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[Arcane Legends officially announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/arcane-legends-officially-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/arcane-legends-officially-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/arcane-legends-officially-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Arcane Legends
While we knew it was coming, it is still nice to get official confirmation: Spacetime Studios has announced Arcane Legends, its latest MMO for iOS, Android, and Chrome.

With Arcane Legends, Spacetime Studios is going back to its fantasy roots. Instead of Pocket Legends' more traditional MMO combat, however, Arcane Legends will feature action combat full of combos and button-mashing. During the combat, a rage meter will allow players to activate powerful abilities when it's completely full.

The three classes announced for the game are the Warrior, Rogue, and Sorcerer. Arcane Legends will support both co-op and PvP gameplay.

CEO Gary Gattis thinks that Arcane Legends is different enough from previous Spacetime endeavors to justify its development: "With every Legends title we are focused on bringing something distinct to cross-platform gaming. With Arcane Legends we set out to create an action RPG with a clever and funny story, meaningful multiplayer gameplay and above all furious fast-paced tactical combat."

Massively will be getting its first look at Arcane Legends at E3 next month.

MassivelyArcane Legends officially announced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combataction-rpgAndroidarcane-legendsChromecoope3e3-2012fantasyGary-GattisiOSpocket-legendspvpRogueSorcererspacetimespacetime-studiosWarriorTue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: A talk with PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-a-talk-with-planetside-2s-matt-higby/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-a-talk-with-planetside-2s-matt-higby/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-a-talk-with-planetside-2s-matt-higby/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2
"For me, it's such a compelling genre for anybody who's played it," SOE Creative Director Matt Higby said about PlanetSide 2's niche. "But that's the thing. There's not a lot of people who have played a MMOFPS, but the people who have are addicted."

Hibgy sat down with us at PAX East to promote SOE's upcoming sci-fi shooter, saying that it scratches two itches with one bird (or some other mixed metaphor). "I'm a competitive player; I love shooters," he said, "but I'm also a very social player and love the progression aspect of MMOs."

It's not as if the MMOFPS field is going to remain wide-open for very long. Competitors are rushing to mine this largely untouched market. Still, SOE has an advantage above the rest: It launched one of the first of its kind and has years of experience managing such a game. While we anxiously wait for word on PlanetSide 2's beta, we listened to Higby tell us why this title will continue the company's reign over the genre.

Continue reading PAX East 2012: A talk with PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby

MassivelyPAX East 2012: A talk with PlanetSide 2's Matt Higby originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabiowareclassic-mmoconconventione3eaelectronic-artsexpofpsgdclucasartsmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpspaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoplanetsideplanetside-2psps1ps2sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorteam-fortress-2the-old-republictorFri, 06 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist uncovers Shadowbane: Talking with Josef Hall and Todd Coleman, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-talking-with-josef-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-talking-with-josef-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-talking-with-josef-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Shadowbane creators
Don't miss the first part of this interview with the makers of Shadowbane, which we posted last week! And now for the thrilling conclusion...

The Game Archaeologist: What was the reason behind the free-to-play switch in 2006? Did this help the game's population any?

Josef Hall: Todd and I left Wolfpack shortly after it was acquired by Ubisoft, so we don't really have insight into the decision-making process behind the switch.

Todd Coleman: From what I have heard, it had a very positive impact on the size of the player population -- but yeah, I have no idea what it meant to the game monetarily.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist uncovers Shadowbane: Talking with Josef Hall and Todd Coleman, part 2

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist uncovers Shadowbane: Talking with Josef Hall and Todd Coleman, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanccgchinacrunchdarkfalldynamic-worlde3featuredfinal-fantasygame-designinterviewj-todd-colemanjosef-hallkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentscopeshadowbanesiegesiege-systemt-shirt-trebuchetthe-game-archaeologisttodd-colemantrebuchetubisoftwizard-101wolfpackwolfpack-studiosTue, 30 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek - Infinite Space launches website with stellar promotion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/star-trek-infinite-space-launches-website-with-stellar-promotio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/star-trek-infinite-space-launches-website-with-stellar-promotio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/star-trek-infinite-space-launches-website-with-stellar-promotio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Trek Infinite Space
We've been watching Star Trek - Infinite Space ever since eyeballing it at E3 earlier this year, and we're happy to say that Gameforge's upcoming title has taken the next step toward the final frontier by launching the official website for the game.

The site is somewhat bare-Bones right now, with a sign-up to receive more information, screenshots, the trailer, and a news blog. What's interesting is that Gameforge is offering players an incentive to enlist in Starfleet by offering the chance to reserve your name, get beta key priority, and receive an exclusive item once you enter your retinal scan (or, y'know, fill out the form).

Star Trek - Infinite Space is on display at this week's Gamescom, and we look forward to hearing more about this action-based free-to-play MMO.

MassivelyStar Trek - Infinite Space launches website with stellar promotion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bare-bonesbetabeta-accessclosed-betae3gameforgegamescomgamescom-2011hes-dead-jimofficial-siteoh-the-punsstar-trekstar-trek-infinite-spacestarfleetwebsiteTue, 16 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diabetic champions edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/not-so-massively-diabetic-champions-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/not-so-massively-diabetic-champions-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/not-so-massively-diabetic-champions-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Last week we brought you the exciting news that Valve's eagerly awaited MOBA Dota 2 would be demonstrated at August's Gamescom convention. League of Legends finally released its first female tank champion, Leona the Radiant Dawn, last week, leaving only Skarner to be released from the trio of champions revealed at E3. Aida Arenas had its closed beta unexpectedly postponed indefinitely, with no reason given or timeline for when the beta schedule might resume. Finally, we got some hands-on time in the Rise of Immortals open beta and delivered our first impressions of this promising new MOBA.

In this week's Not So Massively, we get a first look at League of Legends' mysterious upcoming champion Wukong the Monkey King and check out two more awesome LoL parody songs. S2 Games dropped the price of Heroes of Newerth to $10 this week, but inexplicably failed to state when the deal will end or if the price drop is permanent. We take a look at HoN's latest hero Revenant, revisit Realm of the Titans' unique Titan's Eye map, and check out some new Bloodline Champions tournament changes coming in the game's next competitive season. This week we also briefly introduce World of Battles: Morningstar, an innovative new take on MOBA gameplay using traditional RTS style unit control and huge armies.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diabetic champions edition

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diabetic champions edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesbcbloodline-championsdefense-of-the-ancients-2dota-2dota2dreamhacke3e3-2011Ember-Isoltefar-east-movementfeaturedgamescomglugluggragasheroes-of-newerthhonkeep-feedingleague-of-legendsleonaLeona-Lewislike-a-gragaslolmobamorningstarnewsrealm-of-the-titansrevenantriot-gamesrise-of-the-immortalsroirtss2s2-gamesSkarnerstunlock-studiostitans-eyevalvevideoworld-of-battlesWorld-of-Battles:-Morningstarworld-of-warcraftwowwukongWukong-the-Monkey-KingMon, 18 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Climax's Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-climaxs-warhammer-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-climaxs-warhammer-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-climaxs-warhammer-onli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Let's begin with a little personal history. Back in 2008, I decided to get into the blogging scene by jumping on board the latest MMO hotness -- in this case, Warhammer Online. As I was growing increasingly tired of World of Warcraft, WAR seemed to offer a refreshing alternative: a darker world full of brutal PvP and awesome new ideas. So I joined the elite ranks of bloggers (hey, stop laughing so hard) and spent the better part of two years jawing about Mythic's latest fantasy project.

And while Warhammer Online was, in my opinion, a solid product, it certainly failed to live up to the extremely high expectations held by both the development team and the players. No matter how it turned out, I really enjoyed talking about WAR, especially in the days leading up to its launch.

One of the first articles I ever wrote for my blog WAAAGH! dealt with the first attempt to bring Warhammer Online into the MMO genre (as a fun aside, it was one of the first times I got my name on Massively!). It's a "what if?" tale that's tantalizing to consider -- an entirely different studio, Climax Online, creating a much darker version of Warhammer than we've ever seen online. The tale of the game's rise and fall (and subsequent rise and fall again) captivated me, and I wanted to expand my old article as part of our recent series into exploring MMOs canceled before their launch.

So what if Climax had brought Warhammer Online to bear? Would it have eclipsed Mythic's vision or been its own animal? Hit the jump and let's dive into the pages of ancient history!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Climax's Warhammer Online

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Climax's Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicadventureraltdorfcharacter-designclassclassesclimaxclimax-groupclimax-onlineDavid-Nicholsondwarvese3e3-2003e3-2004ea-mythicelvesfeaturedgames-workshopgamezonehalflingsKarl-Jefferylive-eventsmagicmaster-assassinmicrosoftmythicmythic-entertainmentogresoverlordpaul-barnettplaystationpvpreiklandrobin-dewsrogueseasonssegasilent-hillskill-basedsunglassessypwaaghwarwar-is-everywherewarhammerwarhammer-fantasywarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-age-of-reckoningwarriorweatherweather-eventsTue, 12 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 may go true F2P in the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/dust-514-may-go-true-f2p-in-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/dust-514-may-go-true-f2p-in-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/dust-514-may-go-true-f2p-in-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While we've known that DUST 514 won't be as free as originally thought, there's still hope for a true free-to-play version to come. CCP's Hilmar Veigar Pétursson told GamesIndustry.biz that while PlayStation 3 owners will have to contend with a "cover charge" -- estimated to be between $10 and $20 -- before accessing the game for the first time, the company may drop it entirely in time.

This fee is meant to help with the initial start-up costs for DUST 514, and will be refunded to players in the form of in-game currency that can be spent on unspecified in-game microtransactions. Pétursson isn't ruling out the possibility that the game might go completely free-to-play in the future, however:
"You're really getting the game for free but you have to pre-buy credits in the beginning. We might go fully free-to-play down the line, but in the beginning we have a cover charge just to manage the initial launch of it. We have always been a big believer in growing up a social network behind the game in a slow and predictable way. Because we have seen that if you don't do that you can end up with a very unstructured experience, where there's no cohesion to the community. By growing it at the beginning we help to make a healthy environment initially."
We first reported on this cover charge during last month's E3. Pétursson says that CCP will see how the cover charge plays out during the game's testing period. The company is just now recovering from a hotbed of controversy involving EVE Online's approach to in-game item sales.

MassivelyDUST 514 may go true F2P in the future originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescover-chargecurrencydust-514e3e3-2011eveeve-onlinef2pfreefree-to-playgamesindustry.bizHilmar-Veigar-Péturssonin-game-currencyin-game-storeinterviewitem-storemicrotransactionsmonoclegateplaystation-3ps3social-networkMon, 11 Jul 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima X: Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-x-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-x-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-x-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week on The Game Archaeologist: Murder most foul! A promising sequel to a hit MMO cut down in its prime, left to die on the front steps of EA's headquarters while its team was banished into exile! With special guest star, Richard Garriott's hair braid.

And now, for the exciting conclusion!

As disappointed that some MMO fans were over Ultima Worlds Online: Origin's cancellation, the truth is that the industry still was young, these MMOs still had their "new car smell," and hey, there was always Ultima Online to play. It was probably the right call at the time to not create your own competition, but if that was the case, EA should've never begun it to begin with.

So did the company have a major case of cancellation remorse? Or did it look at other industry sequels like Asheron's Call 2 and EverQuest II and feel as though it was being upstaged?

Whatever the reason, EA decided that it had been too hasty, and it greenlit development on yet another Ultima Online sequel, this one titled Ultima X: Odyssey. It would go deeper and further into development, gather more acclaim, and generate more hype than UWO:O, and in fact would get within spitting distance of launching.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima X: Odyssey

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima X: Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac2Alucinorasherons-call-2avatarbiowaree3e3-2003eaelectronic-artselveseqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedgargoylesguardianintelligent-itemsJonathan-Hannalegendary-itemslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroodysseyorcsphodaspixiespvprichard-garriottstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortgathe-game-archaeologistthe-old-republicultimaultima-2ultima-ixultima-onlineultima-online-2ultima-worlds-online-originultima-xultima-x-odysseyunreal-engineuouxovirtue-itemsvirtuesworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 05 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leapers and gliders swoop into EverQuest II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/leapers-and-gliders-swoop-into-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/leapers-and-gliders-swoop-into-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/leapers-and-gliders-swoop-into-everquest-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Slipping in under the cloud cover -- or soaring above it -- of a busy day for SOE is the news that leapers and gliders have landed in EverQuest II. These are special mounts for lower-level characters that allow them to get a taste of flight without the full thing, by giving them either the ability to "super-jump" or glide for a good distance.

We first heard about these mounts at E3, where David Georgeson revealed how players as young as level 30 could start earning their wings (so to speak). As part of this update, ground mounts have had their speeds significantly increased, going from 65% to as high as 130%. Ground mounts are still faster than leapers and gliders on land, and players will have to stick to the same category of mount for alternate appearances (no flying rhinos, alas).

EverQuest II has the details about where to get your spiffy new mounts, and don't miss our own thoughts about how these jumpers and soarers will change the landscape of the game!

MassivelyLeapers and gliders swoop into EverQuest II originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-appearancesdave-georgesondavid-georgesone3e3-2011eq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiflyersflying-rhinoleapersmountmountssoesony-online-entertainmentFri, 24 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Class graduation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/the-road-to-mordor-class-graduation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/the-road-to-mordor-class-graduation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/the-road-to-mordor-class-graduation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Amid all of the hubbabaloo of E3, Rise of Isengard reveals, and pre-order madness, something equally as significant has been taking place on the Lord of the Rings Online scene: proposed class changes.

Turbine's been fairly good giving each of the classes a pass over this last year, but it looks as though something even more significant is in the offering when the expansion hits this fall. As we all know, the level cap is going up to 75, virtues will increase to a new cap of 12, and stats will be expanded in several ways. But there's even more on top of that: Orion and Zombie Columbus have been posting a steady stream of proposed class changes on the forums.

These aren't all tiny tuning measures, either. In many cases, weak elements of classes and class builds will be radically revamped, and how you play these classes will change forever. As with any prospect of change, these proposed notes are both exciting and scary to behold. I felt it was high past time we at least chew on the reveals thus far and see how our classes will be graduating to the next level when Isengard arrives.

Of course, these are all proposed and highly subject to change between now and whenever they're implemented. As Orion said, "Blogs are coming out before the major changes so that we can get your feedback early, often and when we are still agile enough to respond to the valid reasoning behind concerns or true issues that are found." Read with a grain of salt (if you like, perch the salt on your shoulder so it can view the screen better).

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Class graduation

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Class graduation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burglarcaptainchampionclassclassese3e3-2011f2pfeaturedfree-to-playguardianhunterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotrominstrelorionrise-of-isengardroad-to-mordorrunekeeperthe-road-to-mordorturbinewardenzombie-columbusFri, 24 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: What's with the creepy guy edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-mmo-report-whats-with-the-creepy-guy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-mmo-report-whats-with-the-creepy-guy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-mmo-report-whats-with-the-creepy-guy-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In this edition of the MMO Report, Casey Schreiner's epic beard is upstaged by the creepy guy kissing his desk. The desk is gorgeous, but I don't think the make-out session was consensual. No means no, creepy guy.

As for MMO news, Casey is back from E3, and a bunch of games go free-to-play. There has to be a connection between those two events. Also, Casey cannot help but correlate the patch in his favorite bum-hugging jeans with the patches in RIFT and World of Warcraft. Understandably so, they both keep water rifts at bay, and at the same time, quench fiery lands. Lastly, the MMO Report shows us that the pen is mightier than even the laser sword, as Casey introduces us to last Friday's Star Wars: The Old Republic dev blog and displays the latest fan-created memes.

Catch the full MMO Report after the break, and maybe you can tell us why that guy felt the need to profess his love for furniture at that moment.

Continue reading The MMO Report: What's with the creepy guy edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: What's with the creepy guy edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentcasey-schreinere3e3-2011EAElectronic-ArtsLucasArtsmmo-reportRIFTrift-planes-of-telaraStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-mmo-reportthe-old-republictorTriontrion-worldsWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 23 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA E3 recap video explains political system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/tera-e3-recap-video-explains-political-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/tera-e3-recap-video-explains-political-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/tera-e3-recap-video-explains-political-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

E3 2011 is a distant memory, but En Masse is still getting a bit of mileage out of the event thanks to a newly released TERA video compilation. The trailer shows off portions of the closed-doors media presentation from this month's trade show, and the footage is heavy on action combat and lush sequences featuring the game's gorgeous visuals.

The clip also devotes a good portion of its running time to the recently announced political system, and producers Chris Hager and Stefan Ramirez fire off some pretty tantalizing soundbytes relating to player interaction and the possibility of affecting the game world. "That means getting votes, buying votes, smearing your opponent, taking out your competition, raising taxes, making tons of cash money, controlling your province, putting players in prison, running your own events, managing your own towns, and just doing whatever you want," Ramirez says.

Staying in power to continue doing whatever you want is the trick, of course, and the video spends a good amount of time detailing ways to maintain control over your province. While it all sounds pretty spectacular, it also raises plenty of questions (like, how is all of that going to matter in an MMO that lacks serious consequences in terms of a death penalty or gear/stat loss?). Whatever the answers, we can't wait to learn more. Check out the full video after the cut.

Continue reading TERA E3 recap video explains political system

MassivelyTERA E3 recap video explains political system originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiochris-hagerconsequencese3e3-2011e3-2011-recape3-recapen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyplayer-jailpolicy-pointspolitical-systempoliticsstefan-ramirezteratera-onlinetrailervanarchvanarch-missionsvideoThu, 23 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/enter-at-your-own-rift-talking-1-3-with-hal-hanlin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Today we're on the verge of RIFT's third major update's going live. It's a doozy of a patch, too, with a little something for everyone: a raid for endgame players, guild banks for... well, guilds, character transfers for the antsy, and RIFT's second world event for one and all.

With Patch 1.3, Trion Worlds puts its money where its mouth is by continuing with its streak of sizable, regular updates. It's a critical patch for some, as it seeks to answer the growing call for more endgame content while an increasing number of players hit 50. Fans of RIFT will most likely welcome the spread of the patch, but detractors will undoubtedly criticize why X was done instead of Y (and don't even get into Z; that letter is nothing but trouble). And above the noise, Trion sails on with apparent confidence and dedication.

Even though we got to speak with Trion at E3, I got the opportunity for another pre-1.3 interview with Design Producer Hal Hanlin (which, by the way, is a superhero fake identity if I ever heard one). In this no-holds-barred discussion, we covered the selling points of 1.3, the accusation that RIFT is "dying," and the philosophy behind Trion's rapid stream of content.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Talking 1.3 with Hal Hanlin originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-man-raid20-person-raidbalancebind-to-accountcharacter-transferscollectionscontentdesign-teamdesignerse3e3-2011enter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedguild-bankhal-hanlinhammerknelllfg-systemMurdantixMurdantix-mountpatch-1.3patch-1.4pvppvp-daily-questsraidred-sliversriftrift-planes-of-telarariver-of-soulsscott-hartsmantriontrion-worldswaves-of-madnessworld-eventWed, 22 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/the-road-to-mordor-packing-for-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/the-road-to-mordor-packing-for-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/the-road-to-mordor-packing-for-isengard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Isengard. Isengard. ISENGARD. It's all I can think about since last week's E3 reveal, and I know I'm not the only one. For some reason, having a firm launch date for Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion feels like a starting pistol's gone off, and we're beginning the race to the expansion in earnest.

Of course, we're not in that much of a hurry at this point. We still have well over three months to go, the beta has yet to begin, and something tells me that Turbine's got a few more tricks to pull out of its top hat before all is said and done. Still, I'm officially in "Go!" mode, and I bet I'm not the only one.

While I can't make September 27th come any sooner, I can think of six ways that we can prepare for our upcoming journey into Dunland and beyond. Seven, if you include putting together the absolute perfect outfit to slay Saruman in, but that's a given.

Hit the jump and I'll walk you through everything you should be doing this summer to get ready for Rise of Isengard!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altsdunlande3e3-2011enedwaithexpansionfeaturedisengardlegendary-itemslotropackingpeter-jacksonpreorderpreppreparationprepurchaserise-of-isengardsarumanskirmishesthe-road-to-mordorthe-two-towerstoothpicktpturbineturbine-entertainmentturbine-pointsvirtuesvolume-iii-book-3Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Millennium Online to be playable at E3 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/dark-millennium-online-to-be-playable-at-e3-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/dark-millennium-online-to-be-playable-at-e3-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/dark-millennium-online-to-be-playable-at-e3-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While last week's E3 is still fresh in our minds and hearts, THQ is giving us a great reason to look forward to next year's expo: the chance to get our hands on Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online.

Eurogamer reports that THQ is committing to this time frame. Danny Bilson says that WAR40K will be the highlight of the company's display: "Next year, I promise you, next E3. I've already got plans for what the booth is like. The centrepiece of the booth will be that MMO."

We caught only a glimpse of a teaser trailer for the game at this year's E3. Vigil Games is hard at work on the $50+ million project, and Bilson says that it's looking good and on track for a launch between April 2012 and March 2013.

"It looks fabulous. I like it. I can't speak to it now, or people will kill me. But, I'll tell you what, it plays differently. A little bit... This thing is gonna be special," he said. "We're going to come out when we come out in a big way. I feel like we're fully competitive with the other guys. It'll be seven years in the making when it comes out. We're competing with the best games in the world. You can't mess around with this thing."

MassivelyDark Millennium Online to be playable at E3 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danny-Bilsondark-millennium-onlinedmoe3e3-2011e3-2012eurogamerteaserthqtrailervigil-gameswar40kwarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineWarhammer-40Kwarhammer-40k-dark-millennium-onlineThu, 16 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's E3 2011 awards and impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/massivelys-e3-2011-awards-and-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/massivelys-e3-2011-awards-and-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/massivelys-e3-2011-awards-and-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Every June, the Electronic Entertainment Expo rolls into the Los Angeles Convention Center to showcase the best of the best in video games and accessories.

This year, we had more staff members on hand than ever, which allowed us more coverage from the floor and more hands-on time with the demos. As with last year's awards, we're happy to present the best of the best, straight from those of us who were there. Award categories include Best Booth, Best Trailer, Best Newcomer, MMO of the Show, and Most Anticipated Project. Plus, we decided to say a few additional words about some categories that weren't awarded, like Best Presentation, Biggest Surprise, and Best of the Rest.

So follow along after the gallery for more on what we thought of E3 2011.

Gallery: E3 2011: MMO Booths

EA's SWTOR signageNexon boothNexon booth showing Dragon's NestNexon booth showing VindictusNexon booth

Continue reading Massively's E3 2011 awards and impressions

MassivelyMassively's E3 2011 awards and impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011e3-awardshands-onimpressionsopinionWed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Hands-on impressions of Star Wars: The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/e3-2011-hands-on-impressions-of-star-wars-the-old-republic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/e3-2011-hands-on-impressions-of-star-wars-the-old-republic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/e3-2011-hands-on-impressions-of-star-wars-the-old-republic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

At this year's E3, four Massively staffers were on site for interviews, demos, and hands-on time with the latest MMOs. You've read about most of what we've seen so far, but now we're ready to tell you about our experiences with what may be the most highly anticipated MMO of the show: Star Wars: The Old Republic.

A few of us have played the game before, or multiple times, while this was the first time for others. Our opinions are varied, but you'll notice a fairly obvious theme. Follow along after the jump for more on what we thought of our time with SWTOR at E3 2011.

Continue reading E3 2011: Hands-on impressions of Star Wars: The Old Republic

MassivelyE3 2011: Hands-on impressions of Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaree3e3-2011eaElectronic-Artshands-onimpressionslucasartsopinionpreviewpreviewsstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-hands-onthe-old-republictorMon, 13 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Week in Review: No release date for you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/week-in-review-no-release-date-for-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/week-in-review-no-release-date-for-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/week-in-review-no-release-date-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. Miss a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week? You've come to the right post.

Release date please. Release date please. Release date please. You can keep asking for Star Wars: The Old Republic's release date, but it won't make a difference. You won't get it until Electronic Arts is ready. And even when you get it, what will you do with it? Complain that it's too soon? Too far away? Your wait's going to be the same regardless. So during that wait, you're just going to have to be content with walkthroughs of iconic planets like Tatooine and Alderaan, previews of raids, teaser trailers of Smugglers in very fine hats, and hands-on impressions of new class specs. I know. Life's rough.

Join me past the break for a look at this week's other top MMO stories, unsurprisingly dominated by E3 goodness!

Continue reading Week in Review: No release date for you

MassivelyWeek in Review: No release date for you originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011joystiqmassively-metametarounduptop-storiesweek-in-reviewweekly-recapweekly-roundupwow-insiderSun, 12 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Predictions for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/eve-evolved-predictions-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/eve-evolved-predictions-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/eve-evolved-predictions-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

When CCP first announced development on its upcoming free-to-play PlayStation 3 MMOFPS DUST 514, speculation ran wild as we thought of exactly how the game could be integrated with EVE Online. The plan to link the two games through EVE's sovereignty system seemed almost too ambitious, but the gaming world waited for more information with a quiet optimism. Most of us cautiously imagined the most basic of interactions between the two games, almost afraid to get our hopes up or express optimism for the project; after all, this is something that has never been done before.

I think most EVE players imagined a vague web-based communication between EVE pilots and DUST mercenaries and little or no control over the outcome of a fight. We justly worried that our system sovereignty would be decided by the outcome of random matchmaking-style FPS battles or that DUST would only affect worthless planet-based industrial networks. At this year's E3, even our most optimistic expectations were completely blown away. DUST will be fully integrated into the EVE servers, with DUST players able to join EVE corporations and EVE players able to supply ground troops with equipment. We'll deliver decisive air strikes in realtime from ships in orbit, and DUST players will even be able to fire back.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I re-examine the link between EVE Online and DUST 514 in light of the new information from E3 to make some predictions about what the battle for a planet might be like.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Predictions for DUST 514

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Predictions for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514e3e3-2011eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfpsground-combatholy-crap-they-can-fire-backmercenariesmercenarymmo-industrymmofpsnuke-them-from-orbitone-universe-one-warplaystationplaystation-3Playstation3predictionspreviewpreviewsps3pvpSonySun, 12 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Perfect World shows off three killer new titles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/e3-2011-perfect-world-shows-off-three-killer-new-titles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/e3-2011-perfect-world-shows-off-three-killer-new-titles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/e3-2011-perfect-world-shows-off-three-killer-new-titles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We recently learned that Perfect World Entertainment bought Cryptic Studios, the maker of Champions Online and Star Trek Online. While it was a surprise, it shouldn't have been. PWE has been successfully growing and publishing games for a long time. I caught up with PWE at E3 to take a look at three brand-new titles that will be coming out later this year. I approached the decked-out booth cautiously just in case the company had plans to buy me as well!

I was ushered into a dark cave-like structure built just for showing off three new titles. I shook hands, made introductions, placed faces with names that I normally knew only through email or social media, and sat down in front of a screen with a glowing image of a man in a bear suit -- a bear suit with giant claws. It reminded me of Frank from Donnie Darko.

The PR team started to give me the details of the new titles I was about to play, and then I turned around and logged in. Join me past the cut to hear what I thought!

Continue reading E3 2011: Perfect World shows off three killer new titles

MassivelyE3 2011: Perfect World shows off three killer new titles originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanblacklight-retributioncrypticcryptic-studiose3e3-2011f2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgalleriesgalleryhands-onjonathan-bellissperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspweraiderzrusty-heartstrailervideoSun, 12 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: Surprisingly not all about E3 edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/global-chat-surprisingly-not-all-about-e3-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/global-chat-surprisingly-not-all-about-e3-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/global-chat-surprisingly-not-all-about-e3-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

Sure, we spent a lot of time on E3 last week, and it certainly dominated the news scene. Our readers found time to ponder non-E3 general gaming talk in addition to E3 talk, so follow along after the jump to see some of what they had to say this week.

Continue reading Global Chat: Surprisingly not all about E3 edition

MassivelyGlobal Chat: Surprisingly not all about E3 edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commenterscommentsdungeone3e3-2011global-chatgrindlootopinionrewardswizardry-onlineSun, 12 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively Extra: League of Legends reveals three new champions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/not-so-massively-extra-league-of-legends-reveals-three-new-cham/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/not-so-massively-extra-league-of-legends-reveals-three-new-cham/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/not-so-massively-extra-league-of-legends-reveals-three-new-cham/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively was on the floor at E3 this year to get the low-down on League of Legends' new spectator mode and find out how successful the player-moderated banning Tribunal has been. There was so much information from the League of Legends team at E3 that it has spilled over into this Not So Massively Extra. In a special E3 reveal, Riot Games released the full details of LoL's next three champions. Yorick the Gravedigger, Leona the Radiant Dawn and Skarner the Crystal Vanguard are scheduled to go live over the coming weeks and are sure to provide a great deal of combat variety to this ever-growing game.

Gallery: League of Legends


Skip past the cut for a run-down of the three new characters, their abilities, and what they look like.

Continue reading Not So Massively Extra: League of Legends reveals three new champions

MassivelyNot So Massively Extra: League of Legends reveals three new champions originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championE3E3-2011featuredleague-of-legendsleonalolnewsnot-so-massivelyrevealriot-gamesskarneryorickSat, 11 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Remember when Nintendo sold consoles that just played neat games edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/wrup-remember-when-nintendo-sold-consoles-that-just-played-neat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/wrup-remember-when-nintendo-sold-consoles-that-just-played-neat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/wrup-remember-when-nintendo-sold-consoles-that-just-played-neat/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Super Nintendo is a system I remember fondly. I didn't like it because it had motion sensitivity; I liked it because it had games like Super Metroid and Final Fantasy VI and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Finding out that the next generation of Nintendo hardware essentially asks a player to strap an iPad to a controller and lug it around through various motion games is perplexing on some levels. Maybe I've reached critical gadget overload. I don't know.

Of course, it's rather apropos to be talking about E3 revelations in this week's WRUP, as we're talking about what we liked the most from E3 in addition to our usual discussion of weekend activities. Click on past the break to find out what the Massively staff will be up to over the next couple days, and let us know what you're going to be doing in the comments!

Continue reading WRUP: Remember when Nintendo sold consoles that just played neat games edition

MassivelyWRUP: Remember when Nintendo sold consoles that just played neat games edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011featuredmassively-metaweekendweekend-gamingwhat-are-you-playingwrupSat, 11 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Blackstar has a new name to capitalize on the Legends brand -- it's now known as Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles. At this year's E3, we caught up with Spacetime Studios' Fernando Blanco to see how the revived project (as well as the company's hit Pocket Legends) is coming along.

Star Legends is only a month away from launch, and Spacetime hopes that the Pocket Legends fever will spread to its sci-fi brother. The name's been changed to communicate the studio's intent to provide an ongoing story rather than a one-shot experience. The game will launch with the first 20 levels of content, but Spacetime has grand plans to expand this much further.

Blanco gave us some of the backstory to the game: In the far future, humans are exploring the cosmos and have stumbled upon a resource-rich area. Corporations, as they are wont to do, have swooped in to exert their dominance but have come across hostile aliens in the process. War breaks out, invasions start popping up all over the place, and you're called in to clean up the mess -- and make a quick buck in the process.

Hit the jump to hear more about Star Legends' classes and gameplay!

Continue reading E3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise

MassivelyE3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcherbetablackstarblackstar-mmocommandodark-legendsdroide3e3-2011engineerf2pfeaturedFernando-Blancoflash-mobfree-to-playhorrormagemobile-mmooperativepocket-legendspreviewpreviewspromotionspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsverizonwarriorwesternFri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Digesting E3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/the-road-to-mordor-digesting-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/the-road-to-mordor-digesting-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/the-road-to-mordor-digesting-e3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Instead of being hit by one huge Lord of the Rings Online bombshell at E3, as some predicted, we were treated to a series of smaller yet gripping reveals that are sure to have a major impact on our gameplay in the future. We assumed that E3 would be all about Rise of Isengard for LotRO, and sure enough, it was.

Weeks like this are what we live for as fans. It's crazy to get a glut of information that we're expected to digest all at once, and it's so much fun too. I think Turbine probably has a few more reveals tucked up its sleeve about the expansion -- we still have four months to go, after all -- but this is a good start to the ramping-up period before Isengard releases.

So enough dilly-dallying; let's dig into it! What can we make out of all of these revelations? What does the pre-order mean for you? What were the highlights and what were the disappointments? Hit the jump and we'll take you on a legendary ride all the way to the gates of Orthanc itself!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Digesting E3

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Digesting E3 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusescosmeticsdeale3e3-2011featuredlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriamonster-playoutfitsphasingpre-orderpromotionpvmppvprelease-daterise-of-isengardsiege-of-mirkwoodstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-road-to-mordortrailerturbineturbine-entertainmentvirtuesFri, 10 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Predictions of E3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/the-mmo-report-predictions-of-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/the-mmo-report-predictions-of-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/the-mmo-report-predictions-of-e3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This week's MMO Report is coming to viewers live from E3! Well, in theory, anyway. See, at the moment, our host Casey Schreiner is nowhere near the studio, being at E3 himself, which means that this week's installment is not about what's going on at E3. Rather, it's what Casey predicted would be going on today at E3. So you can amuse yourself where the predictions were entirely wrong and see if any of the wild guesses turned out right after all.

Needless to say, predictions regarding Star Wars: The Old Republic run rampant, as does speculation about Guild Wars 2, TERA, and The Secret World. Of course, you've no doubt been following our E3 coverage here religiously, so when you click on past the break you can see for yourself what was on the money and what went completely off the rails, along with a completely true prediction about the next big hit in the MMO world.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Predictions of E3

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Predictions of E3 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casey-schreinercomedye3e3-2011humornewspredictionsthe-mmo-reportupcoming-eventsvideovideosThu, 09 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: GamersFirst talks APB Reloaded's new features and player politics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-apb-reloadeds-new-features-and-playe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-apb-reloadeds-new-features-and-playe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-apb-reloadeds-new-features-and-playe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We told you earlier today about GamersFirst's involvement with Fallen Earth. The company is, of course, more renowned for its All Points Bulletin resurrection project, and we sat down with both Darek Connole and Jon-Enee Merriex at E3 this week to discuss APB Reloaded's open beta as well as the progress that's been made through the extensive closed testing process.

Follow along after the cut as we find out about what's new and what's coming, including a nifty iteration on the original title's witnessing system and an interesting player political experiment that evokes comparisons to EVE Online's Council of Stellar Management.

Continue reading E3 2011: GamersFirst talks APB Reloaded's new features and player politics

MassivelyE3 2011: GamersFirst talks APB Reloaded's new features and player politics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedbusiness-modelscrimedarek-connolee3e3-2011f2pfeaturedfree-to-playgamersfirstinterviewinterviewsjon-enee-merriexmmofpsmonetizationopen-betapoliticspreviewpreviewsreal-lifesan-parosan-paro-player-councilshooterwitnessingThu, 09 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Hands on with RIFT's 1.3 update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-hands-on-with-rifts-1-3-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-hands-on-with-rifts-1-3-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-hands-on-with-rifts-1-3-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With patch 1.2 fading in the rearview mirror, RIFT players have turned their attention to the incoming patch 1.3 due on June 22nd. Titled Waves of Madness, the update will kick off a new world event and add an additional tier of endgame content in the form of an additional raid.

We got the opportunity to dive into 1.3 early at E3, all while a petite seven-foot-tall dev perched on our shoulder and gave us running commentary. Patch 1.3's crown jewel is a 20-person raid in the ancient fortress of Hammerknell, which was built by folks who thought it'd be a smashing idea to cram evil spirits into runes and then use that as the foundation. Sounds to us a lot like building a summer camp on top of a desecrated native burial ground, but we're sure these architects had good intentions.

Surprise, surprise, the spirits started to ooze out into Hammerknell and tore up the place. To make matters worse, Hammerknell is the prison of a water dragon -- and the water plane started to come to its rescue. So the Dwarves decided to treat it like an illegal toxic dump by sealing up the fortress, whistling innocently, and conveniently forgetting it until another raid area was needed.

But it's not as simple as just unlocking the front door and marching in to claim some loot! Hit the jump as we walk you through the process of down-and-dirty archaeology!

Continue reading E3 2011: Hands on with RIFT's 1.3 update

MassivelyE3 2011: Hands on with RIFT's 1.3 update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.310-man-raid10-person-raid20-man-raid20-person-raidcharacter-transfersdeathdwarfdwarvese3e3-2011featuredguild-bankshammerknellJornarupatch-1.2patch-1.3previewpreviewsraidregulosriftrift-planes-of-telarascottytelaratriontrion-worldswaterworld-eventThu, 09 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: New SWTOR dev walkthrough takes players to Tatooine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/new-star-wars-the-old-republic-dev-walkthrough-takes-players-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/new-star-wars-the-old-republic-dev-walkthrough-takes-players-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/new-star-wars-the-old-republic-dev-walkthrough-takes-players-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A new developer walkthrough from BioWare takes Star Wars: The Old Republic players to the desert planet of Tatooine, future home of Luke Skywalker. But long before Luke was even a twinkle in Anakin's eye, the Sith were scouring the planet in search of a lost research facility that they hoped would hold the key to the destruction of the Republic.

That's where the developer video's story begins, as a Sith Sorcerer is tasked with finding the leader of the expedition to hunt down this lost research facility. The leader, Lord Silvar, believed that the key to accomplishing the expedition's goals would lie with the Sand People of Tatooine, and he set off alone to uncover their secrets. The Sorcerer follows after him, joined shortly by an Imperial Operative. The demonstration takes players through a short quest and includes displays of combat and The Old Republic's conversation system. If you're itching for more information on The Old Republic, or just want to see a Sith Sorcerer Force-lightning some poor Sand People to death, follow on after the cut for the video.

Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 6-9, bringing you all the best news from E3 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about Star Wars: The Old Republic, RIFT, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!

Continue reading E3 2011: New SWTOR dev walkthrough takes players to Tatooine

MassivelyE3 2011: New SWTOR dev walkthrough takes players to Tatooine originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredallas-dickinsone3e3-2011eaelectronic-artsimperial-operativesith-sorcererstar-warsstar-wars-tatooinestar-wars-the-old-republicswtortatooinethe-old-republictortrailervideovideosThu, 09 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: First look at Wizardry Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-first-look-at-wizardry-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-first-look-at-wizardry-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-first-look-at-wizardry-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"One of the aims of Wizardry Online is to create a true experience of exploration like in classic MMOs," Headlock Games' representative said as he began this E3 presentation. "And to that end, you won't find a linear path funneling you through the dungeons, and your minimap won't show the exact location of your next objective."

This set the tone for the company's first reveal of this up-and-coming MMO. Wizardry is a long-running RPG franchise that dates back to 1981, although this will be the series' first steps into online multiplayer. And while the series enjoyed modest success in North America, it's been a phenomenon in Japan, where it's seen numerous spinoffs and sequels.

Wizardry's always been known for its open-world exploration and party-based combat, and it seems as though the MMO will continue this legacy as well as retain the hardcore approach that the devs feel has been lost to most modern games. "As this skeleton can attest, life is not so easy in Wizardry Online," the rep said with a smile.

Hit the jump to read more about this first look at the game as well as get a peek at the game's first screenshots and trailer!

Continue reading E3 2011: First look at Wizardry Online

MassivelyE3 2011: First look at Wizardry Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011f2pfeaturedfree-to-playgallerygamepotheadlockheadlock-gamesNobuyuki-Okadaperma-deathpermadeathpkpkingplayer-killingpreviewpreviewstrailervideowizardrywizardry-onlineThu, 09 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: DUST 514's realtime integration with EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dust-514s-realtime-integration-with-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dust-514s-realtime-integration-with-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dust-514s-realtime-integration-with-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

During Monday's Sony conference, EVE Online developer CCP Games made an appearance to announce that the company's upcoming MMOFPS DUST 514 will be exclusive to the PlayStation 3. The ambitious title aims to link the world of ground troops fighting over planets to EVE Online's universe of spaceborne conflict. EVE players will be able to hire DUST mercenaries as part of an ongoing territorial war, the concept for which we got a glimpse of in both the E3 DUST 514 trailer and the previous A Future Vision trailer in March.

When DUST 514 is released in spring 2012, PC-based ship pilots will be fighting for control of industrial infrastructure, planets, star systems, and whole regions of space alongside console-based ground troops. CCP's future vision for the virtual universe of New Eden is slowly starting to become a reality, and we can only hope that both games live up to their sizable potential. We caught up with CCP at E3 to find out the details on DUST 514's gameplay and how the DUST-EVE link will work.

Skip past the cut for the incredibly juicy details on DUST 514's gameplay and how DUST mercenaries will interact with the EVE universe. Before reading on, be warned that a change of underwear may be required!

Continue reading E3 2011: DUST 514's realtime integration with EVE Online

MassivelyE3 2011: DUST 514's realtime integration with EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514e3e3-2011eveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfpshalldor-fannarholy-crap-they-can-fire-backmercenariesmercenarymmo-industrymmofpsnewsnuke-them-from-orbitone-universe-one-warplaystationplaystation-3Playstation3previewpreviewsps3pvpSonyThomas-Farrertorfi-frans-olafssontrailervideoThu, 09 Jun 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: GamersFirst talks Fallen Earth and F2P]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-fallen-earth-and-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-fallen-earth-and-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamersfirst-talks-fallen-earth-and-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Last week the devs at Icarus Studios dropped the first hints of their collaboration with noted free-to-play developer GamersFirst. Despite a lot of speculation and anticipation (fueled in part by the fact that the Fallen Earth website went offline for a few hours for updates), no free-to-play announcement was forthcoming.

Yesterday at the annual E3 convention in Los Angeles, our own Rubi Bayer managed to corner GamersFirst's Darek Connole to ask him what the heck is going on in terms of wasteland business models and future development considerations.

Is Fallen Earth's cash shop expanding? Is the game going free-to-play? GamersFirst remains coy on both subjects, but you can check out the full interview after the cut for more details.

Continue reading E3 2011: GamersFirst talks Fallen Earth and F2P

MassivelyE3 2011: GamersFirst talks Fallen Earth and F2P originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsdarek-connolee3e3-2011f2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-to-playgamersfirsticarusicarus-studiosinterviewinterviewsmarketingmicrotransactionsprpreviewssci-fiwastelandThu, 09 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Dragon Nest is not a cartoony Vindictus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dragon-nest-is-not-a-cartoony-vindictus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dragon-nest-is-not-a-cartoony-vindictus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dragon-nest-is-not-a-cartoony-vindictus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

If you've played Nexon's action- and physics-based MMO Vindictus, you have experienced Dragon Nest. Well, somewhat. Both of the games feature over-the-top graphics and combat, but Dragon Nest is definitely a separate product. You know it when you hit your first mob, and it just feels different. At this year's E3, we were invited to try the game out while tethered to another player in an instanced group.

Unfortunately for us, our partner didn't seem to have ever played a video game in her life, but luckily we were able to press random buttons and try out different menus while we waited for her to catch up. We fought our way through an instanced dungeon, one that felt similar to Vindictus' dungeons in its mechanics. We killed some monsters, avoided some kind of gassy traps, and waited for our partner at the familiar red portals that would bring us to the next stage in the dungeon. The experience was much too short, but it did provide a good look into this newest Nexon title.

Click past the cut for more details!

Gallery: E3 2011: Dragon Nest

Continue reading E3 2011: Dragon Nest is not a cartoony Vindictus

MassivelyE3 2011: Dragon Nest is not a cartoony Vindictus originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandragon-neste3e3-2011f2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgalleriesgalleryhands-onNexonnexon-americascreenshotscreenshotsvindictusThu, 09 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: A ride through LotRO's Rise of Isengard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-a-ride-through-lotros-rise-of-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-a-ride-through-lotros-rise-of-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-a-ride-through-lotros-rise-of-isengard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With the news that Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion, Rise of Isengard, was finally given a release date, it became our quest to hunt Turbine down at E3 and make the team give up the One Ring of Info. We spoke with a couple of the devs about the lands and wonders that we'll get to experience come this fall.

We began our journey at a village in one of the starting destinations in Dunland. It's there, Turbine told us, that an army had recently pulled out to fight the Rohirrim, leaving so-called "Oathbreakers" behind for you to handle. Players are tasked with figuring out what's going on and how these left-behind invaders will fit in with the local populace.

The devs told us that one of the recurring themes of LotRO's latest expansion is the influence of others on the Dunlendings. With the war stirring across the world, suddenly this isolated area has become a major thoroughfare for enemies and good guys alike, and both sides are seeking to woo the Dunlending tribes. If you're thinking "tug o' war," you're not far off.

Continue reading E3 2011: A ride through LotRO's Rise of Isengard

MassivelyE3 2011: A ride through LotRO's Rise of Isengard originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbellcreepsdunlanddunlendingse3e3-2011ettenmoorsexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-storemobile-questgiversmonster-playoathbreakersphasingpvmppvprise-of-isengardRohirrimsarumanturbineturbine-entertainmentvirtuesThu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Gamigo goes turn-based with UFO Online and Jagged Alliance Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamigo-goes-turn-based-with-ufo-online-and-jagged-allia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamigo-goes-turn-based-with-ufo-online-and-jagged-allia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-gamigo-goes-turn-based-with-ufo-online-and-jagged-allia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Free-to-play developer gamigo, known best for titles like the up-and-coming Black Prophecy, wants to get further into the browser market... and in a big way. Later this year, the company will be releasing two new titles, both tactical, squad-based, turn-based, and browser-based and both in the Unity engine. And while both games do have some similarities, they feel very different from each other.

UFO Online is set in a gloomy future of alien invasion, but players will also have to contend with defeating their fellow humans in an effort for world domination. If you like to take your turn-based gaming with a cold shot of stat- and skill-management, then you'll love UFO Online. Jagged Alliance Online plays in similar ways but is more straightforward.

We sat down with gamigo at E3 for an exclusive look at the two titles, so click past the cut to read more!

Gallery: E3 2011: UFO Online screens

Continue reading E3 2011: Gamigo goes turn-based with UFO Online and Jagged Alliance Online

MassivelyE3 2011: Gamigo goes turn-based with UFO Online and Jagged Alliance Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowser-basede3e3-2011f2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgalleriesgallerygamigojagged-alliancejagged-alliance-onlinejaotrailerufoufo-onlinevideovideosThu, 09 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Conquering the world with World of Tanks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-conquering-the-world-with-world-of-tanks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-conquering-the-world-with-world-of-tanks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-conquering-the-world-with-world-of-tanks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The free-to-play MMO is making great strides across the world. And if you were to ask the CEO of WarGaming.net, Viktor Kislyi, he'd tell you his F2P game World of Tanks is bigger in some countries than World of Warcraft, particularly his home nation of Russia. As he told us when we talked to him at E3, "[It] beat the crap out of WoW in Russia." He backed that statement up by saying there are over 155,000 concurrent players in Russia daily for his MMO.

With the introduction of Clan Wars earlier this year, World of Tanks appears to be quite literally conquering the world. Kislyi boasts that the Russian server has over 6,000 active clans, and over three million players are actively playing world-wide, which he claims is better than the stats of most of our favorite MMOs. He says if you combine the peak hours of all the servers across the globe, World of Tanks hosts 300,000 concurrent players. That's a staggering number. Pop past the break as we dig deeper into the discussion with Kislyi and find out why this game is storming the world.

Continue reading E3 2011: Conquering the world with World of Tanks

MassivelyE3 2011: Conquering the world with World of Tanks originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopconquer-the-worlde3e3-2011featuredfemale-gamersjustlikeRISKMicrotransactionsviktor-kislyiwargaming.networld-of-tanksWoTwow-we-cant-believe-he-said-that-eitherWed, 08 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: En Masse interview delves into TERA's political system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-en-masse-interview-delves-into-teras-political-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-en-masse-interview-delves-into-teras-political-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-en-masse-interview-delves-into-teras-political-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Let's get political! Today at E3, our very own Shawn Schuster got the chance to talk to the fine folks at En Masse and about their upcoming action MMORPG TERA and its groundbreaking new political system. En Masse's Associate Producer Stefan Ramirez said of the political system, "If TERA's action makes the combat fun and engaging, then the political system brings a whole new depth to player engagement." How exactly are the folks at En Masse going to accomplish this new level of engagement? Well, follow along with us and we'll tell you.

First and foremost, it's important to note that TERA's political system is entirely player-driven. There is no script and no plan, and it's entirely up to the game's populace to decide how the politics on each server will play out. The player's overarching goal within the political system is to become a Vanarch, the leader of a province. The benefits of becoming a Vanarch are many, and in the words of Mr. Ramirez, Vanarchs "have a shit-ton of power, a shit-ton of money, and a shit-ton of fame."

Continue reading E3 2011: En Masse interview delves into TERA's political system

MassivelyE3 2011: En Masse interview delves into TERA's political system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioe3e3-2011en-massefeaturedfrogsterinterviewinterviewspolitical-systempoliticspreviewsteraWed, 08 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: A small case of burnout]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/free-for-all-a-small-case-of-burnout/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/free-for-all-a-small-case-of-burnout/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/free-for-all-a-small-case-of-burnout/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last week, we asked you fair readers what you thought about the sheer number of free-to-play titles out there. Could there be too many? we asked. I read the comments; I even posted one myself. Oh, sure, free choice is always a good thing, but let's be sure to understand what we were asking. The question was not only are there too many titles? or could there be too many titles? but also will quality go down as the number of titles goes up?

Or in my particular case on this particular day, is burnout inevitable when we're faced with so many choices?

I only ask because I have suffered from a slight case of burnout myself recently. Now, I need to explain. I can already hear the tick-tacking of the keyboards as free-to-play "opponents" rush to say, "AH HA! See? We told you!" in the comments section, without bothering to read the rest of the article. Let me explain, if you don't mind. Then you can make your comments.

Click past the cut.

Continue reading Free for All: A small case of burnout

MassivelyFree for All: A small case of burnout originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apb-reloadedbeau-hindmanbrowserdark-age-of-camelote3f2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpglitchGuild-Wars-2illyriadmikey-likes-itpocket-legendsteravindictuswurm-onlineWed, 08 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment dropping the price for Station Access]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-dropping-the-price-for-station-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-dropping-the-price-for-station-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-dropping-the-price-for-station-access/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Whether or not you're a fan of Sony Online Entertainment, it's hard to deny that the company's Station Pass is a pretty good value for the money. For the price of two monthly subscriptions, you get access to everything from the original EverQuest to the recently launched DC Universe Online. But if the deal isn't quite good enough for you yet, SOE has just announced that the access price is dropping once again to $19.99 a month.

Needless to say, the chance to get nine games at once for only slightly more than the normal subscription fee is a pretty enticing deal for any gamer. While the announcement is not yet reflected in the official site, which is still advertising the previous price, the update will be coming "soon" according to the company's representatives at E3. Keep your eyes peeled for more information about precise dates for the change, which should be a boon to current and potential future customers.

MassivelySony Online Entertainment dropping the price for Station Access originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011mmo-industrynewspriceprice-dropsoesony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accessstation-passsubscriptionWed, 08 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Frogster releases new TERA screenshots, trailers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/frogster-releases-new-tera-screenshots-trailers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/frogster-releases-new-tera-screenshots-trailers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/frogster-releases-new-tera-screenshots-trailers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We've got a bucketload of new TERA screenshots as well as two new trailers, hot off the press from E3. The first trailer is a cinematic, and it's really quite lovely. It gives a bit of exposition on the story of TERA before showing off an action-packed battle between the playable classes of TERA and a veritable army of foul creatures. Next up is a trailer that shows off a bit of in-game footage as a whole raid's worth of characters face off against some sort of leviathan... dragon... scorpion... thing. Yeah.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the gallery below for the new screenshots, and jump on past the cut for these two brand-spankin'-new trailers. And don't wander too far from us because we're gonna have some first-hand impressions of TERA straight from E3. Check back later this week!

Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 6-9, bringing you all the best news from E3 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about Star Wars: The Old Republic, RIFT, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!


Gallery: E3 2011: TERA Screenshots

Continue reading E3 2011: Frogster releases new TERA screenshots, trailers

MassivelyE3 2011: Frogster releases new TERA screenshots, trailers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-holecinematice3e3-2011en-massefrogstergalleriesgalleryscreenshotscreenshotsteratrailertrailersvideoWed, 08 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST