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[Wargaming.net honoring U.S. Veterans on Veterans Day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/wargaming-net-honoring-u-s-veterans-on-veterans-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/wargaming-net-honoring-u-s-veterans-on-veterans-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/wargaming-net-honoring-u-s-veterans-on-veterans-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- World of Tanks
Tomorrow, Americans will be celebrating Veterans Day and honoring the service of our armed forces. Wargaming.net has announced that it will be joining the celebrations by donating proceeds from World of Tanks gold bundles to the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization. For every $14.95 gold bundle purchased, Wargaming.net will donate $5, and for every $49.95 gold bundle purchased, it will donate $15. So if you want to support war veterans while blowing some tanks to kingdom come, head on over to World of Tanks and join the fight.

[Source: Wargaming.net press release]

MassivelyWargaming.net honoring U.S. Veterans on Veterans Day originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donationdonationsfundraisingparalyzed-veterans-of-americaveterans-daywargamingwargaming.networld-of-tankswotThu, 10 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play games, heal kids: It's time for Extra Life 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/play-games-heal-kids-its-time-for-extra-life-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/play-games-heal-kids-its-time-for-extra-life-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/play-games-heal-kids-its-time-for-extra-life-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Extra Life
Extra Life is upon us once again. Arguably the biggest annual charity event in the gaming world, Extra Life challenges gamers from all over to round up sponsors for their individual gaming marathons in support of Children's Miracle Network hospitals.

Massively's own Beau Hindman will be one of those stepping up to the plate for a 24-hour gaming marathon. He'll be on Massively's Livestream channel beginning tomorrow morning, October 15th, at 9:00 a.m. EST to stream a variety of games. Want to help out? Visit Beau's donation page to contribute any amount, then check out his Livestream beginning tomorrow morning.

Want more? Follow along after the jump for a roundup of our Extra Life posts from this week, and be sure to leave a comment and let us know about other MMO-related Extra Life events -- particularly those that you're involved in!

Continue reading Play games, heal kids: It's time for Extra Life 2011

MassivelyPlay games, heal kids: It's time for Extra Life 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-hour-gaming-marathonbeau-hindmancharitychildrens-miracle-networkdonationdonationsextra-lifeextra-life-2011gaming-for-charitygaming-marathonFri, 14 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom signs on for Extra Life charity event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/funcom-signs-on-for-extra-life-charity-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/funcom-signs-on-for-extra-life-charity-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/funcom-signs-on-for-extra-life-charity-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Extra Life logo
Trion isn't the only MMO studio ponying up for charity on October 15th. Funcom is also partnering with Extra Life for a bleary-eyed 24-hour gaming marathon designed to raise money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Here's how it works: You'll need to register with Extra Life and collect pledges from friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you come across. Then you can join either the Age of Conan or Anarchy Online in-game event and try to stay awake. What's in it for you? Well, aside from doing the right thing to help a bunch of kids in need, you might win beta access to The Secret World. While you're at it, don't forget to follow Massively's own Beau Hindman (and donate as much as you're able) as he embarks on his own Extra Life marathon.

MassivelyFuncom signs on for Extra Life charity event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-hour-gaming-marathonage-of-conananarchy-onlineaoaoccharitychildrens-miracle-networkdonationsextra-lifefuncomreal-world-eventsWed, 12 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT Extra Life charity event coming in October]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/rift-extra-life-charity-event-coming-in-october/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/rift-extra-life-charity-event-coming-in-october/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/rift-extra-life-charity-event-coming-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT - Extra Life charity banner
If you're feeling charitable this year but don't want to take time to log out of your favorite MMO to make a donation, Trion Worlds is offering you the next best thing. October 15th marks the date of RIFT's Extra Life event, which will feature a 24-hour gaming marathon designed to put a little coin in the pocket of the Children's Miracle Network.

How does it all work?

First you'll need to register with Extra Life and decide whether you want to play as part of a team or as an individual. Then you'll need to spread the word to family, friends, and anyone else who might be willing to sponsor your 24-hour Telara marathon. Finally, you can join up with Trion staffers in-game on the 15th and do your part for charity. There are a couple of pretty cool rewards on tap too, namely in-game titles like "the Charitable" (for all participants), and "the Insomniac" (for those who manage to last the entire 24 hours). You can find more details on the RIFT forums and at the Extra Life website.

MassivelyRIFT Extra Life charity event coming in October originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-hour-gaming-marathon24-hr-marathoncharitycharity-eventchildrens-miracle-networkdonationdonationsextra-lifefantasyin-game-eventriftrift-extra-lifesponsorshiptelaratriontrion-worldsWed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie sandbox Embers of Caerus needs your support]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/indie-sandbox-embers-of-caerus-needs-your-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/indie-sandbox-embers-of-caerus-needs-your-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/indie-sandbox-embers-of-caerus-needs-your-support/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Embers of Caerus - engine test
Play MMOs long enough and chances are you'll become something of an armchair developer. I could make a better game than that, you might say, or why the heck are they doing it this way? While most of us don't have the programming chops to make the transition from imagined prototype to working code, Forsaken Studios is offering the next best thing. Call it an armchair supporter opportunity.

The indie devs behind Embers of Caerus are asking for your donations, as the fantasy title is in need of a bit of capital to offset the fact that the team is working for free. What exactly is Forsaken Studios working on? It's a safe bet that it isn't your average fantasy themepark clone if the prose on the game's official forum is any indication. Forsaken is "made up of gamers who are tired of companies not quite getting it right, or worse, selling out in order to earn more money from what producers deem to be the more lucrative markets (easier content, real money item shops, etc)."

What will become of your donations? The EoC support plan page lists everything from software and licensing costs to hosting, technical equipment, and various legal/company expenses. "Even when you don't have to pay anyone, it's still not a cheap business," Forsaken says. You can get a look at a nine-minute engine test in the video after the cut.

Continue reading Indie sandbox Embers of Caerus needs your support

MassivelyIndie sandbox Embers of Caerus needs your support originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armchair-developerarmchair-supporterbusiness-expensesdonationsembers-of-caerusexpensesfantasyforsaken-studiosMiscellaneousmmo-industrysandboxsupportersFri, 02 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft pet sales contribute over $1.9 million to Red Cross]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/world-of-warcraft-pet-sales-contribute-over-1-9-million-to-red/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/world-of-warcraft-pet-sales-contribute-over-1-9-million-to-red/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/world-of-warcraft-pet-sales-contribute-over-1-9-million-to-red/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In May, Blizzard announced that sales of the Moonkin Hatchling in-game pet had raised $800,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Around the same time, Japan suffered a devastating earthquake and Blizzard was quick to introduce a second in-game pet in the form of the Cenarion Hatchling, the sales of which would all be contributed to the Red Cross's Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami relief fund.

Well, it looks like the World of Warcraft community -- with a little help from the adorable feathered Cenarion Hatchling -- has done it again. Blizzard announced today that as of today, sales of the Hatchling have totaled over $1.9 million, with every last penny going to the Land of the Rising Sun in its time of need. Blizzard -- and we here at Massively, for that matter -- send out heartfelt thanks to the players who helped contribute to this staggering amount to the Red Cross.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft pet sales contribute over $1.9 million to Red Cross originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentcenarion-hatchlingcharitydonationdonationsearthquakejapanjapanese-earthquakered-crossred-cross-japanese-earthquake-and-tsunami-relief-fundrelieftsunamiworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard donates $800,000 from virtual pet sales to Make-A-Wish]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/blizzard-donates-800-000-from-virtual-pet-sales-to-make-a-wish/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/blizzard-donates-800-000-from-virtual-pet-sales-to-make-a-wish/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/blizzard-donates-800-000-from-virtual-pet-sales-to-make-a-wish/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Who says Blizzard plus microtransactions equals pure, unadulterated evil? Well, a lot of gamers, for one, but that hasn't stopped the makers of World of Warcraft from gifting a sizable chunk of RMT-related change to charity.

Gamasutra has all the details on Blizzard's most recent involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Proceeds from the $10 Moonkin Hatchling pet that was sold during the last two months of 2010 have been donated to the long-running charity, with some $800,000 ultimately going to a worthy cause.

Blizzard has also added another in-game pet to its cash shop, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the new Cenarion Hatchling will go to the Red Cross's Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami relief fund. There is currently no word as to whether the company will offer similar assistance to the survivors of the severe storms that killed over 300 people and caused millions of dollars in property damage in the southeastern United States last week.

MassivelyBlizzard donates $800,000 from virtual pet sales to Make-A-Wish originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcash-shopcenarion-hatchlingcharitydisaster-reliefdonationsfantasymake-a-wishMake-A-Wish FoundationMake-a-wishFoundationmicrotransactionsmoonkin-hatchlingrmtWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 05 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP converting EVE PLEX to currency for storm relief]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ccp-converting-eve-plex-to-currency-for-storm-relief/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ccp-converting-eve-plex-to-currency-for-storm-relief/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/ccp-converting-eve-plex-to-currency-for-storm-relief/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

CCP has a long history of lending a helping hand during times of crisis. Whether it's the Haiti earthquake, the Japan tsunami, flooding in Pakistan, or most recently, the severe storms in the southeastern United States, the developer of EVE Online and World of Darkness is usually at the forefront of gamemaker disaster relief efforts.

Today, CCP Fallout outlines the latest such drive on the EVE Insider dev blog. Plex for Good: Storm Relief is designed to provide aid to those devastated by the tornados that ripped through portions of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee last week. The drive starts today and runs through May 16th, and each player-made PLEX donation "will be converted into cash currency and donated to the Red Cross." Players should contract their PLEX to the "CCP PLEX for Good" character, and because it's EVE, the dev blog mentions that any scams relating to the relief effort will be met with swift and harsh punishments.

Head to official EVE website to learn more.

MassivelyCCP converting EVE PLEX to currency for storm relief originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-falloutccp-gamescharitydonationseveeve-onlinemmo-industryplexplex-for-goodred-crosssci-fistorm-relieftornado-reliefTue, 03 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft makes multi-million dollar Japanese relief donation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/ncsoft-makes-multi-million-dollar-japanese-relief-donation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/ncsoft-makes-multi-million-dollar-japanese-relief-donation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/ncsoft-makes-multi-million-dollar-japanese-relief-donation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Earlier we told you about Hi-Rez Studios and its efforts to help victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. NCsoft is also throwing a considerable contribution into the relief drive in the form of 500 million Yen (or 4.5 million Euros/6.3 million USD, for those of you counting along at home).

NCsoft's Sung Joon Park explained that the sum equals a month's worth of sales, adding that the South Korean gaming giant would not be shutting off game services. "We'll maintain the service with minimal electricity and personnel. Maintaining daily life is also important, therefore we plan to uphold the service."

Kotaku puts NCsoft's gift into perspective, noting that the South Korean MMO maker is a big deal in Asia, where its contributions to the Japanese recovery outstrip notables including Nintendo, Sony, and Hyundai.

[Thanks to cic for the tip!]

MassivelyNCsoft makes multi-million dollar Japanese relief donation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydisasterdonationsearthquakefantasyjapanjapanese-disasterjapanese-earthquakemmo-industryncsoftrelief-effortstsunamiFri, 18 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Domain of Heroes donates half of proceeds to help ugliest orc]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/domain-of-heroes-donates-half-of-proceeds-to-help-ugliest-orc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/domain-of-heroes-donates-half-of-proceeds-to-help-ugliest-orc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/domain-of-heroes-donates-half-of-proceeds-to-help-ugliest-orc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What do you do when one of the most vocal and active members of your community falls on hard times? You help him out by raising money. It seems as though Ugs, the "Ugliest Orc" (we're not sure what he had to go through to get that title), has become ill. We all know how a single trip to the E.R. can set you back a house or two, so his bills are piling up. The issues have put a stress on his life that many of us have never known, even forcing him to tell the baby orcs that there will be no Christmas!

Other players heard about his plight and suggested an "Ugs Appreciation Day" to raise funds, similar to an event we covered in the past. They discussed it on the forums, and the date was set to the 21st of November. The creator of the game then upped the amount to 50% of all in-game profits going to the ugly one! The game features a robust text-based system that can run in any browser and features 30 races, 27 classes and tons of skills. Sign up if it sounds interesting, donate on that special day by purchasing in-game wishes and other items, or go to the shop and stock up on other goods.

Good luck, Ugs!

MassivelyDomain of Heroes donates half of proceeds to help ugliest orc originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowsercharityDoHdomain-of-heroesdonationsf2pfree-to-playftpget-better-ugsin-game-eventin-game-eventsreal-ugly-orcsugs-appreciation-dayWed, 17 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: Joshing with Jick]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-joshi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-joshi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-game-archaeologists-fear-and-loathing-in-the-kingdom-joshi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Here at the Game Archaeologist Labs, we've been dissecting just what it takes to make a hit MMO that defies normal conventions -- a homemade startup that loves its wordplay long time even in an age when only about 12% of internet forum posters are fully literate. Kingdom of Loathing is an anomaly for all these reasons and more, and yet it's succeeded when MMOs boasting $100+ million budgets have bit the dust.

Like Batman and Robin, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Taco Bell and grease, and "That's what" and "she said," the two creators of Kingdom of Loathing are absolutely inseparable. Where there is Jick, there is Mr. Skullhead, and vice-versa. The pair comprise the public face of the game and are so adored by Kingdom of Loathing's fans that I received a ransom note the other day telling me that I'd never see my cat again if I didn't lavish enough praise on the duo. This was weird to me, as I don't own a cat, but that's neither here nor there.

In our final week of plumbing the depths of Kingdom of Loathing, I had the pleasure of probing Zack "Jick" Johnson's mind, and I haven't quite recovered yet. I have looked into the abyss, and it looked into me -- and winked. Oh, you flirty abyss!

So let's do this thing -- hit the jump and find out just what makes KoL tick from the inside out!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: Joshing with Jick

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's fear and loathing in the Kingdom: Joshing with Jick originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascensionasymmetric-publicationsbatman-and-robinbetabrowserbusiness-modeldonationsfeaturedjickjosh-nitekingdom-of-loathingkolkol-radiomr-skullheadmystery-science-theater-3000pastamancerpvpradio-koltaco-bellthats-what-she-saidthe-game-archaeologistwikipediazack-johnsonTue, 16 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Over $40,000 donated to EVE Online "PLEX for Haiti" initiative so far]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/over-40-000-donated-to-eve-online-plex-for-haiti-initiative-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/over-40-000-donated-to-eve-online-plex-for-haiti-initiative-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/over-40-000-donated-to-eve-online-plex-for-haiti-initiative-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When the Republic of Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake on January 12th, groups around the world struggled to give as much aid as possible. Proving that gamers are givers, several MMO companies rushed to provide a way for their players to donate to registered relief aid charities like the Red Cross. Sony Online Entertainment raised over $25,000 in just three days by selling in-game items in Free Realms, EverQuest and EverQuest II. They donated 100% of the proceeds to charity and even added $10 of their own money for each purchase made.

CCP ran their own EVE Online "PLEX Aid for Haiti" initiative where players were encouraged to buy PLEX and then contract them to the "CCP PLEX for Haiti" character in-game. Even PLEX purchased in-game with ISK helped the appeal as every two PLEX contracted to CCP equaled $35 US Dollars of cash that was bought but not converted into game time. CCP could then donate the full $35 without making a loss. It was a clever scheme that allowed players who were short on cash but rich in-game to donate real money to charity.

CCP have just announced that so far the total tally of PLEX donated to the appeal has reached 2,290, which has a real cash value of just over $40,000 US dollars. One player donated a staggering 341 PLEX, which has an in-game value of over 88 billion ISK and makes a real world donation of almost $6,000. Of note is the revelation that only 1.4% of the donated PLEX were bought directly for cash, while players buying the PLEX using their spare ISK contributed the remaining 98.6%. That's a testament both to the generosity of gamers and the innovative system CCP used to collect aid. Hopefully we'll see this strategy used in future when someone is in desperate need of aid as it has proven very successful. For those that still want to donate, CCP are currently still accepting donations of PLEX to help the people of Haiti.

MassivelyOver $40,000 donated to EVE Online "PLEX for Haiti" initiative so far originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescharitydonationdonationseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-iifree-realmsgamershaitiplexred-crossreliefrelief-effortssoeTue, 16 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games 'PLEX Aid for Haiti' initiative to help Red Cross relief efforts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/ccp-games-plex-aid-for-haiti-initiative-to-help-red-cross-reli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/ccp-games-plex-aid-for-haiti-initiative-to-help-red-cross-reli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/ccp-games-plex-aid-for-haiti-initiative-to-help-red-cross-reli/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The devastating January 12 earthquake which struck the Republic of Haiti claimed many lives, and has left even more people homeless. It's a terrible situation, but at the very least there are numerous aid efforts underway, and some companies in the MMO industry are finding ways to help as well. CCP Games now ranks among them, with their PLEX Aid for Haiti initiative. The company is offering a way for the EVE Online playerbase to get involved and help with donations.

Here is the message from Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, in its entirety:

Continue reading CCP Games 'PLEX Aid for Haiti' initiative to help Red Cross relief efforts

MassivelyCCP Games 'PLEX Aid for Haiti' initiative to help Red Cross relief efforts originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-hellmarcharitydonationseveeve-onlinehaitihilmar-peturssonhilmar-v-peturssoniskplexrelief-effortsFri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Real World Heroes gives titles for charity in City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/real-world-heroes-gives-titles-for-charity-in-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/real-world-heroes-gives-titles-for-charity-in-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/26/real-world-heroes-gives-titles-for-charity-in-city-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's trite and cliche, but also true -- the holidays are the optimal time to stop and remember that there are people less fortunate than you in the world. Charity drives step up in frequency and everyone looks for the spirit of the holiday, of giving gifts out of kindness and hope that others can share in your good fortune. That being said, it can help give an incentive for everyone if there's something more to be had than simply the warm fuzzy feeling. Real World Hero, a player-run charity drive, has teamed up with the community team in City of Heroes to provide a little extra incentive for players of the game to step up and do something super.

Running between November 30th and December 24th, players who include their character information when they donate will be eligible for a limited-time special gold title for their character, marking them as a generous soul. The event is not being officially sponsored by the company, but the support is certainly added incentive to take part. With Operation Gratitude, Donate Games, and the ever-popular Child's Play as the designated recipients, it's a good time for City of Heroes players to be a bit more heroic in their day-to-day lives and be known for it in-game to boot.

MassivelyReal World Heroes gives titles for charity in City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitycharity-drivechilds-playcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdonate-gamesdonationdonationsncsoftoperation-gratitudereal-lifereal-world-eventsreal-world-heroThu, 26 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Profiting from mods?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/the-daily-grind-profiting-from-mods/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/the-daily-grind-profiting-from-mods/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/the-daily-grind-profiting-from-mods/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In case you missed the news the other day, Blizzard has essentially told everyone who has developed a mod for World of Warcraft - no matter how much time, effort and care they've put into it - that they can no longer ask for any money for their mods via the mod (in-game advertising). This includes soliciting for donations people optionally offer the mod maker for making such a great and useful item, if it's 'nagware'. Many mod developers put in a great deal of time creating their mods, and some of the mods have been good enough to actually wind up getting incorporated into Blizzard's in-game UI due to almost universal adoption by the player base.

This morning we thought we'd ask you what you thought about this? On the one hand, Blizzard has the right to completely block all mods from World of Warcraft altogether if they feel that the mod developers are making too much money by 'selling' their mods, or their advertising is too intrusive. It's their game. Like it or not, they get to dictate the rules. On the other hand, the base UI at launch was, in my opinion, horrid. It lacked a great many things that have since been added to WoW's base UI due to things modders dreamed up. Should all requests for funding stop? Should it only stop when it is a "pay" mod - or mod with a pay service attached like wowecon? Or should mod authors be allowed to solicit donations on their own web site (as they are essentially allowed now) for those who love the mod and want to donate something to keep it going, but not in game?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Profiting from mods? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>base-uiblizzarddonationsmodmod-authorsmoneyui-modsworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST