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[E308: Walking through The Agency's trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While at E3 2008, we had a great deal of time to talk to Matt Wilson, Executive Director of Development for SOE Seattle, the studio in charge of making the new MMOFPS title, The Agency. While we were sadly unable to procure the video they were showing at E3, we did manage to get oodles of pictures to help illustrate just what we were seeing. Join us now as we take you through Matt WIlson's walkthrough on this great upcoming title!

Matt Wilson: Back in the old days (which was like three years ago) we thought "hey, let's make an MMO that breaks the mold of MMOs." We had worked back in Microsoft on Asheron's Call and a variety of other games that were more geared towards the fantasy MMO space. So, we really wanted to break away from that. Our goal at the very beginning was also to attack the console as a primary platform. However, to really crack the console open, you have to design for the console. You can't just take a PC MMO and cram it onto the console.

Thus, we came up with an idea called The Agency. The whole inspiration for The Agency came from the spy and espionage genre. In all the places I've been, even internationally, everybody knows who James Bond is. It has that kind of broad appeal. It's easy for me to say "hey, what's your favorite Bond moment"; "what's a great villain that you can remember"; or "who was a femme fatale you liked?" All manner of things will come from off the top of your head when I ask those questions. So we figured if we put those elements in the game, players would be able to recognize the world right off the bat.

Continue reading E308: Walking through The Agency's trailer

MassivelyE308: Walking through The Agency's trailer originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308matt-wilsonsoethe-agencywalkthroughSun, 27 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 15]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-15/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-15/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-15/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 15 closes out our discussion of E3 with banter between Shawn Schuster, WoW Insider's Mike Schramm, and Michael Zenke. Join us as we chat about our E3 favorites, the latest from Warhammer Online, the KotORO announcement, and lots of little bits of Lich King. Make sure to enjoy this one, as we're off next week to recover from E3. We'll be back ready and raring to go in early August. Stay tuned!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 15

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 15 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassively-speakingwarwowFri, 25 Jul 2008 09:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 15Massively.com Staff42:00podcasts<![CDATA[Scoring the Massively E3 bingo card]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/scoring-the-massively-e3-bingo-card/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/scoring-the-massively-e3-bingo-card/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/scoring-the-massively-e3-bingo-card/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you missed it, prior to heading in the direction of E3 we joined Joystiq and the other network sites in pulling together a predictive Bingo card for the big event. We jotted down a number of things that we thought for sure would make an appearance, and laid out a number of news tidbits that we were almost sure wouldn't get covered at the event. As it turns out, we did okay despite some major upsets.

We'll own up - this was a pretty different event from a lot of others. Concepts and games we were sure would get talked up didn't get mentioned, while some out-of-left field announcements hit during the week. Read on below the cut to see how we faired from A to ... well, F.

Continue reading Scoring the Massively E3 bingo card

MassivelyScoring the Massively E3 bingo card originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e3-bingoe308featuredpredictionsTue, 22 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A closer look at The Agency's factions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Espionage. Spies. High-tech weaponry. All of it sounds great to us, but what's the deal with the two factions in the upcoming Sony Online Entertainment title The Agency? We got a chance to talk to Matt Wilson at E3, who gave us all the news on how the two factions, ParaGON and UNITE are progressing through the alpha. We also asked about how these agencies will shake out in terms of cooperative (and not-so-cooperative) play.

So tell us a bit about the two sides for those who are unfamiliar with The Agency.

We have ParaGON and UNITE, red and blue -- well, orangish red -- and the idea behind it is kind of uptown versus downtown. It's Jack Daniels versus Grey Goose. It's the coolest gadgets versus duct-tape and bailing wire. It's the attitude you choose as a player when you come into the game.

ParaGON is more the mercenary for hire. They will work for anyone who can afford to pay them. UNITE is all about staying within a code of conduct, and working with the global authority. Eventually, they will wind up working together. We're hoping that the cross-faction game will bring in an interesting dynamic into play. We want to create areas where both factions really have to work together to solve problems.

Gallery: The Agency

Continue reading E308: A closer look at The Agency's factions

MassivelyE308: A closer look at The Agency's factions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308governmentmatt-wilsonmercenaryparagonsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyuniteTue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Massively goes back to WAR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-massively-goes-back-to-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-massively-goes-back-to-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-massively-goes-back-to-war/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last week was our chance to check back with the Mythic Entertainment staff, touch base with the makers of Warhammer Online. We managed to walk away with a few new interesting insights into the game, and wanted to make sure you had the chance to check them out below:
E308: Warhammer's designers explain the career/city removal
Careers lead Adam Gershowitz and Associate Producer Josh Drescher were instrumental in making our Massively goes to WAR series a success. Our lengthy discussion with the two Warhammer Online designers resulted in our in-depth analysis of (at that point) every class slated for the game. Last week at E3 our discussion with the two gentlemen turned to the removal of four of those classes, as well as four of the slated endgame capital cities.
E308: 'Open Party' system to encourage grouping in Warhammer Online
Our epic-level talk with Josh Drescher and Adam Gershowitz delved into a number of interesting topics. Warhammer Online is essentially feature complete, they said, and will offer players a level of UI customization we haven't seen in most previous MMOs. They also, interestingly, are working to take care of the looking for group problem with a new tactic: the Open Party.
E308: Exploring an improved Inevitable City in Warhammer Online
Our discussion of Warhammer Online as seen at last week's E3 event continues, with a look at an improved Inevitable City. During our huge Massively goes to WAR feature spread earlier this year, we had the chance to tour the Chaos home base, and came away impressed.

Continue reading E308: Massively goes back to WAR

MassivelyE308: Massively goes back to WAR originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308mythic-entertainmentroundupwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 22 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Massively's chat with DCUO's Jim Lee]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-massivelys-chat-with-dcuos-jim-lee/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-massivelys-chat-with-dcuos-jim-lee/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-massivelys-chat-with-dcuos-jim-lee/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Reading back through a list of comic book artist Jim Lee's work is like a "best of" list from DC comics history. Arguably best known for his art in the series Batman: Hush, Lee's credits include the X-Men, Punisher, Superman, and several titles from the comic label Wildstorm. The Authority, the cult classic dark superhero series, bore his penmanship in several places. He was at E3 last week with the folks from Sony Online Entertainment, because Jim is also the executive creative director on the DC Universe Online project.

We had the chance to sit down with Mr. Lee for a short interview, to get a feel for what his role on the project is. We chat with him about his work on the project, find out about his love for talking apes, and delve into his past as an MMO gamer. It's great to hear such a noted artist talking about his love for the massive genre - read on to find out about Mr. Lee's past as a guild officer in the world of Norrath and much, much more.

Continue reading E308: Massively's chat with DCUO's Jim Lee

MassivelyE308: Massively's chat with DCUO's Jim Lee originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoe3-2008e308featuredjim-leejoystiqfeaturessoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 22 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA["Holiday" edition of AoC box in the works; 360 version on track for late 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/holiday-edition-of-aoc-box-in-the-works-360-version-on-track/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/holiday-edition-of-aoc-box-in-the-works-360-version-on-track/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/holiday-edition-of-aoc-box-in-the-works-360-version-on-track/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In another of Funcom's E3 interviews (this time with MMORPG.com) Erling Ellingsen and Senior Marketing Manager Rick Reynolds discussed a new edition of Age of Conan which they hope to release in time for the holidays. For now they could not say what else this version might entail besides a fancy box (Keaira with a big candy cane?), but it may be something along the lines of a unique piece of gear -- undoubtedly it won't have any must-have function after the Totem of Origins debacle.

A lot of the rest of the interview runs similar to what we've seen already, but there is a brief mention of the Kingship system. We don't really find out anything that wasn't mentioned in the newsletter which announced the system back in June, although Ellingsen and Reynolds commented that graphics engine improvements currently being made should allow "hundreds" more players to participate in massive PvP without issues.

The last section of the interview covers the Xbox 360 version of AoC, which is slated for a release at the end of 2009. These uber-latecomers will be able to choose between mixed platform servers, or a console-only affair.

Massively"Holiday" edition of AoC box in the works; 360 version on track for late 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocchristmaschristmas-2008consolee3e3-2008e308erling-ellingsenfuncomholidaykeairakingshipproduct-managerrick-reynoldssenior-marketing-managerxbox-360Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Matt Wilson briefs us on the state of The Agency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-matt-wilson-briefs-us-on-the-state-of-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-matt-wilson-briefs-us-on-the-state-of-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-matt-wilson-briefs-us-on-the-state-of-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


We had a fantastic chance to talk with Matt Wilson about The Agency during E3. While a great deal of the footage they showed was largely identical to the footage we'd previously seen, many of Matt's insights about the direction they're taking The Agency in were quite illuminating. From PvP to operatives to vehicular combat and the eventual beta, Matt was generous enough with both his time and knowledge, and let us in on lots of great news and background.

If you've been hungry for more information on some of the different aspects of this upcoming game, be sure to join us after the break for a great overview on this hot upcoming SOE property.

Continue reading E308: Matt Wilson briefs us on the state of The Agency

MassivelyE308: Matt Wilson briefs us on the state of The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barclubdeath-penaltye3-2008e308featuredfinancial-modeljoystiqfeaturesmatt-wilsonmicrotransactionmmofpsnew-titlesnpcpartyps3shootersoesoe-seattlesubscriptionthe-agencyvehicle-combatMon, 21 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Warhammer's designers explain the career/city removal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-warhammers-designers-explain-the-career-city-removal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-warhammers-designers-explain-the-career-city-removal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-warhammers-designers-explain-the-career-city-removal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Careers lead Adam Gershowitz and Associate Producer Josh Drescher were instrumental in making our Massively goes to WAR series a success. Our lengthy discussion with the two Warhammer Online designers resulted in our in-depth analysis of (at that point) every class slated for the game. Last week at E3 our discussion with the two gentlemen turned to the removal of four of those classes, as well as four of the slated endgame capital cities.

The announcement of that content removal has been a sore point for some members of the Warhammer community, but Drescher and Gershowitz were adamant that it was the best decision for the game. We talk in-depth with the two about why the content was removed, how the decision was made, and what the designers are going to do with the time they've freed up for themselves. Oh, and they're firm: EA had nothing to do with it. "EA has supported us this entire time, and it's really not EA pressure that led to this decision. What you've got to realize is that we're making a giant game. It's very expansive and it has a lot of features. We could easily fall into the trap of 'forever making the game'."

Continue reading E308: Warhammer's designers explain the career/city removal

MassivelyE308: Warhammer's designers explain the career/city removal originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitzcitiesclassese3-2008e308featuredjosh-dreschermassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineMon, 21 Jul 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A glimpse into The Agency's guilds and classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-a-glimpse-into-the-agencys-guilds-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-a-glimpse-into-the-agencys-guilds-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-a-glimpse-into-the-agencys-guilds-and-classes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In our recent talk with Matt Wilson at E3, we were given a lot of really illuminating information about classes and guilds in the upcoming SOE title, The Agency. It would seem that the Agency crew is doing a very good job of listening to many of the frustrations of MMOG players, while taking the time to study popular games like Team Fortress 2. If you've been wondering about the different classes and abilities, as well as social structure in this upcoming MMOFPS, then you'll be interested to hear what's in the works.

Massively: What are the classes or archetypal roles in The Agency?

Matt Wilson: Our four primary classes are basically Combat, which is the ability to have weapons and have high defenses. Stealth, which is more of a high-DPS, sniper rifles and other things that you take into battle, [Undercover] Stealth which is very important, which is sneaking around and distractions. And finally, there's the Support classes like your Medics and Field Techs. Field Techs are about defense, turrets, other cool things like that. Medics are more about supporting the team, being able to support med stations while you're out in the field, heals, that kind of thing. Those are the general archetypes. Then we have specialties that fall out of those, allowing players to specialize further in each class.

Continue reading E308: A glimpse into The Agency's guilds and classes

MassivelyE308: A glimpse into The Agency's guilds and classes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agencyclassclassescombate3-2008e308featuredguildsjoint-agenciesmatt-wilsonrolesoesony-online-entertainmentstealthsupportteam-fortress-2TF2the-agencyundercoverMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Warhammer Online's customization options explained]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-warhammer-onlines-customization-options-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-warhammer-onlines-customization-options-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-warhammer-onlines-customization-options-explained/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One component of Mythic Entertainment's Warhammer Online that we haven't seen a ton of is character customization. We know that the collector's edition will contain 'rare heads', for example, but what of in-game options. That's exactly what the team set out to correct at last week's E3. Mythic's Adam Gershowitz lays it out for us - make sure to read below the cut for some exciting news about guild banners!

I noticed earlier there was a demo for what looked like character customization options?

Adam Gershowitz: One of the things we've been having a bit of a hard time with, because we show people live demos, is showing the breadth of customization in the game. So we've put together this presentation which shows off what we have. As you're aware, all of our equipment is career-specific. We've taken a page out of the FPS playbook - we want you to be able to identify a character's career from a distance. Expanding on that, we're showing the armor progression from low to high level in the game. We have over 400 armor sets in the game, they're split pretty evenly amongst the 20 careers. What you're seeing here are just three of the careers - the Warrior Priest, the Witch Elf, and the Chosen - going through some of the armor. I don't think it's all of the armor, maybe just half of it.

Continue reading E308: Warhammer Online's customization options explained

MassivelyE308: Warhammer Online's customization options explained originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorcustomizatione3-2008e308featuredguild-bannersmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarhammer-onlineMon, 21 Jul 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Exploring an improved Inevitable City in Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-exploring-an-improved-inevitable-city-in-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-exploring-an-improved-inevitable-city-in-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/e308-exploring-an-improved-inevitable-city-in-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Our discussion of Warhammer Online as seen at last week's E3 event continues, with a look at an improved Inevitable City. During our huge Massively goes to WAR feature spread earlier this year, we had the chance to tour the Chaos home base, and came away impressed. Last week we got the chance to see an updated version of the capital, and learned about what the extra time removing the other capitals has netted the Mythic Entertainment development team. Read on to hear Adam Gershowitz talk about city improvements, the endgame reward cycle, and how the two-cities structure has focused the player experience.

Adam Gershowitz: Inevitable City is one of the two capital cities we're going to launch with. It has gotten bigger and better than it was previously. That's part of the reason why we're down to two capital cities - we keep throwing more and more stuff into the existing ones. It got to the point where we were like, "Well crud, just Altdorf and Inevitable City have as much content as we originally planned for all three city pairings. So we kind of wanted to finish the job, to make sure it's really really top-notch so we're focusing down a little bit more. What that does is it actually changes the campaign up a little bit.

Continue reading E308: Exploring an improved Inevitable City in Warhammer Online

MassivelyE308: Exploring an improved Inevitable City in Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitze3-2008e308featuredinevitable-citymassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineMon, 21 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The week in Massively features (E3 Edition)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/the-week-in-massively-features-e3-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/the-week-in-massively-features-e3-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/the-week-in-massively-features-e3-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

E308: DC Universe Online roundup
Sony Entertainment Online revealed a metric ton of new information on their upcoming superhero MMO DC Universe Online at E3 this week, and Massively was on hand to pick the spicy brainmeats of Creative Director Chris Cao, SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely, and famed DC artist and Executive Creative Director for the project, Jim Lee.
The Digital Continuum: Five KOTOR MMO Jedi counter-measures
With the less-than-grandiose announcement that Electronic Arts, BioWare and Lucas Arts are working together on a KOTOR MMO, I've found myself pondering the game that until now was nothing but a rumor. Granted, I already thought about the game quite a lot even before it was the now more official affair.
E308: Membership and microtransactions in Free Realms
We know that SOE's upcoming title Free Realms will be free to play, but that begs the question of how SOE might profit from the title. (Especially considering that Lead Designer Laralyn McWilliams stressed that Free Realms is just as important to SOE as the other titles being shown off at E3, The Agency and DC Universe Online.
E308: Erling Ellingsen talks patch timeframes for Age of Conan
Earlier today we sat with Age of Conan product manager Erling Ellingsen. Due to the development cycle Conan is in right now, Ellingsen didn't really have anything in particular to show us - but he did have some things to tell us.
E308: SOE President John Smedley talks Free Realms, possible sequels
Yesterday at Sony Online Entertainment's E3 headquarters, the Massively team got to see and hear the latest details on SOE's trifecta of new titles: The Agency, DC Universe Online, and Free Realms. There will be in-depth coverage of these games across the site during the rest of the day. To kick off, and to give you some perspective on what these games mean for the company, we sat down to talk with SOE's CEO John Smedley.

Continue reading The week in Massively features (E3 Edition)

MassivelyThe week in Massively features (E3 Edition) originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conandc-universe-onlinedcuoe3-2008e308featuredfree-realmsjohn-smedleyknights-of-the-old-republic-onlinekotoroswtorweek-in-mv-featuresSun, 20 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Social networking and web-games in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-social-networking-and-web-games-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-social-networking-and-web-games-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-social-networking-and-web-games-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


For a game that's not actually browser-based (though it will only require a small download and stream content in the background, Free Realms is a client-based game), Free Realms will have an unprecedented amount of browser-based content. Free Realms will have all of the web content you would expect from a modern MMO... and some of the web content you would expect to see in a social networking application like Facebook. Each player will have an online player profile listing all of their in-game friends (with links that will launch the game client and take you right to your friends' location) and newsfeeds that give you information about what's going on with your character. Not even Free Realms' game elements are restricted to the client. Many mini-games will also be playable via the web -- and give you in-game benefits for doing so (as long as you're logged on). So if you played the Bejeweled-esque mini-game via the web during your lunch break, your character in-game would gain ore and experience.

In-game, characters will connect through a non-traditional guild system. When we asked Lead Designer Laralyn McWilliams about guilds at E3, she informed us that SOE is "exploring other kinds of social arrangements, like different types of friends. So you could have your BFFs, your regular friends, and your family." They're also exploring a "club" system. McWilliams said, "Guilds are exclusive -- so we'd like to really recognize the fact that someone might want to be in the gardening club and the dog-lover's club and the ninja club. Those would all have collections associated with them because Free Realms is ultimately a collection. There's a collection of jobs, a collection of clubs... we're all about letting you collect things in the game and show off your achievements."

Gallery: E308: Free Realms


Gallery: E308: Free Realms new footage



Free Realms at E3 2008 Interested in Free Realms? Then check out all of our E3 coverage of SOE's latest free-to-play online game!

MassivelyE308: Social networking and web-games in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basede3e308featuredfrfree-realmsfree-realms-e308soewebweb-basedSun, 20 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Membership and microtransactions in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-membership-and-microtransactions-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-membership-and-microtransactions-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-membership-and-microtransactions-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We know that SOE's upcoming title Free Realms will be free to play, but that begs the question of how SOE might profit from the title. (Especially considering that Lead Designer Laralyn McWilliams stressed that Free Realms is just as important to SOE as the other titles being shown off at E3, The Agency and DC Universe Online. Said McWilliams, "We have the same size team working on this as we do on those titles.") The answer is two-fold: memberships (which, for a monthly fee, will allow the user access to more content) and microtransactions (allowing you to buy items for your character for small amounts of money). When we had a chance to catch up with SOE's John Smedley back at CES, he told us that they were looking into the microtransaction model, saying "In order for people to see the games, they have to be able to play them; we're opening them up to that possibility by letting them play for free." Free Realms seems to be the final result of a lot of soul-searching on SOE's part as this traditional MMO company tries to find its way in a genre increasingly crowded by free-to-play titles.

Gallery: E308: Free Realms


Gallery: E308: Free Realms new footage

Continue reading E308: Membership and microtransactions in Free Realms

MassivelyE308: Membership and microtransactions in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e308featuredfree-realmsfree-realms-e308free-to-playftpmembershipmicrotransactionssoesubscriptionsSat, 19 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Combat in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-combat-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-combat-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-combat-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Because it's not required in order to advance (characters will be able to level up without ever killing a monster), combat in SOE's upcoming free-to-play MMO Free Realms is a bit different than you may be accustomed to. When we sat down to chat with Lead Designer Laralyn McWilliams at E3 this week, she described the combat system by saying, "Combat is our biggest mini-game." Monsters will never attack you as you're exploring the world -- only when you enter clearly marked combat zones. "We took a very Disneyland apprach," said McWilliams. "You're walking around Disneyland, you see Space Mountain, it looks awesome, and so you think, 'I want to go on Space Mountain!' Our content broadcasts itself to you." In the screenshot above, you see the entrance to a combat zone: a gate clearly proclaiming danger. So like any good MMO player, what do you do but walk up to it and see what dangers await you on the other side? Interacting with the gate, like launching any other mini-game in Free Realms, will give you a choice of several different combat encounters associated with the area.

Gallery: E308: Free Realms


Gallery: E308: Free Realms new footage

Continue reading E308: Combat in Free Realms

MassivelyE308: Combat in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combate3e308featuredfrfree-realmsfree-realms-e308soeSat, 19 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: An overview of Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-an-overview-of-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-an-overview-of-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-an-overview-of-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


At E3 we had a chance to sit down with Laralyn McWilliams, Lead Designer for SOE's upcoming Free Realms game, who gave us a demo of the game and talked about how it's changed since we saw it earlier this year at CES. For those of you who don't know what we're talking about (and since SOE doesn't yet have a web page for Free Realms, the game isn't exactly shouting itself from the rooftops), it's SOE's answer to the success of casual, free-to-play games targeted at kids, like Club Penguin, RuneScape, Webkinz. The result of their efforts? A game that provides players with endless possibilities: allowing them to level up without ever killing a monster (if that's what they want to do!), allows them to switch classes at any time with the click of a button, and provides players with an unprescidented amount of web integration, including mini-games that can be played in the game world or on the web.

Of the MMOs we've seen at E3 this year, Free Realms is the closest to launch, with a beta scheduled for September and a launch scheduled for early 2009. (For those of you wanting in on the beta, attending Fan Faire this year will be a sure way to get in to closed beta.) Curious yet? Let's take a look at the world of Free Realms.

Gallery: E308: Free Realms


Gallery: E308: Free Realms new footage

Continue reading E308: An overview of Free Realms

MassivelyE308: An overview of Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308frfree-realmsfree-realms-e308Laralyn-McWilliamsplaystationplaystation-3ps3soeSat, 19 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: 'Open Party' system to encourage grouping in Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-open-party-system-to-encouraging-grouping-in-warhammer-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-open-party-system-to-encouraging-grouping-in-warhammer-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-open-party-system-to-encouraging-grouping-in-warhammer-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Our epic-level talk with Josh Drescher and Adam Gershowitz delved into a number of interesting topics. Warhammer Online is essentially feature complete, they said, and will offer players a level of UI customization we haven't seen in most previous MMOs. They also, interestingly, are working to take care of the looking for group problem with a new tactic: the Open Party. We've already learned how they plan to encourage players to collaborate through Public Quests, but this sounds like it's taking the boundary of solo and group play and stretching it to the breaking point ...

Adam: Another major feature we wanted to make sure to mention was the Open Party system. It just went into the Beta in the last couple of weeks. The Open Party system is an extension of the Looking For Group system. We have a fully fleshed out LFG system, but the Open Party system is really kind of an easier, casual way to put a group together. What the Open Party does is, say I come into the game and I'm interesting in forming a group. I go ahead and start the system, and it puts me into a party of one. It immediately updates me on the UI to be available for other players. As players are running around the world, they're going to get notification that there are Open Parties with slots in the area. On our Beta server right now, in most areas, there's anywhere from four to something like eighteen Open Parties for any given area. When you look on the UI you'll see it shows how many people are in a group, as well as the exact distance you are from the party.

Continue reading E308: 'Open Party' system to encourage grouping in Warhammer Online

MassivelyE308: 'Open Party' system to encourage grouping in Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2008e308groupingmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineSat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Warhammer Online to feature fully customizable UI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/e308-warhammer-online-to-feature-fully-customizable-ui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/e308-warhammer-online-to-feature-fully-customizable-ui/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/e308-warhammer-online-to-feature-fully-customizable-ui/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We spoke earlier this week with Josh Drescher and Adam Gershowitz about the latest changes to Warhammer Online, and we were enthused to hear that the game will feature a fully customizable user interface. The developers were very forceful about what they did and didn't want to see from this component of the game - something you may have picked up on in our discussion of the Goblin Shaman earlier this year. Here's Adam Gershowitz talking about the game's custom tweaks:

Adam: One thing you didn't see previously is our UI editor. The UI and layout editor we just put this in recently. It's a fully customizable UI and layout editor. It was one of the things we thought was really important to put into the game because one of the things everybody really hates is that mods break down when there is a patch. We're obviously going to support modding, but we want to make sure that even the newest player can come in and simply change their UI without having to get updates from the web.

That's really where our UI concept came from. You can see here you can move things around, scale it however I want, we'll start putting rotation tools in pretty soon.

Are you going to be interacting with the modding community in sort of an official capacity where you might highlight mods that are really worthwhile?

Adam: I don't know what the UI mod team's plans are for sure? I know that's what they're currently doing in Beta and I imagine that relationship is going to continue into release.

MassivelyE308: Warhammer Online to feature fully customizable UI originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2008e308featuredmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentuiuser-interfacewarwarhammer-onlineFri, 18 Jul 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Champions Online gameplay video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/e308-champions-online-gameplay-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/e308-champions-online-gameplay-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/e308-champions-online-gameplay-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's late in E3 week but we've still got plenty of goodness coming. We've got a fun tidbit from the folks at 2K games (Champions' new publisher), a brand new gameplay video for Champions Online. It doesn't have a lot of guidance as to what we're seeing onscreen, but we do get to see a lot of day-to-day style gameplay. Heroes fighting baddies is really what it's about, right? Join the likes of Sword Guy, Electro Man, and Desctro Dude (these names are guesses) as they take on the forces of VIPER and their multitudinous foes.

Check below the cut for the full video, and let us know what you think. The game is about a year away from release and is already looking pretty darn good - are you as pumped as we are?

Continue reading E308: Champions Online gameplay video

MassivelyE308: Champions Online gameplay video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecryptic-studiose3e3-2008e308featuredgameplayjoystiqfeaturesvideoFri, 18 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Catching up with Disney Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e3-catching-up-with-disney-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e3-catching-up-with-disney-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e3-catching-up-with-disney-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Despite the craziness that is E3, Massively got a chance to talk to Mike Goslin, VP at Disney Online. We spoke to him about Pirates of the Caribbean Online's future, the launch of World of Cars (a virtual world based on Pixar's "Cars") and their plans for consoles as well as Asian markets. Read on for his answers with more after the jump.

What's next for 'Pirates of the Caribbean Online'?

Goslin: We have a lot of really great content in the pipeline for Pirates. One of the big upcoming expansions is Privateering, which allows players to engage in epic sea battles against each other. Players choose a side, either French or Spanish, assemble a crew, and blast away. As part of Privateering we introduced some new islands where pirate lords challenge players with special quests to prove their worth and earn some cool new rewards.

What is the timeline for closed beta on the 'Cars Online' title?

Goslin: The World of Cars virtual world will roll out in 2009. We have not yet announced any specific dates for beta, but we will make sure to let you know when those are confirmed!

Continue reading E308: Catching up with Disney Online

MassivelyE308: Catching up with Disney Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactive-studiose3-2008e308joystiqfeaturesmike-goslinprivateeringworld-of-carsThu, 17 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Warhammer Online is pretty much done]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-warhammer-online-is-pretty-much-done/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-warhammer-online-is-pretty-much-done/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-warhammer-online-is-pretty-much-done/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We had a chance to chat today with Josh Drescher and Adam Gershowitz, two of the leading lights behind EA Mythic's Warhammer Online. Even just two months after our huge Massively goes to WAR series, there were new elements to view and discuss. We'll get you that information as soon as we can, but we wanted to share what might have been the biggest surprise of our chat: essentially everything that will be in the game at launch is now in the game.

Said Mr. Gershowitz, "Basically where we're at right now is the guild Beta. We're in high polish mode, which means that everything in the game is in at this point. Everything we're going to ship with, for the most part, is in, is being played, everybody is taking a look at it, giving us feedback and now we're doing the final polish."

Tune back in soon for information on Warhammer's built-in UI customization, reactions to the recent class and city removal announcements, character customization tidbits, and much more.

MassivelyE308: Warhammer Online is pretty much done originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitze3-2008e308featuredjosh-dreschermassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 17 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 14]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-14/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 14 is a another special episode! Two in a row! This week we're in Los Angeles for E3, and the minds behind the site's direction sat down for some jawwing about what we've seen. Alongside Leads Krystalle Voecks and Michael Zenke, Joystiq Producer Barb Dybwad and Joystiq Senior Editor Elizabeth Harper sat in for all the MMO news from the biggest games event this week. Sit in with us as we talk about DC Universe Online, Runescape, Combat Arms, The Agency, Age of Conan, and much much more.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 14

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 14 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308featuredjoystiqfeaturesmassively-speakingpodcastThu, 17 Jul 2008 16:45:00 ESTMassively Podcast Episode 14Massively.com Staff46:51podcasts<![CDATA[E308: DC Universe Online roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-online-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-online-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-online-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Sony Entertainment Online revealed a metric ton of new information on their upcoming superhero MMO DC Universe Online at E3 this week, and Massively was on hand to pick the spicy brainmeats of Creative Director Chris Cao, SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely, and famed DC artist and Executive Creative Director for the project, Jim Lee. Check out the roundup of all the DCUO coverage from E3 including interviews, screenshots, a full breakdown of the trailer and analysis of DCUO's role on the console. Plus, don't forget to tune in next week for our exclusive interview with Jim Lee!

Development team interview


Screens and Trailer


MMOs on the console

MassivelyE308: DC Universe Online roundup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlineDCUOe3-2008e3-dcuoe308featuredjim-leejoystiqfeaturesSOEThu, 17 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Join the Massively staff at tonight's Joystiq meetup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/join-the-massively-staff-at-tonights-joystiq-meetup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/join-the-massively-staff-at-tonights-joystiq-meetup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/join-the-massively-staff-at-tonights-joystiq-meetup/#commentsFiled under: ,

We may have mentioned it a few times - Massively is part of the Joystiq network of blogs, one piece of a big happy family. Tonight the fam is having a mixer with you, the readers, and we wanted to make sure you knew we'd be there as well. We're going to do our best to mix with the cool console kids. Come help us be less socially awkward, and we'll chat about stuff like raids, instancing, crafting and ... okay, yeah. that's sad.

Come chat with the Massively staff and all your Joystiq friends tonight! You'll get swag like the awesome Nuka Cola on the right. Promise!

When: 6pm - 10pm PT on Thursday, July 17th
Where: Mahalo HQ, 902 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica 90401 (map)
Who: Yes, this event is all ages!
RSVP: Facebook

MassivelyJoin the Massively staff at tonight's Joystiq meetup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinge3-2008e308joystiqmassivelyThu, 17 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[KOTOR MMO confirmed by Electronic Arts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/kotor-mmo-confirmed-by-electronic-arts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/kotor-mmo-confirmed-by-electronic-arts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/kotor-mmo-confirmed-by-electronic-arts/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've had plenty of speculation -- lots and lots of it -- but now we've got confirmation from Electronic Arts chief executive John Riccitiello that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is indeed getting a massively multiplayer online iteration. Portfolio.com has the story.

The article quotes Riccitiello as saying, "... the one that people are dying for us to talk to them about -- in partnership with Lucas, coming out of BioWare, which is, I think, quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry at the point when we get closer to telling you about it." When directly asked if this was confirmation of Knights of the Old Republic Online, the executive said simply, "yes".

You can commence the freaking out now.

MassivelyKOTOR MMO confirmed by Electronic Arts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreakinge3e308eaeletronic-artskotorkotor-mmokotoroportfoliostar-warsswtorThu, 17 Jul 2008 14:17:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: How the DC world will come to life in DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-how-the-dc-world-will-come-to-life-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-how-the-dc-world-will-come-to-life-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-how-the-dc-world-will-come-to-life-in-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The story and gravitas of the DC IP is pushing one hundred years strong. There's just so much to deal with, you have to wonder how the world and the game will interact. In our epic discussion of DC Universe Online with Creative Director Chris Cao and SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely, we spent a lot of time talking about story and worldbuilding.

Read on below the cut for information on how comic-book events will affect the game, how the IP is what will separate DCUO from its competitors, and a few words on how the game will hook into the amazing DC community.

Continue reading E308: How the DC world will come to life in DC Universe Online

MassivelyE308: How the DC world will come to life in DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoe3e3-2008e3-dcuoe308featuredjoystiqfeaturessoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: DC Universe Online's role on the PlayStation 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-onlines-role-on-the-playstation-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-onlines-role-on-the-playstation-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-dc-universe-onlines-role-on-the-playstation-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Our discussion with the folks behind DC Universe Online covered a lot of ground. Our look at the game's informative new trailer provided a great framework, and we followed up with numerous exploratory questions about game systems like raiding and instancing. DCUO is coming to the PlayStation 3 console, and Creative Director Chris Cao and SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely had several pieces of information to share with us about how the new MMO would interact with that system.

Read on below the cut for discussion of the interoperability between the PS3 and the PC, differences between the way they play, and the possibility of patching problems on the PlayStation platform.

Continue reading E308: DC Universe Online's role on the PlayStation 3

MassivelyE308: DC Universe Online's role on the PlayStation 3 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoe3e3-2008e3-dcuoe308featuredjoystiqfeaturesplaystation-3soesony-online-entertainmentThu, 17 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A top to bottom exploration of DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-a-top-to-bottom-exploration-of-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-a-top-to-bottom-exploration-of-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-a-top-to-bottom-exploration-of-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Superman soars above the skies in Metropolis. Batman swings from rooftop to rooftop in Gotham City. The world of DC comics is an extremely venerable IP, with numerous evocative characters, locations, and villains. It's set to be the backdrop for one of the most ambitious new titles planned by Sony Online Entertainment: DC Universe Online. We had the chance to talk with DCUO Creative Director Chris Cao and SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely all about the game.

Join us as we explore the game from top to bottom, uncovering tidbits about the game's raid gameplay, the underlying technology, holiday events, and the game's business model. We even ask about the game's launch date, with pretty well expected results. For a taste, here is what the game is capable of as far as world events: "We actually have a dynamic content system. What that means is that we hand-craft each event (like an armored car robbery or a hostage situation) and then we spin them up dynamically based on who is there and what they're doing. It allows us to easily replace every single encounter in Metropolis and Gotham and suddenly have Brainiac Attack or the Thanagarians Invade. Next week at Comic-Con you'll be able to play through that event."

Continue reading E308: A top to bottom exploration of DC Universe Online

MassivelyE308: A top to bottom exploration of DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-caodc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuoe3e3-2008e3-dcuoe308featuredjim-leejohn-blakelyjoystiqfeaturessoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: The DC Universe Online trailer explained]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-the-dc-universe-online-trailer-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-the-dc-universe-online-trailer-explained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-the-dc-universe-online-trailer-explained/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming title playpen at E3 offered several different delights. Prior to our lengthy conversation with DC Universe Online Creative Director Chris Cao and SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely (in which they noted the game is 'already released'), we got to see a lengthy trailer which included some pre-recorded interview snippets. We aren't going to be able to provide you with the video itself for some time, but the voice content of the video is well worth reading up on.

Alongside Mr. Blakely and Mr. Cao, DC comics veteran Jim Lee also appears in the video. Mr. Lee is Executive Creative Director for the project, connecting the DC comics creative minds to the developers at SOE. We managed to sit down with Jim Lee to talk about his role on the project, a discussion we'll be able to share with you sometime next week. Read on for our introduction to the game, some hints about what they'll be offering at Comic-Con next week, and the vocal stylings of voiceover guy.

Continue reading E308: The DC Universe Online trailer explained

MassivelyE308: The DC Universe Online trailer explained originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoe3-2008e3-dcuoe308featuredjoystiqfeaturessoesoe-austinsony-online-entertainmenttrailerThu, 17 Jul 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: DC Universe Online already 'released' inside SOE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-dc-universe-online-already-released-inside-soe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-dc-universe-online-already-released-inside-soe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-dc-universe-online-already-released-inside-soe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We had a lengthy chat with the folks behind Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming super-hero MMO, DC Universe Online. Creative Director Chris Cao and SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely were extremely forthcoming with details and preview information on the gigantic game. Make sure to check back over the next day or so for more on your passage into the world of the DC heroes. For now, we wanted to mention that (surprise) the game is already released! At least, within the halls of SOE, the game is very much a live product.

Chris Cao: John Blakely has started a "play it like it's live" initiative. We actually run everything like it's a live service. We do update notes to ourselves. We basically do everything you would do as a normal MMO that's already live because we've learned that changing that rhythm going from pre-launch to live is where most of the mistakes happen. Suddenly you are doing things faster, suddenly you're assuming consumer concerns instead of your own. By being our own consumers and being a provider to the company we get that experience up-front. By the time we get it out to you guys, we'll be old hat at it. We've already been doing it a year and we're going to keep going throughout the development process.

Gallery: E308: DC Universe Online concept art

Continue reading E308: DC Universe Online already 'released' inside SOE

MassivelyE308: DC Universe Online already 'released' inside SOE originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-caodc-universe-onlinedcuoe3-2008e3-dcuoe308featuredjohn-blakelyjoystiqfeaturessoesoe-austinsony-online-entertainmentWed, 16 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: BioWare says there is no KOTOR MMO (wink)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-bioware-says-there-is-no-kotor-mmo-wink/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-bioware-says-there-is-no-kotor-mmo-wink/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-bioware-says-there-is-no-kotor-mmo-wink/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We just saw BioWare show off their new Dragon Age: Origins here at E3, and while that singleplayer game looks great (imagine a Mass Effect game set in the world of Baldur's Gate), we did spring the requisite massively multiplayer question on them for you. At the very end of the Q&A session with developer Dan Tudge after the demo, the PR rep told us there was just "time for one more question," and we threw it out there: "So, how's the Knights of the Old Republic MMO coming?"

There was silence in the room for a moment. Tudge quietly said, "I... have no idea what you're talking about," and then everyone laughed as the PR rep nervously said, "Good answer." Tudge added, "You're asking me that in front of my boss?" And so we revised the question: Dragon Age has a very MMO-style design -- there's a minimap in the upper right, party portraits in the upper left, and a bar with icons for skills across the bottom. Does BioWare really want to make an MMO? "The interface looked like Baldur's Gate to me," said Tudge cooly. "The real question is, how much of the MMOs did Baldur's Gate influence?"

Touché. But we left the press conference with a smile, a special secret that we'll share with you now. As much as Tudge was thrown off by the question, as much as the PR flack was aghast that we asked it, we did leave with this satisfactory piece of information: they didn't, in point of fact, deny.
Did you enjoy this? Check out all of our E3 coverage as the week rolls forward!

MassivelyE308: BioWare says there is no KOTOR MMO (wink) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebiowarebreakingdragon-agedragon-age-originse3e3-08e3-2008e308featuredjoystiqfeaturesknights-of-the-old-republicKOTORkotor-mmokotorommoprswtorWed, 16 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: MMOs for your PS3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-mmos-for-your-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-mmos-for-your-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-mmos-for-your-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Touring SOE's swanky E3 press room, we noticed a trend while chatting up various developers: the PlayStation 3. Though up to this point, console MMOs haven't been the norm, Sony seems to be pushing hard in that direction. The three major titles SOE is showing off this week -- DC Universe Online, Free Realms, and The Agency -- are all planned for release on the PlayStation 3 as well as the PC. DCUO and The Agency are both currently planned for a simultaneous PC/PS3 release (though that may change) while the Free Realms team is planning to make sure they have a smooth PC release before making the jump to PS3. Everyone we talked to seemed to recognize there are some hurdles to overcome to bring an MMO to a console market -- but they were also confident about overcoming them.

Continue reading E308: MMOs for your PS3

MassivelyE308: MMOs for your PS3 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoe3-dcuoe308featuredfrfree-realmsplaystation-3ps3soethe-agencyWed, 16 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Warhammer Online trailer showcases RvR combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-warhammer-online-trailer-showcases-rvr-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-warhammer-online-trailer-showcases-rvr-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-warhammer-online-trailer-showcases-rvr-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Warhammer Online folks are keeping sort of a low profile this week, but in honor of E3 they have released a brand new trailer highlighting Realm vs. Realm combat. The video, which is embedded below the cut, shows off the on-foot combat, as well as siege warfare. Siege warfare is the core of the game, with the recent city areas cut not affecting the basic rolling combat that will ultimately overwhelm the two remaining capital cities. Make sure to check out our own coverage of the game's PvP elements as well. They include our look at RvR scenarios, a look at the keep and siege warfare, and what it takes to sack a capital city.

Gallery: Warhammer Online

Continue reading E308: Warhammer Online trailer showcases RvR combat

MassivelyE308: Warhammer Online trailer showcases RvR combat originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2008e308featuredjoystiqfeaturesmythic-entertainmentpvprvrvideowarwarhammer-onlineWed, 16 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A first look at Champions of the Force]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-a-first-look-at-champions-of-the-force/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-a-first-look-at-champions-of-the-force/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-a-first-look-at-champions-of-the-force/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We admit: we're addicts. Addicted to the drug that is collectible trading card games. So when SOE recently announced their latest online trading card game, Champions of the Force, we knew we were destined to be consumed by it. (Not to mention the in-game loot to be acquired. Who out there doesn't want their own household Jawa vendor?) Massively sat down with SOE Senior Game Designer Joe Alread at E3 to talk Champions.

Where did the idea for a TCG based on Star Wars Galaxies come from?
Joe Alread: People were really enjoying Legends of Norrath, really enjoying the game and the unique story that came from it. This gave us some incintive to branch out with Star Wars Galaxies. Champions of the Force is going to have its own unique story-line and raids, much like Legends of Norrath.

Gallery: Champions of the Force

Continue reading E308: A first look at Champions of the Force

MassivelyE308: A first look at Champions of the Force originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-of-the-forcecotfe3e308featuredjoystiqfeaturessoestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-galaxies-champions-of-the-forceswgswgcotftcgWed, 16 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: The future of FunOrb]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-the-future-of-funorb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-the-future-of-funorb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-the-future-of-funorb/#commentsFiled under:

Alongside a number of insights into the new Runescape HD release and tantalizing hints at the upcoming Mechscape, our discussion with Jagex yesterday morning yielded a few tibits about FunOrb. Jagex's under-the-radar casual games offering is built on the same technology as Runescape, implying some interesting things about the company's future plans. We spoke with Geoff Iddison and developer Henrique Olifiers about the project, and came away with some interesting viewpoints on Jagex's future development plans. Read on below the cut for hints at how casual gaming and browser-based RPG fun might combine into a new (and delicious) whole.

Continue reading E308: The future of FunOrb

MassivelyE308: The future of FunOrb originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casual-gamese3e3-2008e308featuredfunorbjagexmechscaperunescapeWed, 16 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Runescape HD and the role of Jagex in the MMO Industry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-runescape-hd-and-the-role-of-jagex-in-the-mmo-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-runescape-hd-and-the-role-of-jagex-in-the-mmo-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-runescape-hd-and-the-role-of-jagex-in-the-mmo-industry/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We sat down Tuesday morning to talk with the people at Jagex, the US-based company that develops the wildly popular Runescape MMO. They're a company in the midst of growing from a one-game studio to a multi-game mini-empire. Alongside the casual game service FunOrb and the newly announced in-development title Mechscape, these titles combine to portend a unique future for this Korean-inspired American company.

The company sees itself as offering a real alternative to the client-based high-end graphics experience we're used to in massive games. Join us as we chat with Jagex CEO Geoff Iddison and developer Henrique Olifiers about the newest update to the game and the future of Jagex as an organization.

Continue reading E308: Runescape HD and the role of Jagex in the MMO Industry

MassivelyE308: Runescape HD and the role of Jagex in the MMO Industry originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2008e308featuredhdjagexjoystiqfeaturesrunescaperunescape-hdWed, 16 Jul 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: John Smedley on Star Wars Galaxies, reconnecting with players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/john-smedley-on-star-wars-galaxies-reconnecting-with-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/john-smedley-on-star-wars-galaxies-reconnecting-with-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/john-smedley-on-star-wars-galaxies-reconnecting-with-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Our lengthy discussion with John Smedley yesterday focused primarily on Free Realms and the possibilities in SOE's future. We also chatted briefly about the newest surprise from the company - a collaboration between the Austin and Denver studios called Champions of the Force. Here Mr. Smedley discusses his view on the TCG, Star Wars Galaxies in general, and how reconnecting with the playerbase is really great for the company.

It seems as though the reaction impression from a lot of SWG players is that it's surprising that the company put all these new assets and resources into the game.

I think people have the wrong impression about Star Wars Galaxies. We still have a very active live team. We have a bunch of new content just out, and a bunch of new content in the pipe. Have they talked to you about what's coming? Vehicles in battles on Hoth? It's amazing. It is expansion-pack level content, and it's going to be included for free as part of the release. We could have done a straight-up expansion pack but we decided not to do it that way because of the history with the game and expansions. We want to focus on the content. I think it's a really good game now. We think the content is there, the polish is way up.

Gallery: Champions of the Force

Continue reading E308: John Smedley on Star Wars Galaxies, reconnecting with players

MassivelyE308: John Smedley on Star Wars Galaxies, reconnecting with players originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-of-the-forcecotfe3-2008e308featuredjohn-smedleyjoystiqfeatureslucasartssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgWed, 16 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A first look at DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-a-first-look-at-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-a-first-look-at-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-a-first-look-at-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


As you may have noticed, today SOE has been showing off their upcoming MMO DC Universe Online at E3 today. Though we'll have a detailed writeup soon (as soon as our fingers can type it!) featuring all of the details we squeezed from the development team, we wanted to share some of the game's concept art and screenshots. All we can say is that we can't wait for Comic-Con, when we'll have a chance to get our hands on a playable build of the game.

Gallery: E308: DC Universe Online Screenshots


Gallery: E308: DC Universe Online concept art

MassivelyE308: A first look at DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-condcdc-universe-onlinee3e3-2008e3-dcuoe308featuredjoystiqfeaturessoeTue, 15 Jul 2008 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: First footage of DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-first-footage-of-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-first-footage-of-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-first-footage-of-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Did you hear? Jim Lee showed up at the E3 2008 Sony press conference and not only talked about DC Universe Online, but showed it too! Our initial thoughts on the video? While purportedly still pretty early on (even though Lee mentioned that they'd been working on the project for three years now) the footage doesn't look bad at all. However, it does remind us quite a bit of the EverQuest 2 graphics engine. We just hope that it's only a visual resemblance and not a technical one -- as that engine has some troubles we'd rather like to not see in DC Universe Online.

It's quite nice to see all of our favorite characters represented in this trailer. We even get some Black Adam love, which was entirely unexpected! We're sure to have more information about the game for you as E3 continues, so stay tuned, go order some spandex and keep your bat-radar on!
Hungry for more DCUO news? Massively got the scoop at E3 from Creative Director Chris Cao, SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely, and Executive Creative Director for the project, Jim Lee. Check out the roundup of all the DCUO coverage from E3 including interviews, screenshots, a full breakdown of the trailer and analysis of DCUO's role on the console. Plus, don't miss the rest of our E3 coverage!

MassivelyE308: First footage of DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdc-universe-onlinee3-2008e3-dcuoe308everquest-2jim-leepcplaystation-3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentTue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST