out of sync with actual war in the game, with several real in-game alliances inspiring the fleets in the video. Nevertheless, players complained that the dialogue wasn't enough like actual fleet voice communication. While some people voiced their dismay on the forum, one player took the trailer as a challenge.

By stripping the vocals out of CCP's official Dominion trailer and replacing them with recordings from actual fleet communication, Kaar of Triumvirate alliance produced a hilarious satire on fleet combat with his fleet commander SuperTwinkey69. Although the video was made back in 2009, it slipped under a lot of players' radars and didn't really get as much attention as it deserved. In true EVE style, this video contains swearing throughout and so is absolutely not safe for work.

Skip past the cut to watch this hilarious re-imagining of the Dominion trailer.

Continue reading EVE Video Corner: SuperTwinkey69 vs Dominion

MassivelyEVE Video Corner: SuperTwinkey69 vs Dominion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-video-cornerfleet-warfarepvpsupertwinkey69trailertriumviratevideoTue, 10 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Eight years of EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/01/eve-evolved-eight-years-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/01/eve-evolved-eight-years-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/01/eve-evolved-eight-years-of-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In last week's EVE Evolved column, I celebrated the third anniversary of the column with a competition to win one of three prizes worth over 500 million ISK. Congratulations go to Uniqdragon, mdubs28 and Thorium88, who will be contacted via email to arrange receipt of their prizes. In a bizarre twist that I can't believe I haven't noticed for three years, it turns out that the anniversary of my column occurs just over a week before EVE Online's own birthday on May 6th. With that in mind, this week's column is dedicated to the game's anniversary and to looking back at another successful year.

The past eight years have been a wild ride for EVE Online and its developer CCP Games. EVE has grown from a fledgling niche game with under 40,000 launch subscriptions to a global melting pot of over 360,000 actively subscribed accounts. The company itself has seem similar expansion, starting from humble beginnings as a small independent studio in Iceland and growing into a multinational monster with offices in China, Iceland, North America and the United Kingdom.

In this huge two-page anniversary edition of EVE Evolved, I look at how EVE Online has kept up with the industry over the years and then go on to examine this past year in detail, from the highs and lows to all the scams and awesome events.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Eight years of EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Eight years of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-yearsanniversarybirthdayccpccp-eveccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfanfestfeaturedgameplaygraphicsgraphics-updateincarnaincursioniterationiterative-designlagmmo-industryopinionrmtserverserver-upgradestrinitytyranniswar-on-lagSun, 01 May 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's EVE CSM interview: Incarna and nullsec PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/massivelys-eve-csm-interview-incarna-and-nullsec-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/massivelys-eve-csm-interview-incarna-and-nullsec-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/massivelys-eve-csm-interview-incarna-and-nullsec-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In part one of our interview with EVE Online's player-elected Council of Stellar Management, we asked council member Deirdra Vaal about EVE Gate, the upcoming forum revamp, CCP's microtransaction policy and other topics discussed at the December CSM summit. In three meeting sessions, CCP and the CSM tackled some hard-hitting issues, the biggest of which were Incarna and nullsec PvP. Most of the details on Incarna are currently locked under NDA, but that didn't stop us from asking the CSM about it. Nullsec PvP has also been a hot topic recently with the revelation that levels of PvP have actually been declining since the Dominion expansion. Dominion was intended to open up nullsec for smaller entities, but we still see EVE's political landscape dominated by massive coalitions of alliances spanning several regions.

Massively: The CSM expressed significant concerns about the Incarna development plans it had access to. Does the CSM think that CCP is heading in the wrong direction with Incarna?

Deirdra Vaal: We feel that the approach taken to Incarna is the wrong one, and we emphasised this to CCP. However, CCPs general idea to set Incarna as an "off the grid" environment where we go for shady deals is something the CSM is reasonably happy with. It's just that so far we haven't really been shown any compelling gameplay. So we think they might be heading in the wrong direction, if they are lazy about it. They might also be heading in the right direction, but so far we haven't seen compelling gameplay that would support this assumption.

Skip past the cut for the rest of our interview with EVE's CSM on Incarna, nullsec PvP and the future of EVE.

Continue reading Massively's EVE CSM interview: Incarna and nullsec PvP

MassivelyMassively's EVE CSM interview: Incarna and nullsec PvP originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsccpccp-dr-eyjogccp-eveccp-gamesccp-greyscaleccp-zulucouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdierdra-vaaldominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfleetincarnainterviewmothershipnullsecpvpsupercarrierstitantitansSun, 23 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE blogs examine CSM discussions on nullsec warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/eve-blogs-examine-csm-discussions-on-nullsec-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/eve-blogs-examine-csm-discussions-on-nullsec-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/eve-blogs-examine-csm-discussions-on-nullsec-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The first round of minutes from EVE Online's CSM summit were released yesterday, with two further parts to be released in the coming week. EVE blogger Keith Neilson was privileged to be present at some of the meetings between the CSM and CCP, and has posted a summary on his blog. Since the official meeting minutes have yet to be released, concrete conclusions on any specific points in the meeting can't be made. Keith was able to confirm, however, that nullsec PvP was heavily discussed at the summit. In particular, the effect of last year's Dominion expansion on nullsec warfare was examined, some problems were highlighted and potential solutions were explored.

The summaries on Keith's blog reveal some surprising facts about nullsec. CCP's lead economist Dr Eyjo is said to have voiced concerns over the fact that new players are moving into the more PvE-focused wormhole content instead of forming alliances and moving into nullsec territorial warfare. This is understandable, as wormhole systems are much more friendly to colonisation by small groups. They offer a similar level of rewards to nullsec but the size of a potential attacking fleet is naturally limited by the size of connecting wormholes. In anticipation of the official minutes being released later this week, Calais from EVE blog The Hydrostatic Capsule has delved into Keith's summaries and drawn some compelling conclusions about why nullsec is still the domain of massive alliances.

While Dominion was meant to open nullsec for smaller groups, Calais suggests that super-capitals and jump bridges actually prevent smaller groups from competing in nullsec PvP. "Where small teams should have the advantage of stealth and agility - the ability to strike fast and hard before melting away," Calais explains, "we actually see the very opposite." Using supercapital jump drives and jump bridges, it's big alliance fleets are able to outmaneuver smaller invading forces who can't afford to set up and defend the same infrastructure. Full details of the discussion between CCP and the CSM about nullsec PvP will be released later this week on the EVE devblog page.

MassivelyEVE blogs examine CSM discussions on nullsec warfare originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogccpccp-eveccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionmandrillpvpthe-hydrostatic-capsuleThu, 13 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Each of us has a different idea of the perfect game, whether it's an existing game with a few tweaks or something completely new. Game designers work tirelessly to make their own vision of the perfect game a reality, but there's no telling what players will think of a feature until it's finished. In the process of transforming a feature from a gleam in the game designer's eye to a finished product, something is unfortunately often lost in translation. Limitations in the technology being used or the manpower available can render the ideal implementation infeasible.

As players, we don't really see that full development process. That doesn't stop us from painting our perfect vision of an upcoming or potential feature and how awesome it could be. In the coming years, the EVE Online developers will be going through the process of making some of their most incredible visions a reality. Ideas like walking in stations and integrating the upcoming MMOFPS Dust 514 with EVE's planetary interaction feature will be put through a potentially brutal development process. We can only hope that as little as possible of those visions we've heard from EVE's developers gets lost in translation.

In this speculative opinion piece, I look at a few areas in which EVE is sure to be expanded in the coming years and discuss what I'd consider to be the ideal way they could be implemented or handled.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-eveccp-gamesdominioneoheoh-pokereveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfeaturedincarnaiterationmini-gamesMinigamesopinionplanetplanetary-interactionpokersleepersovereigntyspreadsheets-in-spacestationstyranniswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming EVE devblog series to show CCP's lag-busting efforts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/upcoming-eve-devblog-series-to-show-ccps-lag-busting-efforts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/upcoming-eve-devblog-series-to-show-ccps-lag-busting-efforts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/upcoming-eve-devblog-series-to-show-ccps-lag-busting-efforts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With EVE Online's single-shard universe, the server hardware and game code have to be continually updated to cope with the game's constantly expanding playerbase. Each time the server is upgraded, node stability and lag in large fleet battles improves significantly. Unfortunately, this trend of periodic improvements took something of a wrong turn when the Dominion expansion came along. Before Dominion, fleet battles took place with over a thousand ships on each side and no crippling lag or node deaths in sight. Since the expansion's release, however, fleets of only a few hundred have regularly experienced unplayable conditions.

Frustrated by CCP's lack of visible progress in tackling lag, members of the EVE community have been making their outrage known. A recent appeal to the gaming media by a few players resulted in the issue getting very high exposure, which could be bad for CCP's public image. CCP issued a response explaining that lag is a high priority, and that there is even an entire development team dedicated to tackling it. Earlier this week, CCP Zulu expanded on CCP's lag-busting efforts in the first of a new EVE devblog series dedicated entirely to lag.

Continue reading Upcoming EVE devblog series to show CCP's lag-busting efforts

MassivelyUpcoming EVE devblog series to show CCP's lag-busting efforts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-atroposccp-eveccp-gamesccp-tanisccp-unifexccp-warlockccp-zuluccp-zuluparkcommunitydevblogdominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefleetlagpingserverMon, 16 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E-ON Magazine issue 19 hits the shelves]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/e-on-magazine-issue-19-hits-the-shelves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/e-on-magazine-issue-19-hits-the-shelves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/e-on-magazine-issue-19-hits-the-shelves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In Autumn 2005, EVE Online became one of the only MMOs out there with its own dedicated print magazine. Under contract from CCP Games, MMM Publishing has worked tirelessly ever since to produce EVE's official magazine "E-ON." Four times per year, we're blessed with a dose of the latest and greatest things from New Eden in a comfortingly solid format. The magazine covers everything from strategy guides and ship fitting advice to sneak peaks at upcoming expansions, interviews with CCP staff and incredible fiction set in the EVE universe.

E-ON differs from other game magazines in that they don't any make money from advertising. In an effort to keep the magazine all about EVE, they've taken the unusual but apparently successful route of publishing full-page adverts from in-game corporations and organisations. Advertisers buy space in the magazine with ISK, the in-game currency, and adverts must be for strictly in-game purposes. The ISK is then used to pay volunteer writers, who create most of the magazine's content and produce important things like guides from a true player's perspective. There's even a scheme in the works to reward advertisers with discount coupon codes for the magazine to gift their corpmates. Now nearing their fifth year of publishing, E-ON issue 19 has recently been released. As usual, this issue is absolutely packed full of everything we've come to expect from the mag.

Skip past the cut for a run-down of what you can expect in issue 19 of E-ON Magazine.

Continue reading E-ON Magazine issue 19 hits the shelves

MassivelyE-ON Magazine issue 19 hits the shelves originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleclinicccpccp-eveccp-falloutccp-gamesccp-shadowchroniclesdominiondr-eyjogdr-eyjolfur-gudmundssone-oneonespionageeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedjames-eganmagazinemmmmmm-publishingspyingtyranniswarzapateroSat, 10 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online devblog addresses recent server issues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/eve-online-devblog-addresses-recent-server-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/eve-online-devblog-addresses-recent-server-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/eve-online-devblog-addresses-recent-server-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online's server is a complex beast, holding the title of biggest supercomputer in the gaming industry. The main server cluster is housed in London and serviced by a team of IBM engineers. In addition to constant hardware upgrades to take advantage of the newest technology, CCP's network programmers work around the clock to improve performance and track down bugs that will affect the game. EVE is no stranger to lag or network issues and older players know all too well that server troubles are expected around patch days.

When the Dominion expansion was released, there were far more complaints of server issues than could be attributed to the usual "patch day blues". Now several months down the line we're still hearing horror stories of fleet battles lagging unbearably with only a few hundred players. The last few months have seen an increasing number of node deaths and database failovers, in some cases causing unscheduled server reboots. Read on to find out what CCP is doing to combat the issue.

Continue reading EVE Online devblog addresses recent server issues

MassivelyEVE Online devblog addresses recent server issues originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugbugsccpccp-eveccp-gamesdevblogdominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionpatchserversupercomputerThu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online blogger provides insight on alliance warfare in Dominion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Alliance warfare has always been a huge part of EVE Online's endgame PvP, with alliances fighting over resources, expanding their borders or just settling age-old political grudges. The Dominion expansion made sweeping changes to alliance warfare and the transition hasn't been easy on all the alliances. Since Dominion went live, it's been difficult to judge just how effective the expansion has been at revitalising territorial warfare or how alliances are using the new system. EVE Blogger Wensley has been involved in the recent war against CVA in Providence region and he's been posting some of the valuable insights he's gleaned on territorial warfare over at his blog Rifter Drifter.

In part 1 of his series "Catch 22" on the most recent parts of the war, he details the reasoning behind CVA's territorial expansion from Providence into the Catch region. In part 2, Wensley describes the details of the actual war so far and provides some useful insights into the mechanics of territorial warfare. He suggests that since alliances now get to choose the rough time their systems are fought over by way of the new reinforcement timers, they should have picked a time zone that would be inconvenient for their enemies. Instead, they had set their reinforcement timer to their enemy's peak play time, allowing them to easily amass huge fleets for the attack. He goes on to blame CVA's poor performance on a lack of preparedness, suggesting that if they had gotten their fleet together and into the threatened system first, any lag occuring when enemy players jump in would have been in their favour. If you're following the war in Providence region or just interested in how territorial warfare is fought now in EVE, Rifter Drifter's on-going Catch 22 series is definitely worth a read.

MassivelyEVE Online blogger provides insight on alliance warfare in Dominion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-warfareblogbloggerccpccp-eveccp-gamescuratores-veritatis-alliancecvadominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinelagprovidencepvprifterrifter-drifterterritorial-controlwarfareTue, 16 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Player housing is one of those features we love to see in an MMO but every game that has it seems to implement it differently. Sometimes it's limited to instanced rooms the player can decorate and sometimes it's a little more functional like shared guild halls. In EVE Online, the closest thing to widely-available player housing would be anchorable starbases, which can be configured to serve a variety of functional roles. Originally, their primary purpose was to mine moon minerals and react them to produce advanced materials for Tech 2 production.

Starbases can be very useful as tactical staging points for PvP operations. With the right modules anchored around them, they can also be configured for use in other industries, from mining and manufacturing to research and deep space exploration. Until recently, they also played a critical role in EVE's alliance sovereignty warfare as the alliance with the most starbases in a system gained control of it. With that role now fulfilled by Outposts, Infrastructure Hubs and Territorial Claim Units, starbases have mostly returned to their former industrial and tactical uses.

In this article, I look at five different starbase configurations that can be very useful to organised corporations.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeath-stardepotdominioneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedpiracyplayer-housingplayer-owned-starbasepospvpsafespotsleepersovereigntystarbaseterritorial-controltipstips-and-trickswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

In the sandbox of New Eden, rival alliances vie for control of vast swathes of star systems. The lawless nullsec regions of the EVE Online universe are home to violent alliances of all sizes and fleets with hundreds of ships clash on a daily basis. The political machinations of nullsec have produced many stories of wars fought over territory, stations conquered and fleets dismantled by force. Over the years, each story has become part of the game's living history. Recently, a new chapter in that history began as the nullsec sovereignty system governing territorial warfare received a complete overhaul in the Dominion expansion. The transition period has been rough on some alliances as a new sovereignty system requires new ways of thinking. Some alliances are falling, new ones are being forged to fill the power vacuum and the race is on for people to adapt to the new sovereignty system.

As we've been watching the EVE galaxy performing its Darwinian reshuffle, it came to our surprise that GoonSwarm, the game's biggest territorial alliance, had been disbanded. In the early hours of Wednesday 3rd February 2010, GoonSwarm CEO "karttoon" kicked almost every corp from the alliance, effectively disbanding it. There's more to this story than meets the eye and in this investigative piece, I delve into the thick of it to discover just what's going on with this troubled alliance.

Continue reading GoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama

MassivelyGoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-of-brothersbobccpccp-eveccp-gamesdisbanddominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgoongoonfleetgoonswarmgoonswarm-alliancehistorylorenullsecpoliticspvpsovereigntytheftThu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Testing in EVE, Wednesday, to determine source of lag in fleet battles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/mass-testing-in-eve-wednesday-to-determine-source-of-lag-in-fl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/mass-testing-in-eve-wednesday-to-determine-source-of-lag-in-fl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/mass-testing-in-eve-wednesday-to-determine-source-of-lag-in-fl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


EVE Online's latest expansion, Dominion, brought sweeping changes to how alliances claim and hold space, and more recently revamped capital ship warfare. However, there has been a downside of late in terms of server stability and lag. Twitter is pretty much aflame with players lamenting the server issues, not to mention the forums, and it's something CCP Games needs to address right away.

To that end, CCP is looking to the playerbase for help with "Mass Testing" on Wednesday, to determine the source of lag in large fleet battles. The devs will be looking into the problems widely reported with medium and large scale fleet combat and will need at least 50 pilots, though if 200 or more showed up this would be even better, says CCP Tanis. Players interested in helping out should hop on the Singularity test server on Wednesday, January 27, at 17:00 UTC. Mass Testing participants should join the "MassTesting" channel in-game on the test server as well. All EVE pilots who want to get involved should see CCP Navigator's announcement for more info about tomorrow's fleet combat tests and the discussion in a related forum thread.

MassivelyMass Testing in EVE, Wednesday, to determine source of lag in fleet battles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsccpccp-gamesccp-navigatordominioneveeve-onlinefleet-combatgame-mechanicslagmass-testingserverssingularitytest-serverTue, 26 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Making the jump]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/one-shots-making-the-jump/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/one-shots-making-the-jump/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/one-shots-making-the-jump/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


While some are headed to space in Star Trek Online this weekend, the war for sov rages on in various parts of EVE Online. What it doesn't have in avatar combat (yet) it more than makes up for in sandbox play, putting players in total control over their own character's destiny. This gorgeous EVE Online screenshot comes to us today from Andrew, who writes in to explain what's going on for those who may not be familiar: The release of Dominion has seen a lot of freighter convoys hauling infrastructure to nullsec (player controlled space). In this shot we have a gaggle of freighters approaching a Titan, which will use it's Jump Portal Generator to send them to the far reaches of the galaxy.

From large to small, we love to see MMOs of all styles and sizes. If you'd like to show off your favorite game and give others a glimpse into one of the things you think makes it cool, why not send in a One Shots image? All you have to do is email it to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in. Couldn't be easier!

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Making the jump originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrewccpdominioneveeve-onlinenullsecone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotstitanSat, 23 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Creating the planets of EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/creating-the-planets-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/creating-the-planets-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/creating-the-planets-of-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,


One of the most visually striking changes that came to EVE Online with the Dominion expansion is how the devs improved the look of the planets. This was no minor facelift either, it's been a dramatic change. The graphics update breathed new life into New Eden's setting -- solar systems now have vibrant gas giants as well as planets dominated by storms, ice, oceans, or lava. Most players are probably just content to see and appreciate the eye candy, but those interested in how CCP Games created these planets will want to read the "Awesome Looking Planets" dev blog from CCP Mannapi. (And just look at that angry expression!)

Although the subject of Mannapi's dev blog is somewhat technical, it's actually rather easy to follow. He walks the reader through the tools and processes CCP Games put to use in revamping planets in Dominion. If reading about height maps, preprocessing, rendering, and textures is your cup of tea, you'll probably enjoy his illustrated explanation of these facets of planetary design in EVE.

MassivelyCreating the planets of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-mannapidev-blogdev-blogsdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsgraphicsnew-edenplanetssci-fiThu, 21 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An overview of the EVE Online capital ship changes arriving today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/an-overview-of-the-eve-online-capital-ship-changes-arriving-toda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/an-overview-of-the-eve-online-capital-ship-changes-arriving-toda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/an-overview-of-the-eve-online-capital-ship-changes-arriving-toda/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The cries of "Free CCP Abathur" have been heard. He's one of the growing number of EVE Online developers recruited from among the ranks of the playerbase, and in Abathur's case -- he's someone very well-versed in the dynamics of nullsec warfare. His dev blog "The All Caps Ship Blog" deals with changes CCP Games is making to EVE that have long been a hot button with the playerbase.

It's not surprising that capital ship balancing is a controversial topic among players of the sci-fi MMO. Capital ship pilots in New Eden have invested significant amounts of training time and in-game wealth into piloting these massive ships, be it carriers and supercarriers, dreadnaughts, or titans. Some of CCP Abathur's ideas on balancing capital ships seemed to be fairly well-received by the playerbase, but later proposed changes from more senior devs at CCP appeared to be taking the game mechanics in a different direction. (Hence the "Free CCP Abathur" meme.) Ultimately, some of the major capital ship changes didn't deploy with the Dominion expansion launch, but are arriving in EVE today.

Continue reading An overview of the EVE Online capital ship changes arriving today

MassivelyAn overview of the EVE Online capital ship changes arriving today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital-shipscarriersccpccp-abathurccp-gamescontroversydominiondoomsdaydreadnaughtseveeve-onlinefighter-bombersgame-mechanicsnullsecsci-fisupercarrierstitansThu, 21 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's Dominion 1.1 patch to bring supercarrier changes, fighter bombers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/eves-dominion-1-1-patch-to-bring-supercarrier-changes-fighter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/eves-dominion-1-1-patch-to-bring-supercarrier-changes-fighter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/eves-dominion-1-1-patch-to-bring-supercarrier-changes-fighter/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A substantial number of changes will be made to EVE Online tomorrow with the Dominion 1.1 patch. The supercarrier changes and introduction of fighter bombs coming in 1.1 were originally slated for the Dominion expansion's launch last month but had to be postponed. Beyond the changes impacting EVE's capital ship pilots, nullsec warfare will be affected by how CCP is altering the stats of Sovereignty structures. (Territorial Control Units will receive increased hitpoints with reduced onlining time, likewise Sovereignty Blockade Units are getting a defensive buff.)

New features are being introduced as well, like voice fonts for the Vivox-powered EVE Voice. According to the latest patch notes: "This new feature will allow you to alter your voice during chat to increase or lower pitch or to change from male to female voices. This is certainly not going to be abused in any way."

Stick with us past the jump for some highlights of how EVE Online will change tomorrow.

Continue reading EVE's Dominion 1.1 patch to bring supercarrier changes, fighter bombers

MassivelyEVE's Dominion 1.1 patch to bring supercarrier changes, fighter bombers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital-shipscarriersccpccp-gamesdominiondreadnaughtsdreadnoughteveeve-onlineeve-voicefighter-bombersforumsmothershipsnullsecpatch-notespatchessci-fisovereigntysupercarrierstriagevoice-fontsWed, 20 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE hits new milestone with 56,021 players online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/eve-hits-new-milestone-with-56-021-players-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/eve-hits-new-milestone-with-56-021-players-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/eve-hits-new-milestone-with-56-021-players-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It was just last week when we mentioned EVE Online's new peak concurrent user (PCU) record of 54,446 pilots online. That record was smashed yesterday though, only one week after the previous PCU record was set, with 56,021 pilots online in New Eden. Beyond the new PCU record being set, this past Sunday's traffic may also make CCP raise the limit on number of players that can be in the Jita trade hub at a given time. 1400 players crowded into Jita yesterday, which is apparently the hard limit that the game's developers had set for the busy solar system. This prompted CCP Games Software Director Erlendur Þorsteinsson (aka CCP Explorer) to state, "We have been increasing the limit in the last few weeks and it looks like there might possibly be room for more in Jita."

This could be good news for the legions of traders who flock to the system, and overall a good sign for EVE Online to see the PCU climbing higher and higher. Likely a major factor in the surge of active players is the upswing in nullsec alliance warfare which resulted from changes in the Dominion expansion -- not the least of which is that a certain moon material holds great value now; the desire to control these rare resources is a major driver for large scale conflict. And of course, the recent 'get EVE for $5' sales on Steam probably hasn't hurt either.

MassivelyEVE hits new milestone with 56,021 players online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-explorerccp-gamesdominionerlendur-s-thorsteinssonerlendur-thorsteinssoneveeve-onlinejitanew-edenpcupeak-concurrent-userssci-fiMon, 11 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Changes and improvements to Epic Mission Arcs in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/changes-and-improvements-to-epic-mission-arcs-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/changes-and-improvements-to-epic-mission-arcs-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/26/changes-and-improvements-to-epic-mission-arcs-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When EVE Online players think of what's changed in the game with the recent Dominion expansion release, the game's PvE content may not be the first thing that comes to mind. (Although Dominion introduced Epic Mission Arcs -- branching storylines -- for both the Guristas and Angel Cartel pirate factions.) The Atlanta-based content team at CCP Games has put a lot of work into Epic Mission Arcs for this expansion, though, which is the subject of the latest EVE dev blog. Developer CCP Big Dumb Object walks readers through the changes in game mechanics with the Epic Arcs and gives a breakdown of their adjusted rewards (plus the introduction of faction standings rewards), while paying homage to Led Zeppelin throughout the blog.

New mission content is also beginning to reflect how player actions in factional warfare affect the game's setting, specifically the Caldari militia's overwhelming victory over the Gallente. CCP Big Dumb Object mentions two new Gallente storyline missions, adding that "each mission stems from the past year's Faction Warfare results, Heth's resultant sale of key Gallente systems to the Caldari megacorps, and the Federation's reaction."

Continue reading Changes and improvements to Epic Mission Arcs in EVE Online

MassivelyChanges and improvements to Epic Mission Arcs in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caldariccpccp-big-dumb-objectccp-gamescontent-teamdominionepic-mission-arcseveeve-onlineexpansionsgallentegame-mechanicshethmission-runningmissionspvesci-fistorylinetibus-hethSat, 26 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Dominion dev tour streaming in live video at Xfire, December 17]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/eve-dominion-dev-tour-streaming-in-live-video-at-xfire-december/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/eve-dominion-dev-tour-streaming-in-live-video-at-xfire-december/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/eve-dominion-dev-tour-streaming-in-live-video-at-xfire-december/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


CCP Games and Xfire have teamed up for a live video broadcast this week, a guided developer walkthrough of the Dominion expansion for EVE Online. You can tune in on December 17th at 12:00pm PDT to view the video stream on Xfire's site.

The video broadcast coincides with a contest Xfire is running, details of which can also be found on the Xfire site. The prizes look good -- up to a year of EVE game time, an iPod Nano, and a Razer Naga mouse. Entering Xfire's "EVE 'til EVE" contest, which runs December 15-31, entails signing up to join their game community.

UPDATE: The video broadcast is cancelled due to technical difficulties. Instead there will be a live text chat at 12:00pm PDT (20:00 GMT/UTC) with CCP Soundwave and CCP Guard. You'll need Xfire installed to follow along, with "Chatteox" added to your friends list to check it out.

MassivelyEVE Dominion dev tour streaming in live video at Xfire, December 17 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescontestsdev-tourdev-walkthroughdominioneveeve-onlineeve-til-eveexpansionssci-fivideoxfireWed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games releases video tour of EVE's new planets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-releases-video-tour-of-eves-new-planets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-releases-video-tour-of-eves-new-planets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-releases-video-tour-of-eves-new-planets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


While the Dominion expansion for EVE Online has been focused on changing how alliances claim and hold territory in New Eden, CCP Games has also given the game quite a facelift. We've mentioned the updated starry backgrounds and shown you a bit about how the planets have changed before, but we came across something new today.

While the footage put together by the players was great, CCP has put together a "Planet Tour" video that's quite stunning. It flies the viewer past the different planet types that players can now encounter -- lava and ice, planetary rings, green continents and swirling clouds. We've got a video embed of the EVE Online Dominion Planet Tour (check out 3:34!) for you after the jump.

Continue reading CCP Games releases video tour of EVE's new planets

MassivelyCCP Games releases video tour of EVE's new planets originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsgraphicsplanetssci-fistarstrinityvideoMon, 14 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


CCP Games has made some sweeping changes to how players claim and contest territory in EVE Online, with the recently-launched Dominion expansion. These changes haven't been without issue, however, and a significant problem with the new Sovereignty Blockade Units (SBU) has arisen. SBUs are anchored by attackers at stargates in a solar system belonging to the territory-holding alliance and disrupts the control of the Sovereignty holder, providing opportunities for attackers to usurp the space holding alliance. Issues with the SBUs prompted the devs to declare an exploit over the weekend. EVE's Community Manager CCP Wrangler stated:

"An issue has been discovered that makes outposts and infrastructure hubs vulnerable to attacks without the attacker having adequate Sovereignty Blockade Unit (SBU) coverage in the system. Attacking outposts and/or infrastructure hubs without adequate Sovereignty Blockade Units in the system is an exploit and any incidents will be dealt with accordingly. Situations where attackers have the proper SBU coverage are not subject to this rule. The problem is under repairs and will be fixed as soon as possible. We thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter."

Continue reading CCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system

MassivelyCCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsccpccp-gamesccp-wranglerdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsexploitsgame-mechanicspvpsandboxsbusci-fisovereigntysovereignty-blockade-unitterritorial-controlMon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online sets new peak concurrent user record]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The sci-fi MMO EVE Online set a new record this past weekend for users logged in at a given time: 54,181 pilots, up from the previous record of 53,850 set in March of this year. This new peak concurrent user (PCU) count is a significant milestone for the single shard setting of New Eden, where all of those players can (potentially) interact with one another. New Eden is a big place though, a galaxy with thousands of charted solar systems and thousands more uncharted, accessible through wormholes. Given the size of New Eden, those 54,181 pilots may not interact directly but their actions can impact everyone else in the game, regardless of whether it's through trading, establishing or toppling industrial empires, or alliance warfare on a massive scale.

The new PCU record comes in the wake of EVE Online's Dominion expansion launch on December 1 which focuses on revamping the game mechanics of territorial control, or sovereignty, in New Eden's lawless tracts of 0.0 security (nullsec) space. CCP Games Senior Producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson told Massively: "With Dominion, we've made zero security gameplay so much more engaging. We're seeing a lot of people are taking the leap, updating their clones and jumping into the deep end of the pool. They are realizing that taking risks can bring big rewards, and lots of adrenaline pumped moments as well. Co-operation and having good allies is the key to success in the dark and brutal world of zero point zero space. We're seeing players communicate more, team up more and generally have more fun. Each day since release has been exciting for the developers as they watch this expansion unfold and take on a life of its own, in the hands of our ever-creative playerbase."

[Thanks StMistaken!]

MassivelyEVE Online sets new peak concurrent user record originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0ccpccp-gamesdominioneveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsmmo-industrynew-edennullsecpcupeak-concurrent-userssandboxsci-fisenior-producersingle-shardsovereigntyterritorial-controltorfi-frans-olafssonMon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-3/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 3

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrarmageddoncaldariccpccp-gamesDominiondominixempyrean-ageeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionexploitexposeexposedfactionfactional-warfarefleetgallentegangminmatarnavypvpscorpionstrategytyphoonwarfareSun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle-page-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle, page 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrarmageddoncaldariccpccp-gamesDominiondominixempyrean-ageeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionexploitexposeexposedfactionfactional-warfarefleetgallentegangminmatarnavypvpscorpionstrategytyphoonwarfareSun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/eve-evolved-the-faction-warfare-mission-debacle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

When faction warfare went live with EVE Online's Empyrean Age expansion back in the summer of 2008, It was a magnificent success. It was intended as a way for newer players to get into PvP and as a stepping stone from the safe haven of empire to full-on sovereignty warfare. It wasn't long before large fleets were duking it out in low security space and for a time, it was great. Eventually, problems began to come to light that demanded developer attention. Capturing exploits and a lack of rewards were causing players to leave the war and after a year with no development, faction warfare was looking abandoned.

Rewards were eventually implemented in an attempt to revitalise the ageing faction warfare system and promote PvP. With the Dominion expansion came the most anticipated of those rewards - new tier 1 navy battleships available only from the faction warfare loyalty point store. Since the announcement that they were coming, mission-runners have been farming faction warfare missions like crazy for loyalty points. The promise of unique rewards from the missions was intended to revitalise the game and give pilots something to fight over. But did the rewards really improve faction warfare and promote PvP or was it a huge mistake?

In this three page exposé, I run down the history of faction warfare missions, from the development mistakes to the EVE corp that made almost enough ISK to build a titan. Did the mission buff revitalise faction warfare or did it put the final nail in its coffin? And just how did mission-runners make billions of ISK?

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The faction warfare mission debacle originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrarmageddoncaldariccpccp-gamesDominiondominixempyrean-ageeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionexploitexposeexposedfactionfactional-warfarefeaturedfleetgallentegangminmatarnavypvpscorpionstrategytyphoonwarfareSun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST