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[SWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SWTOR
A long time ago on a server far, far away, the Imperial forces BioWare prepared a Star Wars: The Old Republic update to rule the online world: patch 1.3. Called Allies, patch 1.3 will usher in a group finder, character transfers, and legacy perks.

The group finder will aid in banding together interested adventurers to tackle operations and flashpoints. Lead Designer Daniel Erickson said that the time is ripe for the feature, as players are spread out in levels and are rolling plenty of alts. Saying that BioWare wants to "respect the communities" that have formed, Erickson reports that the group finder will not be cross-server.

He also revealed some of the other key features for patch 1.3. Additional perks to the Legacy system will allow players to customize their experience; we'll see new ports, earlier access to mounts, and bonus XP modifiers for PvP. The patch will also change social gear to fit the armor type of the class using it, server transfers, and the ability to add augments to any crafting items. Looking past 1.3, Erickson promises a "return to big content" with patch 1.4.

If you're a fan of the SWTOR novels, you'll also be delighted to hear that Drew Karpyshyn announced that his next novel, Annihilation, is scheduled for November 13th.

You can watch the patch 1.3 preview video after the jump!

Continue reading SWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks

MassivelySWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.31.3-patch1.3-updateadaptive-gearalliesannihilationaugmentsbiowarecharacter-transfercharacter-transferscraftingdaniel-ericksonDrew-Karpyshyndungeon-findereaelectronic-artsgroup-finderinterviewlegacylegacy-perkslegacy-systemlucasartspatchpatch-1.3people-finderpreviewsci-fiserver-transferserver-transfersstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorupdateupdate-1.3videoMon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse adding dungeon finder to TERA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/en-masse-adding-dungeon-finder-to-tera/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/en-masse-adding-dungeon-finder-to-tera/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/en-masse-adding-dungeon-finder-to-tera/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TERA - this is not the dungeon finder screen
Love it or hate it, the dungeon finder has become synonymous with the modern-day MMO. Further evidence in this regard comes via En Masse Entertainment's latest website update, which trumpets the addition of dungeon finder mechanics to TERA.

En Masse says that in addition to the standard group-making functionality, its version of the dungeon finder will give players "significant bonuses for grouping, and even send [them] extra rewards when the last boss falls."

TERA's dungeon loot drops have also been increased across the board, in some cases up to double and triple the rates from past beta weekends. Hit up the official site for more details, including a comprehensive list of the game's dungeons.

MassivelyEn Masse adding dungeon finder to TERA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosdungeondungeon-finderdungeonsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyteraTue, 10 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Will the instance finder take off?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-road-to-mordor-will-the-instance-finder-take-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-road-to-mordor-will-the-instance-finder-take-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-road-to-mordor-will-the-instance-finder-take-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LotRO
When World of Warcraft released its dungeon finder in late 2009, the online gaming community fractured into two distinct camps. There were those who loved and embraced the dungeon finder for its ease of grouping, its bonus rewards, and its accessibility. Then there was the other camp, whose members grew to loathe this system, claiming that it fractured the community (especially when it went cross-server) and trivialized the teamwork and bonding that dungeon groups cultivated in the past.

Love it or hate it, the dungeon finder was a massive hit and quickly became a staple in many other MMOs, such as RIFT and yes, Lord of the Rings Online. I've always been a huge proponent of the system because LFG tools and channels are typically insufficient and inefficient. Plus, dungeon finders cater to those of us who aren't as naturally outgoing and chatty when it comes to finding or starting groups, and I think this is why it became so embraced. Many of us felt denied this content simply because we weren't in a gung-ho guild or weren't proactive enough to build a group, but this became a game-changer.

Instead of releasing LotRO's instance finder in its full glory all at once, Turbine's rolled out the replacement to its lackluster LFF interface in stages. With Update 6, we now have an improved system to examine, although there's certainly work that needs to be done.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Will the instance finder take off?

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Will the instance finder take off? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-findereverquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinstance-finderlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionrewardsriftroad-to-mordorthe-road-to-mordorturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-6world-of-warcraftwowSat, 31 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
I'm a sucker for a good, clever idea. You know the type: the ideas that make you slap yourself on the forehead and shout, "Why didn't I think of that first?" Or for the less humble of us out there, "Why, I did think of that first! But I got lost on the way to the patent office and I'm pretty sure that someone stole my dream journal to pilfer my genius notions!"

While critics point their fingers at the MMO industry and proclaim it a barren wasteland of innovation, there are quite a few awesome -- if small -- ideas that bubble up in MMO and move the genre forward. Maybe they're teeny-tiny baby steps; maybe they're giant hopscotch leaps over the six-spot with the rock in the middle. But these ideas can and have had the power to change how these games are made and played.

So this week I'm saluting 10 clever ideas, both large and diminutive, as a reward for a job well done!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Clever ideas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aoe-lootaoe-lootingarea-of-effect-lootingcity-of-heroesclever-ideascohdiplomacydiplomacy-systemdoffdoodlingdungeon-finderduty-officer-systementertainereveeve-onlineexamplarexemplaringfeaturedglitchguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2listlistsminimapoverflow-serverperfect-10perfect-tenriftsidekicksidekick-systemsidekickingstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswgswtorterathe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentome-of-knowledgevanguardwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE tweaking EQII's dungeon finder mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/soe-tweaking-eqiis-dungeon-finder-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/soe-tweaking-eqiis-dungeon-finder-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/soe-tweaking-eqiis-dungeon-finder-mechanics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - Barren Sky dungeon
Once upon a time, EverQuest II's dungeon finder was a hot-button issue. Some players wanted it, others predicted the doom of grouping, the game, and life as we know it if the feature got implemented. Fast forward a few months and now the dungeon finder is hardly used aside from guildless mid-level players looking for a quick PUG crawl.

Sony Online Entertainment has announced a couple of tweaks designed to incentivize the mechanic, and EQ2Wire has the relevant developer quotes as well as a bit of commentary on the process. In a nutshell, SOE is adding contested dungeons and daily rewards into the mix. While this may result in a temporary upswing in dungeon finder interest, it doesn't address the primary reason veteran and high-level players shun the mechanic. The system still won't take player gear into account when forming parties, so it is therefore quite useless when gear-dependent content -- like any of the dungeons from the Destiny of Velious expansion -- is the goal.

MassivelySOE tweaking EQII's dungeon finder mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destiny-of-veliousdungeondungeon-finderdungeonseq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgated-contentgeargear-grindpuggingpugssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentMon, 02 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Does SWTOR need a better LFG tool?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-guild-counsel-does-swtor-need-a-better-lfg-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-guild-counsel-does-swtor-need-a-better-lfg-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-guild-counsel-does-swtor-need-a-better-lfg-tool/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

swtor
Often, this column has focused on guilds and communities in MMOs, both the good and the bad. With the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic, it's interesting to look at the ways in which a community is slowly gelling on each server. Already there are players I'm bumping into more and more often, and while I tend to huddle around guildies most of the time, I find that I enjoy things much more when I'm surrounded by a good community of players.

There's already been a lively discussion among SWTOR fans about whether the current LFG tool is good enough or something more is needed. Do we need something more "meaty" to help do the job of grouping for us or not? Read on for some pros and cons, and weigh in on whether more is needed to help bring the community closer.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Does SWTOR need a better LFG tool?

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Does SWTOR need a better LFG tool? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredungeon-findereaelectronic-artsfeaturedgroupinggroupsguild-counselguild-managementguildsinstance-finderkaren-bryanlfglfg-toollooking-for-grouplucasartsopinionsci-fistar+wars+the+old+republicstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarwarstheoldrepublicswtorswtor+lfgswtor+newsswtor-dungeon-finderswtor-lfg-toolswtorlfgswtornewsthe+old+republicthe-old-republictheoldrepublictorThu, 29 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II holiday producer's letter focuses on dungeon finding and making]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/everquest-ii-holiday-producers-letter-focuses-on-dungeon-findin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/everquest-ii-holiday-producers-letter-focuses-on-dungeon-findin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/everquest-ii-holiday-producers-letter-focuses-on-dungeon-findin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- EverQuest II
Before all of Sony Online Entertainment's developers fly out to see family and spend the holidays away from EverQuest II, the team decided to give players one last Frostfell present. Today's producer's letter takes a look at a number of new features coming to Norrath.

The dungeon finder will see a couple of updates, such as the addition of contested dungeons to the dungeon finder and increased rewards for using the dungeon finder system. Dungeon-makers, meanwhile, will be granted a number of new treats. New effect objects will be available in the marketplace, and many items such as spawners, decorations, and maps will be purchasable with Station Cash as well as in-game currency. A number of general improvements have been made as well, including a revamped rating system for houses and dungeons and a couple of smaller tweaks. For the full details, click on over to the full letter below.

MassivelyEverQuest II holiday producer's letter focuses on dungeon finding and making originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-finderdungeon-makereq-iieq2everquest-2everquest-iif2pfree-to-playproducers-lettersoesony-online-entertainmentupdateupdatesTue, 20 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Thoughts on Update 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-thoughts-on-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-thoughts-on-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-thoughts-on-update-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LotRO
Update 5: Saruman's Obviously Not Compensating for Anything With That Tower will undoubtedly be the last hurrah of Lord of the Rings Online -- this year, that is. It's an interesting update that looks to patch in the rest of Rise of Isengard's content (namely, the instance cluster) and provide a little something-something for players who have already reached the end of the epic storyline and are looking for more.

Earlier this week I took a dev tour through some of the main parts of the update, and while I wasn't able to see all of it (such as the non-raid instances), what I did preview certainly filled my head with opinions, analysis and further questions. Generally I came away pleased with what we're going to experience next month, although the comments section of the tour showed split feelings on what's in store for the patch.

Is this a case of too little, too late for those dissatisfied with Rise of Isengard's release? Will it breathe new life into dungeon-running, especially for the many soloers out there? Is it what this game needs right here and now? Hit the jump and I'll give you my honest thoughts on it all, both the good and the bad.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Thoughts on Update 5

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Thoughts on Update 5 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clustercoffeecurrencydungeon-finderf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhaunted-burrowhobbithobbitsinstanceinstance-clusterinstance-finderinstance-joininstancesisengardisengard-clusterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropreviewriftrise-of-isengardsarumanthe-prince-of-rohanturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5winter-homeworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 19 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

LOTRO
It's been a couple of days since the news broke that Lord of the Rings Online's Update 5 is going to be bigger than previously thought, with not only a new instance cluster but an additional book in the epic storyline and an Instance Finder system.

As Update 5 goes up on the test server for the remainder of the week, we got in touch with Turbine to talk about the details of this mountain of content heading our way, including an epic confrontation with Rise of Isengard's big baddie himself, Saruman. It wouldn't be a conference call without a few notable surprises as well, and Adam Merskey, Aaron Campbell, Jeff Libby, and Joe Barry were eager to share what the team has been working on for the first update after the expansion.

It's time to wave goodbye to the Rangers, stop putting off instance runs, and take the fight to the bearded dude himself. It's time for Update 5. Get all the skinny after the jump!

Continue reading Rings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5

MassivelyRings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-Campbelladam-merskydungeon-findereagleconentfeaturedgrey-companyinstanceinstance-clusterinstance-finderinstancesjeff-libbylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroorthancrangersrise-of-isengardsarumanthe-foundrythe-prince-of-rohantheodredtower-of-orthancupdate-5volume-3-book-5volume-iii-book-5Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Instance finder coming to LotRO in Update 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/instance-finder-coming-to-lotro-in-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/instance-finder-coming-to-lotro-in-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/instance-finder-coming-to-lotro-in-update-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LOTRO
When Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard launched, it did so with the understanding that it wasn't quite completed. The expansion had no new instanced content apart from a 24-person raid, and Turbine promised that this would be rectified by the end of the year. Enter the redemption of Update 5, where a new instance cluster will be introducing five additional dungeons into the game. These instances include a walk through Fangorn Forest and a personal encounter with Saruman.

Ten Ton Hammer got a chance to talk with the devs about Update 5 and discovered a few previously unreleased details. The biggest of these is word of an instance finder feature -- AKA a "dungeon finder" -- that is similar to those found in World of Warcraft and RIFT. Through the instance finder, players will be able to queue up for level-appropriate runs and be matched up with other eager adventurers.

Update 5 will also include the next book of the epic storyline titled The Prince of Rohan in which players will part with the Grey Company for new vistas.

Stay tuned to Massively as we'll have a hands-on look at Update 5 later this week!

MassivelyInstance finder coming to LotRO in Update 5 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-finderepic-storylinef2pfangorn-forestfree-to-playinstanceinstance-finderinstanceslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatchriftrise-of-isengardsarumanthe-prince-of-rohantthturbineTurbine-Entertainmentupdateupdate-5world-of-warcraftwowMon, 14 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II adds dungeon finder, double Station Cash weekend on tap for Europe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/everquest-ii-adds-dungeon-finder-double-station-cash-weekend-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/everquest-ii-adds-dungeon-finder-double-station-cash-weekend-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/everquest-ii-adds-dungeon-finder-double-station-cash-weekend-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - ratonga and tier'dal in Nektropos Castle
Love it or loathe it, the increasingly popular dungeon finder mechanic has finally made its way to Norrath. Today's EverQuest II patch features a variation on the random grouping tool initially made famous in World of Warcraft.

Adventurers can queue solo or as a group by clicking the dungeon finder icon on their EQII menus, and it's worth noting that signing up for a random dungeon will net you a 25% XP boost.

Other patch details worth mentioning include a, ahem, rebalance of the Dirge mythical effect as well as a Troubador revamp. Finally, European EQII fans should be pleased to know that this weekend features a double Station Cash promotion to celebrate the availability of pre-paid SOE game cards at retailers throughout the region.

MassivelyEverQuest II adds dungeon finder, double Station Cash weekend on tap for Europe originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-station-cashdouble-station-cashdungeon-finderdungeonseq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgroupingnorrathpatchpromotionsrandom-dungeonsrandom-groupingsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstation-cashxp-boostThu, 06 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Mercenary or player, which would you choose?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-tattered-notebook-mercenary-or-player-which-would-you-choo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-tattered-notebook-mercenary-or-player-which-would-you-choo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-tattered-notebook-mercenary-or-player-which-would-you-choo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're an EverQuest II fan, the one big takeaway out of SOE's Fan Faire is that the team is focused on addressing those long-time demands that players have been patiently hoping for. That's why we'll have Beastlords, a class that was so taboo you couldn't even post the name on the official forums. And it's why we're seeing an item revamp that now includes all items from levels 20-90. So you'd think that players would rejoice when they heard the news of mercenaries, an in-game feature designed to make it easier for players to make and fill a viable group, or get things done that they couldn't do alone. The response so far, though, has been the equivalent of a needle being dragged across an LP record at a dance party.

Why the tepid response? In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll look at why these swords for hire are causing so much trouble.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Mercenary or player, which would you choose?

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Mercenary or player, which would you choose? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-findereverquest-iifan-faire-2011freeport-revampmercenariesrebuild-the-dragon-spires-eventtattered-notebookSat, 23 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If there's one thing that came out of Fan Faire about EQ Next, it's that no one will talk about EQ Next. No matter who you talked to, any time the subject came up, the answer was always, "I can't talk about that." However, Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson sat down with Massively during Fan Faire to talk more about EverQuest II, and during that interview, he did give a tiny glimpse into what that game would be like.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, Massively gets the scoop on Beastlords, the dungeon builder, Freeport's revamp, and much more.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akil-hooperaltsbeastlordbeastlordscitadelcrushbonedave-georgesondesign-your-own-dungeondungeon-builderdungeon-finderemily-tayloreqeq-nexteq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2EverQuest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefan-faire-2011freeportgame-of-thronesitemizationnasa-moon-shotorcpetpet-classplanetside-2ps2revamprich-waterstattered-notebookveliouswarderwarlockMon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: EverQuest II's Dave Georgeson in 3-D]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-everquest-iis-dave-georgeson-in-3-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-everquest-iis-dave-georgeson-in-3-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-everquest-iis-dave-georgeson-in-3-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you're going to fly, why not fly with a little style -- and in 3-D? At E3, we were able to grab some facetime with Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson, EverQuest II's executive producer, as he showed us the next dimension of MMO gameplay while we checked out some of the new aerial races in the game.

"We wanted to do a little more with the flying creatures than to go from Point A to Point B," Georgeson said, referencing EQII's aerial races. "So we put in these flying race courses, which is a good test ground for showing off 3-D."

It's one of those things that has to be seen to be believed. The 3-D effect while flying is, in a word, awesome. The user interface is up close, your character is somewhere in the middle, and the environment is in the background. The effect is very noticeable when you turn, which happens a lot while flying.

Hit the jump to hear more of Georgeson's thoughts on 3-D in EverQuest II as well as a get tantalizing sneak peek at the game's future!

Continue reading E3 2011: EverQuest II's Dave Georgeson in 3-D

MassivelyE3 2011: EverQuest II's Dave Georgeson in 3-D originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-daerial-racechildren-of-warclasscontent-updatedave-georgesondavid-georgesondungeon-findere3e3-2011eq2eqiieverquest-iiexpansionf2pfan-fairefeaturedflightfree-to-playfreeportglidersgugu-61interviewleaperslfgnew-classpeople-finderqeynossmokejumperWed, 08 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: The poor, lonely looking-for-group tool]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/lost-pages-of-taborea-the-poor-lonely-looking-for-group-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/lost-pages-of-taborea-the-poor-lonely-looking-for-group-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/lost-pages-of-taborea-the-poor-lonely-looking-for-group-tool/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Karen's recent article about RIFT's new looking-for-group tool got me thinking about Runes of Magic's own LFG tool. It seems like such a nifty function, but it hardly ever gets used in RoM. It's such an interesting tool that I'm happy to see in the game, but it also seems to be better on paper than in practice. Part of the reason might be that it's slightly clumsy to use for the first time, which I'll get to a little later. LFG tools are one of those things that a lot of players ask for nowadays, but they only ever seem to be used minimally unless the devs attach incentives.

Let's turn caps-lock off, stop shouting in world chat, and take a closer look at RoM's LFG tool.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: The poor, lonely looking-for-group tool

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: The poor, lonely looking-for-group tool originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>application-boarddungeon-finderfeaturedfinding-groupsfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegroupinggrouping-mechanicsjeremy-strattonlfglfg-toollooking-for-grouplooking-for-group-toollost-pages-of-taboreapick-up-grouppick-up-groupspugpugsromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentMon, 23 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: A look at Update 1.2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-look-at-update-1-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-look-at-update-1-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-look-at-update-1-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With a rowdy Dwarven "ha ha, YES!" (does anyone else think that cheer was voiced over by Ed McMahon?) and a flash of coin pouches, Update 1.2 arrived in RIFT this past week. It was a rather meaty update, with new content, some well-deserved zone improvements, and the much-discussed looking for group tool.

In this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, we'll take a look at a few notable changes that came along with the update -- for better or worse.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: A look at Update 1.2

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: A look at Update 1.2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bikiniclothesclothiercosmeticscostumesdungeon-finderenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedleglfg-toolmapmapsriftrift-invasionrift-planes-of-telaratriontrion-worldsupdate-1.2wardrobewardstonesWed, 18 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Looking for groups]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/enter-at-your-own-rift-looking-for-groups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/enter-at-your-own-rift-looking-for-groups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/enter-at-your-own-rift-looking-for-groups/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Like some of you, I feel that RIFT's Update 1.2 can't get here soon enough. A good content update, in my opinion, has a little something for everyone, and in talking with Trion Worlds last week, I definitely got that feeling from this patch. The team is catering to endgame players with Slivers, build-enthusiasts with a fifth role, rift-runners with new types of dynamic events, and people who aren't content to merely spam my Twitter feed with accomplishments but must now do so from inside Facebook as well.

I'd be lying if I said I'm not planning on spending huge amounts of time assembling dashing and fashionable outfits for my characters once the wardrobe is in the game, too. I'm all about outfits in Lord of the Rings Online, so it's great to see RIFT bring this type of system into the game (unlike some other stubborn studios, which shall remain nameless). Players like to feel powerful while looking incredible, and this outfit system will hopefully allay some of the complaints of similar-looking toons.

Above all this in Update 1.2 towers one of the biggest changes to the game yet: the Looking for Group (LFG) tool. Designed to assemble teams of players to tackle dungeons and group quests, the LFG tool will certainly change how we play RIFT. Will it be a good change or bad? That's the $1,000,000 question, which I will tackle after these brief messages, by which I mean, "after the jump."

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Looking for groups

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Looking for groups originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archonbarddpsdungeon-finderdungeonsdynamic-contententer-at-your-own-riftfacebookfeaturedhealerinstanceslfdlfglooking-for-dungeonlooking-for-grouplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropros-and-conspvpriftrift-planes-of-telarariftssliverssupporttanktriontrion-worldstwitterwardrobewarfrontsworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 27 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2011: Massively interviews RIFT's Scott Hartsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/pax-east-2011-massively-interviews-rifts-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/pax-east-2011-massively-interviews-rifts-scott-hartsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/pax-east-2011-massively-interviews-rifts-scott-hartsman/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

With the launch of RIFT still fresh, members of the Trion team packed their bags and flew to Boston to attend PAX East. Even though they didn't have a booth, their "We're not in Azeroth anymore" banner made their presence known. In addition, Community Manager Cindy "Abigale" Bowens hosted a party in Boston to celebrate the launch with players and fans. Massively had a chance to sit down and talk with Trion CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman about launch day, security, plans for the future, and a whole lot more. Read on for the full interview!

Continue reading PAX East 2011: Massively interviews RIFT's Scott Hartsman

MassivelyPAX East 2011: Massively interviews RIFT's Scott Hartsman originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abigaleadd-onsaddonsappappscindy-bowensdungeon-finderfeaturedguild-warsinterviewinterviewslaunchlaunch-daypaxpax-2011pax-eastpax-east-2011riftrift-planes-of-telarascott-hartsmanserver-populationserver-populationsserver-queuesshardssocial-gaming-nightsuccesstriontrion-worldsTue, 15 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you like cross-server dungeon finders?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-cross-server-dungeon-finders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-cross-server-dungeon-finders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-cross-server-dungeon-finders/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's little doubt that World of Warcraft has brought a lot of change to the MMO space in a few short years. One of the more recent Blizzard innovations is the dungeon finder tool, a cross-server matchmaker that throws together ad-hoc groups for the game's 5-man instances. Released in early December of 2009, the mechanic has proven to be a boon for casual players who are pressed for time or are looking to power through content.

The dungeon finder doesn't earn universal high marks, however, and players who use PUGs to recruit for their guilds (or those who simply like to make new friends) are often put off by the disposable (and largely silent) nature of many dungeon finder groups.

For today's Daily Grind, we'd like to know how you feel about the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am-don't-talk-to-me-just-kill-the-boss mentality that's showing up with greater frequency in current-gen MMOs. Do you blame the dungeon finder? Do you care?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you like cross-server dungeon finders? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-socialblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcasualdungeon-finderfantasygame-discussiongamer-discussiongroupingmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionsocialsolotdgthe-daily-grindWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect World launches Legend of Martial Arts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/perfect-world-launches-legend-of-martial-arts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/perfect-world-launches-legend-of-martial-arts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/perfect-world-launches-legend-of-martial-arts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The MMO machine that is Perfect World Entertainment has churned another title off the publishing assembly line. The new game is called Legend of Martial Arts (formerly known as Kung Foo! during beta) and it's now live and available for direct download or via bit torrent. The game features various martial arts disciplines, a demonic race called Reavers that offer players a choice between Berserker and Oracle classes, and a unique transformation mechanic that ranges from the aesthetic to the practical (via character attribute buffs and skills).

Legend of Martial Arts also boasts a PvE dungeon matchmaking system, PvP-specific dungeons, and a legendary weapon system that features leader boards and the chance to earn unique items. Check out the official website for more details on the free-to-play title.

MassivelyPerfect World launches Legend of Martial Arts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ah, the Everquest II community. A fascinating melting pot of cynical veterans, middle-of-the-road types, and now (thanks to EQ2X), fresh-faced new bloods. While there is no shortage of informational destinations about the world of Norrath to be found around the web, the best is still the official boards when you're looking for up-to-the-minute anecdotes about the game (courtesy of its most passionate players).

In this week's Tattered Notebook, I break down a few of the more interesting discussions from the past couple of weeks, many of them dealing with the recently released GU57, EQ2X, and of course the future of Norrath in both Live and F2P flavors.

Turn the page for more.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Community rumblings

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Community rumblings originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacommunity-roundupdave-georgesondungeon-finderdungeon-queueEQ2eq2xEQIIeqnextEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumopinionsmokejumpersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-tattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebook-jef-reahardWorld-of-WarcraftMon, 20 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Enedwaith Exploration Expo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/the-road-to-mordor-enedwaith-exploration-expo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/the-road-to-mordor-enedwaith-exploration-expo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/the-road-to-mordor-enedwaith-exploration-expo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


E3 is always an exciting time full of announcements, reveals and hundreds of journalists attempting to leech every last drop of information from crafty studios. It's pretty much insane, and if your head isn't exploding from all of the news, trailers, screenshots and surprises, then I'm going to have to ask you to hand in your gamer card.

For Turbine, this year's E3 has been a crucial moment in the company's history. Not only are we seeing them under the Warner Bros. banner in public, but they had to step up and both defend and build off of the revelation of Lord of the Ring Online's new business model. They were smart not to save the announcement itself for E3, because the gaming public and the press needed a bit of time to both digest the news and get past the initial emotional reaction so they could bring the studio thoughtful questions. Turbine's undoubtedly enjoying its fair share of press coverage at E3 because of this, and that's saying something considering all of the other heavy-hitters like Star Wars: The Old Republic, Final Fantasy XIV and Warhammer 40K that are making appearances.

No matter what your feelings are on the F2P model, Turbine's got a lot more for LotRO gamers than just that -- in fact, they've been bombarding us with so much good new stuff that it's hard to know where to start. So let's take a quick tour through 10 exciting additions and updates to the game that they've revealed.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Enedwaith Exploration Expo

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Enedwaith Exploration Expo originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-finderdx11e3e3-2010enedwaithf2pfeaturedfinal-fantasy-xivforochelfree-to-playhobbyhousingisengardlegendary-itemslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthmirkwoodmoriaranger-session-playsarumonskirmishstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-eye-of-sauron-is-nearsightedturbinevolume-3-book-2volume-iii-book-iiwardrobewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-onlineWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactiveweatherstockworld-of-warcraftFri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: How skirmishes have changed LotRO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/the-road-to-mordor-how-skirmishes-have-changed-lotro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/the-road-to-mordor-how-skirmishes-have-changed-lotro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/the-road-to-mordor-how-skirmishes-have-changed-lotro/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Every Friday, The Road to Mordor brings you the latest in Lord of the Rings Online news, guides and analysis.

In the last couple years, MMO developers have been addressing the problem of stagnant mid- and end-game play by giving gamers various forms of repeatable content. Warhammer Online proposed PvP scenarios, World of Warcraft launched their Dungeon Finder, City of Heroes added in Mission Architect, and with the advent of the Siege of Mirkwood expansion, LotRO invented skirmishes.

While not identical in form or function, each of these systems is similar in a few ways: they are instantly accessible, they promote easy grouping, they encourage ad nauseum replay, and they offer an alternative way to gain XP and levels. Not to mention that while each of these features has seen criticism, they are greatly embraced by the playerbase and enjoyed by millions daily.

One could argue -- and I guess I am that one -- that skirmishes were LotRO's hole card for Mirkwood, the big "hook" that grabbed players' attention and imaginations. While not a complete game-changer, skirmishes have undeniably altered the face of the game and impacted many players' experiences, for better or worse. So let's face this change head-on and see how skirmishes have fared since last December's debut.

Pick up a lute and play me a merry song, for we'll need all the courage to hit the jump and come out on top!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: How skirmishes have changed LotRO

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: How skirmishes have changed LotRO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesdungeon-finderfeaturedlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-skirmishlotro-skirmishesmirkwoodmission-architectpvp-scenariossiege-of-mirkwoodskirmishestolkienWarhammer-Onlineworld-of-warcraftFri, 12 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How consistency softens the grind]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/how-consistency-softens-the-grind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/how-consistency-softens-the-grind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/how-consistency-softens-the-grind/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Grind" is on the verge of becoming what "nerf" already is -- a word thrown around so frequently and with such broad possible meaning that it's essentially meaningless. After all, the word now gets used for any part of a game the player finds boring and repetitive, rather than the process of repeating something over and over. It's the latter meaning that Kill Ten Rats discusses with an intersting thesis -- we don't mind a grind so much as we mind one we can't advance without breaks.

Using the Guild Wars Wintersday redux as an example, the point is made that the holiday events are a straight-up grind -- but they're a constant one that you can pick up and start with no downtime, then stop whenever you want. Lord of the Rings Online and World of Warcraft have both taken the same approach with Skirmishes and the Dungeon Finder, taking the slow march to being ready for an instance out of the equation.

It's an interesting idea, that what we really dislike aren't the grinds but being stuck unable to make much progress in them. If you tend to think that grinds are the worst thing in MMOs today, it might be an opportunity to re-examine that stance.

MassivelyHow consistency softens the grind originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimedungeon-findergrindguild-warsgwkill-ten-ratslord-of-the-rings-onlnelotronerfprogressskirmishwintersdaywintersday-reduxworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 03 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why You Should Be Playing City of Heroes: Content on demand]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/why-you-should-be-playing-city-of-heroes-content-on-demand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/why-you-should-be-playing-city-of-heroes-content-on-demand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/why-you-should-be-playing-city-of-heroes-content-on-demand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


With all the talk about the Skirmish system in Lord of the Rings Online and the World of Warcraft dungeon finder, it's hard to argue that people don't really like having the option to simply pick up and start playing something. Both of these systems thrive on the strength of their pick-up-and-play nature -- you don't have to wait to find a group, you just jump right into content without any slowdown. The obvious question, then, becomes "why didn't someone notice that people like to just jumping in and playing the darn game?"

Of course,the full answer is a bit less obvious but no less true: someone did. Several someones, in fact. Paragon Studios and Cryptic before them both realized how much people like to just pick up and go. That's why City of Heroes currently sports three different systems to allow you or a full team access to content quickly, ranging from reliving your character's greatest triumphs to fighting Nazi vampires on the moon.

Continue reading Why You Should Be Playing City of Heroes: Content on demand

MassivelyWhy You Should Be Playing City of Heroes: Content on demand originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdungeon-finderfeaturedflashbackinstant-contentlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromission-architectncsoftnewspaper-missionopinionparagonparagon-studiosplayer-made-contentpolice-scannerskirmishwowMon, 28 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST