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[The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
You know what I love about the end of each year? The lists. Man, but I'm a sucker for lists, especially when they come in "best of" varieties. In the lull between Christmas and New Year's, there typically isn't a lot happening in the world of entertainment, so it's a good time to look back before we head forward.

And so it is for The Game Archaeologist. 2011 marks the second year I've been doing this column, and it's been one of my personal favorite series to write. Every week I'm learning more and more about the history of the MMO genre, and I'm encouraged to see just how much passion and interest there are for the titles that started it all and got us to where we are today.

So before we head into 2012, let's take one last glimpse back at the road we've traveled. If you've missed out on any of these columns or want to revisit your favorite classic MMO, I've compiled a huge list of everything I talked about this year, from histories to interviews to player stories. There's also a special request for you (yes, you) at the end of this column, so do me a favor and hit that jump!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist seals up 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011a-tale-in-the-desertac2Andrew-Tepperasherons-callasherons-call-2Ben-Chamberlainbrian-greenclimaxdark-age-of-cameloteaearth-and-beyondeqEric-Heimburgeverquestfeaturedimperator-onlineJosef-HalllineagelistlistsMeridian-59Middle-earth-Onlinemudmulti-user-dungeonmxomythicaplanetsidepsychochildRade-StojsavljevicrarebitRichard-Bartleround-uproundupshadow-of-yserbiusshadowbaneStuart-Zissuteppytgathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-shadow-of-yserbiusThom-TerrazasTodd-ColemanTrue-Fantasy-Live-OnlineUltima-Worlds-Online-OriginUltima-X-OdysseyWarhammer-Onlineworld-of-warcraftyear-in-reviewTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum receives influx of EVE players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/perpetuum-receives-influx-of-eve-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/perpetuum-receives-influx-of-eve-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/perpetuum-receives-influx-of-eve-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Amidst the recent EVE Online controversy, thousands of players declared their intention to cancel subscriptions and leave for another game. As Perpetuum Online is built on the EVE-inspired principles of a single-shard universe and takes a sci-fi sandbox approach to content design, players began posting that they were picking up the trial and giving the game a shot. Until now, we didn't really know if those players were honestly giving Perpetuum a try or if it was part of an epic rage-quit bluff.

On the Perpetuum Online forum, developer BoyC alerted players to a server load problem and at the same time welcomed the influx of players that began 48 hours prior. A login limit had to be placed on the server to balance the load, and the increased number of players trying to access the game has even highlighted a bug in the relay servers to which players connect. "The sheer number of new players caught us by surprise," said DEV BoyC, "and we're working around the clock to accommodate each and every one of you."

It's worth noting that EVE Online has in the past used the same strategy that Perpetuum is currently benefiting from. By providing the players of Earth and Beyond and Star Wars Galaxies with a similar alternative game, CCP drew in a huge number of players when those games rapidly shed customers. The shoe appears to be on the other foot this week as Perpetuum seems to be the closest alternative to EVE on the market.

But will EVE players stick with Perpetuum? Will the game that's so often been called "EVE in Mechs" really hold their attention? That's the part we're most curious to find out.

MassivelyPerpetuum receives influx of EVE players originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boycearth-and-beyondeveeve-onlineperpetuumplayerserverserver-loadstar-wars-galaxiesSun, 26 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-final-memories/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The question that lurks deep in the recesses of most MMO gamers' minds -- the question that they never really want to ask -- is what will happen when the lights go out? When your favorite game is finally sent to its resting place in that server farm in the sky, will we still care about it, and if so, what will we be able to take away?

While most of us have yet to face this, considering the longevity of most launched MMOs, it does happen, and it will certainly happen to us sooner or later. And while you won't be able to take your max-leveled, uber-geared character out of the game and into another one, you hopefully have the memories, the friendships, the screenshots, and the bragging rights. With many canceled MMOs, the shutdown is fairly abrupt following the official announcement, although some games, like Earth & Beyond, give players enough time to say their goodbyes and get in those final experiences before everything goes dark.

Like many of the games we've been exploring in The Game Archaeologist, Earth & Beyond may not have enjoyed stellar popularity, but it certainly did have a remnant of dedicated fans who have yet to let the flames of their adoration die down. Today we've got a buffet of E&B goodness: the background story from the manual, final memories from a few fans, and a photo album full of concept art and nostalgic screenshots. Sound good? Let's go!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: Final memories originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-and-beaearth-and-beyondelectronic-artsemulated-serversemulatoreveeve-onlinefeaturedfreelancergalleryinfiniticorpjenquaimanualprogenscience-fictionscifispacestargatesunriseterransthe-game-archaeologistvrixwestwoodwestwood-studiosTue, 22 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: A talk with Rade Stojsavljevic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-a-talk-with-rade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-a-talk-with-rade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-a-talk-with-rade/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I have to admit, it's bizarrely fascinating to cover a deceased MMO. The effort produces a bag of mixed emotions: fond memories, bitter resentment, wistful longing, and casual disinterest by those who weren't there. These games truly matter to some players, even though they're already in danger of being covered by the sands of history.

In these events, our monthly expeditions into these games becomes a rescue operation of sorts as we try to preserve the past by digging it up. I found it a welcome challenge to hunt down former Earth & Beyond developers who were willing to talk about their time with the game (and who hadn't forgotten it entirely -- 2004 is, like, sooo long ago!). Fortunately, I got a few nibbles for my efforts, and this week I reeled in Jet Set Games President Rade Stojsavljevic, who took time out of his schedule to hand us a long-lost piece of the Earth & Beyond treasure map.

Hit the jump to hear Stojsavljevic reminisce about the best -- and, yes, the worst -- that Earth & Beyond had to offer!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: A talk with Rade Stojsavljevic

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: A talk with Rade Stojsavljevic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbsBrett-SperryconspiracyDoug-Chiangeaearth-and-beyondelectronic-artseqeverquestfeaturedhighbornjet-set-gamesRade-Stojsavljevicstar-warsstarflightthe-game-archaeologisttradewarsultima-onlineuowestwood-studioswing-commanderworld-of-warcraftwowx-wing-vs-tie-fighterTue, 15 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The vet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-vet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-vet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-vet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Space: the final frontier... except for 4chan, which is a lot scarier to explore. These are the voyages of the Starship Massively. Its five-year mission: to explore strange, new worlds; to seek out new life and blow it out of the sky; to boldly exploit trade routes like no one has done before!

Erp, better stop there before I begin infringing on the Captain's Log's territory! In any event, we at The Game Archaeologist Institute for Fuzzy Nostalgia continue to forge ahead with the Earth & Beyond dig, carefully dusting off memories and screenshots to preserve in a blog-shaped museum.

It's one thing to talk of a game, but another to speak with one who was there at the time, so I went on a hunt through the dark recesses of the internet to find seasoned Earth & Beyonders. This search took me about two minutes before one of my associates practically opened the floodgates of fanboy gushing to drown me in his enthusiasm for this title. One interview, hundreds of screenshots and an Electronic Arts dev bible later, and we at the institute knew that we hit the motherlode.

Join us for a civilized discussion with an Earth & Beyond vet as he shares with us crumpets and recollections.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The vet

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The vet originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduacanadacaptains-logcelestial-horizonclaudia-christiancolumbia-disastercommand-and-conquerdev-bibleeaearth-and-beyondechoes-of-nonsenseelectronic-artseveeve-onlineexplorerfantasyfeaturedfederationinterviewirelandJenquaijump-to-lightspeedlord-of-the-ringsnet7sci-fiscience-fictionspace-shuttle-columbiastar-trekstar-wars-galaxiessunsetswgtea-and-crumpetsthe-game-archaeologisttitanwargameswestwoodTue, 08 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/the-game-archaeologist-goes-to-earth-and-beyond-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For this month's Game Archaeologist expedition, I deliberately wanted to look at an older MMO that was -- for whatever reason -- no longer with us. After voting on a handful of these titles, Massively readers selected Earth & Beyond for March's focus, and I have to say that I'm intrigued.

Personally, I prefer science fiction over fantasy nine times out of ten, even though most of the MMOs that grace my desktop (with the exception of Star Trek Online) are fantasy games. Sci-fi has had an awfully difficult time making headway into the field of MMOs, with plenty of underperforming or canceled titles littering the way. I've heard it explained that the fantasy genre is easier for the common person to grasp because it uses elements of our past -- primarily the medieval period -- to provide a familiar baseline, whereas sci-fi's futuristic setting requires world-building from scratch.

Whatever the case may be, Earth & Beyond never really caught on the way that EVE Online did, and its miniscule population (GameSpot reported 20-25K subscribers six months before its shutdown) was not enough for Electronic Arts to keep it running. But between 2002 and 2004, Earth & Beyond reached for the stars and gave its own spin on how a sci-fi MMO could work. Let's take a look today at what made Earth & Beyond unique, what it gave the industry, and how it may help upcoming space MMOs avoid a similar fate.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcombatcommand-and-conquerdune-iieaearth-and-beyondebElectronic-Artsemulatoreqeveeve-onlineeverquestexplorationfansitesfeaturedsci-fiscience-fictionscifistar-trek-onlinestosunsettgathe-game-archaeologisttradingultima-onlineuowestwoodTue, 01 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Unlike fantasy, the sci-fi genre has had a rocky relationship with MMORPGs. While studios have tried just as hard to make and promote them, there seems to be a curse that hovers over most of these games. From the canceled (Earth & Beyond, The Matrix Online, Tabula Rasa) to the radically retinkered (Star Wars Galaxies) to the relatively niche (Anarchy Online, Star Trek Online), sci-fi struggles to be seen as relevant and embraced as its bigger brother. That isn't to say that these games or the genre is worthless, just that it's a harder sell to both investors and players to throw players into the future than the mythical past. Fortunately, the industry hasn't given up on these games, and some of these titles -- such as EVE Online -- have proven that they're worth pursuing.

And if science fiction is a difficult sell, first-person shooters are doubly difficult in the MMO space. After all, it's not as though the world is suffering a shortage of FPS titles that can be played without a monthly subscription. To convince players to part with a monthly payment, the studio has to make a powerful, compelling case as to why its MMOFPS is worthy of that premium price.

Enter PlanetSide, circa 2003. While sci-fi MMOs, multi-faction PvP and online shooters had been done separately at that point, PlanetSide stepped up to the plate to combine all three into a persistent war on an alien planet. Due to popular demand, this month we'll be setting our sights to the far reaches of the galaxy and beyond as we explore one of the more unique MMOs in existence.

Today let's take a look at what made PlanetSide a unique twinkle in SOE's eyes by counting down the highlights of this futuristic war.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinanarchy-onlineapbauraxisdark-age-of-camelotearth-and-beyondeve-onlinefactionsfeaturefeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsglobal-agendajohn-hewittjohn-smedleymagmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-nextreal-time-combatsci-fiscience-fictionsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiestabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinethree-front-warvehiclesworld-war-ii-onlinewwii-onlineTue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

With the holiday shopping season upon us, gamers are hot for great deals and cheap entertainment. As my wife's logic goes, if something is 80% off, you buy it, even if you didn't really want it in the first place. It's the principle of the thing, an automatic 80% dose of smug satisfaction at being a savvy shopper!

Not every deal should be pursued, however. Although most video games are playable for years and decades after release, not so with MMOs that have had their service shuttered. It's recently come to my attention that even though these games are completely unplayable -- rendered nothing more than a few cents' worth of a DVD and cardboard packaging -- online retailers haven't kept up with the times and keep these products on the virtual shelves long past their expiration dates.

That's not to say you should avoid these products at all cost, because studies show that a large percentage of Massively readers have a sick and twisted sense of humor. What would make a better gift this Christmas than a multi-million-dollar-budget MMO that died a horrible death years before?

So don't be the typical gifter who settles for a Blu-ray player or an iPod -- give a package of misery, disillusionment and broken dreams! Hit the jump for 10 items that absolutely belong in your shopping cart if you wish to be feared!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinamazonapbasherons-call-2auto-assaultbill-roperblack-fridayblu-raybostonbox-artchristmascircuits-of-timeclock-craftcyber-mondayearth-and-beyondfeaturedflagshipflagshippedflux-capacitorfuryguamhellgate-londonhubbleipodkrystallematrix-onlinemxonasancsoftnerd-rageperfect-10perfect-tenrf-onlinerichard-gariottrichard-gariotts-tabula-rasa-limited-collectors-editionshadowbaneshoppingsoespocktabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentime-traveltimecardturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What will you miss about APB?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-will-you-miss-about-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-will-you-miss-about-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-will-you-miss-about-apb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's never enjoyable when a game or game company goes belly-up, and MMO fans have had no shortage of depressing news over the years. Whether it was Earth and Beyond, The Matrix Online, Tabula Rasa, or (now) All Points Bulletin, many of our favorite games burned twice as bright but lasted half as long.

The case of All Points Bulletin is even more aggravating due to its peerless character creation system, a unique take on music, and a payment model that attempted to blend the best of subscription-based and F2P titles. While we're the first to admit the game had its problems, it also had its charms and will be missed.

That leads us to our question of the day, Massively readers. What will you miss about APB?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What will you miss about APB? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbclosurecustomizationearth-and-beyondgame-closureopinionrealtimeRealtime-WorldsRealTimeWorldstabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineFri, 17 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: The history]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-the-history/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"The future in your hands," Funcom promised gamers in the early days of the new decade. As the MMORPG genre slowly took shape and grew in popularity, game studios were still babes in the woods, feeling out this brave and complex new world without a standard handbook to guide them to success. EverQuest focused on large group content and raids, Dark Age of Camelot featured Realm vs. Realm conflict, and RuneScape brought the MMO to the browser. Everyone desperately hoped he had the next big hook that would reel in gamers by the thousands, especially Norwegian developer Funcom, which made headlines in 1999 with its highly acclaimed adventure The Longest Journey.

Funcom took one look at the small but expanding MMO market, got together in a group huddle, and said, "You know what guys? This fantasy thing, it's everywhere. Let's do something different. Let's drill for sci-fi gold. And let's throw in robots, cuddly rodents, randomly generated missions and a bitter rivalry between factions. Geronimo!"* (*Quote fabricated by author.)

And thus, almost a decade ago, Anarchy Online hit the industry like a sack of broken features. It wasn't the stellar debut Funcom desired, but the game endured and went on to carve itself out a workable plot of land. This month, The Game Archaeologist trades in his rugged leather attire for space armor and a high-powered laser rifle. The year is 29475, and the place is Babylon 5. Er, Rubi-Ka.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: The history

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: The history originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today is a day where we should honor our fallen. Motor City Online. Tabula Rasa. Auto Assault. Asheron's Call 2. Earth and Beyond. Underlight. Shadowbane. Castle Infinity. The Matrix Online. The Sims Online. Seed. All of these games, and more, are MMOs that have launched, played, and then died.

Each of these games has a reason for why it was cancelled, but the outcome remains the same -- they aren't online today and their clients are nothing more than wasted code sitting on a disk. Some of these games were our introduction to the genre. Others were our favorite games -- the ones that could trump even the largest names in the MMO business.

So Massively readers, which dead MMO would you like to see be resurrected? Tell us some stories as to why you pick your game of choice, and drop them all in the comment box below. Mourn with others, we encourage it!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What MMO would you like to see be brought back to life? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-call-2auto-assaultcancelled-mmoscastle-infinitydead-mmosearth-and-beyondmotor-city-onlineopinionseedshadowbanetabula-rasathe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlinethe-sims-onlineunderlightMon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Can the sci-fi genre succeed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Earth and Beyond. Star Wars Galaxies. Auto Assault. Tabula Rasa. For a genre that dominates television and written media, science fiction can't seem to find a good foothold in the MMO industry past EVE Online. Even the upcoming Stargate Worlds is on shaky ground, and it hasn't even stepped over the threshold into the market. With a genre so plagued by failure, what can a company do to succeed like CCP? Can Star Trek Online, Jumpgate Evolution, and Star Wars: The Old Republic shake the curse?

These were the topics of a recent interview between Cody Bye of Ten Ton Hammer and Rob Hill and Kevin Beardslee of Trion World Network, the developers behind the Sci-Fi channel's MMORPG/television tie-in game. The interview covers all manner of things, like how Trion seeks to differentiate themselves from the current MMO market, how they want to interact with their community, how they are handling the creation of the game next to the television series, and how Blizzard's polish mantra can really support a well made game. You can check out the full interview over at Ten Ton Hammer.

MassivelyCan the sci-fi genre succeed? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultblizzardccpearth-and-beyondeve-onlinejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionsci-fisci-fi-channelstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstargatestargate-worldsswgswtortabula-rasatrionThu, 01 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: You've been Auto-Assaulted]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/anti-aliased-youve-been-auto-assaulted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/anti-aliased-youve-been-auto-assaulted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/anti-aliased-youve-been-auto-assaulted/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


"Absolutely. [The restructuring] has no impact on Tabula Rasa. ... I don't know where the rumors are coming from, but with [marketing blitz] Operation Immortality in full swing, the team's very dedicated to that game, and they are still working on it," said David Swofford, Director of Public Relations of NCsoft to Edge Online on September 11th.

"Tabula Rasa is a triple-A MMO. It is a game that is very much in the wheelhouse of what NC West and NCsoft globally are all about," said David Reid, President of Publishing of NC West on September 24th. "...we see improvement happening in Tabula Rasa. We're encouraged by it."

So, NCsoft, how does it feel to absolutely lie through your teeth to players and staff about Tabula Rasa?

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: You've been Auto-Assaulted

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: You've been Auto-Assaulted originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedauto-assaulteabearth-and-beyondfeaturedhanbitsofthellgate-londonjoystiqfeaturesmcomotor-city-onlinenamco-bandaincsoftncwesttabula-rasathe-sims-onlineMon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Why must MMOs die?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/22/the-digital-continuum-why-must-mmos-die/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/22/the-digital-continuum-why-must-mmos-die/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/22/the-digital-continuum-why-must-mmos-die/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sitting on my desk are copies of Earth and Beyond and Auto Assault. In fact, I've even got a CE box for Auto Assault (that thing cost me 80 bucks). Unfortunately, these games are just dust collectors now. I keep them to remind me of the possibility of sunset and how much it can suck. Even if you didn't play Tabula Rasa, there were thousands of people who did, and that's all that really matters

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Why must MMOs die?

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Why must MMOs die? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultcity-of-heroescohcrypticdestination-gameseaearth-and-beyondfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesncsoftncsoft-norcalnetdevilsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiessunsetsunsettingswgtabula-rasawestwoodSat, 22 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which deceased MMO do you miss the most?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/the-daily-grind-which-deceased-mmo-do-you-miss-the-most/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/the-daily-grind-which-deceased-mmo-do-you-miss-the-most/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/the-daily-grind-which-deceased-mmo-do-you-miss-the-most/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's official: Flagship Studios' Mythos beta has ceased to be. It's expired and gone to meet its maker. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. It is, in fact, an ex-MMO. Hellgate London subscriptions have halted, and it might soon join Mythos in the great void. There are hopes that they'll be back under a different banner -- or that Hellgate might not close at all -- but if only the worst happens, these two games will certainly be missed by many.

They are not the first ones we've lost, though. Underlight, Earth & Beyond, and Asheron's Call 2 have all gone the way of the 8-track tape. Saga of Ryzom went under as well, though it looks like it might make a comeback. Think about those games for a moment, or any others you've lost; which lost MMOs do you want back the most? Do you want them back because you played them and now you miss them, or because you never got to play them at all?

Consider this the Flagship Studios memorial Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which deceased MMO do you miss the most? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-call-2closeddeadearth-and-beyondflagship-studioshellgate-londonmythosryzomsaga-of-ryzomtdgthe-daily-grindunderlightSat, 19 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: You make the call]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/ask-massively-you-make-the-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/ask-massively-you-make-the-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/ask-massively-you-make-the-call/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For those of you who read Ask Massively but don't pay much attention to the comments, you might want to go back and check out the comments section from last week. I think there might be 3 or 4 columns worth of material there.

At issue is the concept of software quality vs. time to market. Many software companies, OK... the vast majority... no... OK... everyone but Blizzard seems to value the idea of getting to market quickly in order to take advantage of market conditions in order to maximize sales. Age of Conan, for example, sold 700,000 units in it's first month of release. That's a success for any game, but especially for an MMO. Blizzard, on the other hand... Well, we don't need to cite that figure again as it has likely increased in the time it took me to type this.

So instead of answering your questions, I'm going to ask one of my own.

If you were the head of a software development company which elements of a software release are most important to you, and why?

1) Do you value quality above all other considerations? Are you the type of developer that thinks "This product will not ship with my name on it unless it is the absolute best I can make it?"

2) Is "time to market" most important to you? Do you have the attitude "Let's ship it now so that we can maximize initial sales and patch any issues we discover?"

3) Is cost the most important factor to you? Do you think "Sure, I'd like to keep this in house for another 6-8 months, but it would be too expensive to do that. We'll have to take our chances and ship now in order to save money."

Before you snap off an answer to that question, I'd like you all to take a look at the risks and benefits associated with each approach as I give you examples of each of these types of software products, some that have done well in the market place, and some that have failed miserably.

Continue reading Ask Massively: You make the call

MassivelyAsk Massively: You make the call originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanask-massivelyblizzardearth-and-beyondeve-onlineeverquestfeaturedpirates-of-the-burni...tabula-rasavanguardworld-of-warcraftSat, 12 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you want to be a ship or control a ship in STO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-to-be-a-ship-or-control-a-ship-in-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-to-be-a-ship-or-control-a-ship-in-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-to-be-a-ship-or-control-a-ship-in-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Since we get the feeling that something may be announced for Star Trek fans somewhat soon, we thought it a good idea to be topical.The moment anyone begins talking about Star Trek Online we here at Massively begin to wonder whether we want to play a character on the bridge of the ship with a group of other players or whether we want to just be the ship ourselves. It's an important question because it affects how the entire game is perceived and played. So far we've had three space MMOs where the ship was the avatar. Those games are Jumpgate, Earth and Beyond Online and EVE Online. On top of that, Jumpgate Evolution will make for a fourth spaceship-centered MMO.

With that in mind, we here at Massively are hoping for something different from Star Trek Online. It seems to us that part of the draw of both MMOs and Star Trek is working together with a group of people to explore space and sometimes do battle. Still, we're not sure if we're on the minority with that opinion and would love to know what you happen to think on the subject.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you want to be a ship or control a ship in STO? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earth-and-beyondenterpriseeveeve-onlinejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestarshipstoTue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Under The Hood: The Depths of Space]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/under-the-hood-the-depths-of-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/under-the-hood-the-depths-of-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/under-the-hood-the-depths-of-space/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Riding on the coattails of my last article, I realized that it would be a good idea to explore that new frontier. No, not cowboys and Indians. Outer space in MMOs is rapidly becoming the new "generic fantasy continent(s)" that almost every other MMO takes part in. It's also pushing the envelope, in one case letting players practically run your game, and in another cases exploring new and varied game mechanics.

Continue reading Under The Hood: The Depths of Space

MassivelyUnder The Hood: The Depths of Space originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earth-and-beyondeveeve-onlinefeaturedmankindmechanicsunder-the-hooduthFri, 14 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Will your MMO still be here in 2009?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/the-daily-grind-will-your-mmo-still-be-here-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/the-daily-grind-will-your-mmo-still-be-here-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/the-daily-grind-will-your-mmo-still-be-here-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nothing lasts forever. MMO's come and go, business plans succeed and fail, and sometimes the best will in the world keeps bleeding cash. MMOs and virtual worlds cost a bundle in power and bandwidth to operate and (for decent customer service, GMs, admins and billing) can cost even more in staffing (hint: That's why a lot of operators keep the staff counts down).

All the while the developer/operator is trying to keep the cash-burn rate down and recover the costs of the game, in the hope of breaking even before the money runs out. Asheron's Call 2, Auto Assault, Saga of Ryzom, Earth and Beyond, and more are gone. Sometimes subscriptions never quite rise high enough for the long-tail model to be sustainable for an MMO. Do you think your online world will still be here this time next year as the end of Q1 2009 rolls around?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Will your MMO still be here in 2009? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callauto-assaultbusiness-modelsearth-and-beyondfeaturedmmo-industryopinionryzomsaga-of-ryzomtdgthe-daily-grindThu, 13 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Morality plays a part in Stargate Worlds' quests]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/morality-plays-a-part-in-stargate-worlds-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/morality-plays-a-part-in-stargate-worlds-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/morality-plays-a-part-in-stargate-worlds-quests/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cheyenne Mountain's Chris Klug served another dev diary to RPG Vault. This is the third such diary, and it continues the work that the previous entry began -- an exposition on Stargate Worlds' quest and storytelling philosophies.

Klug describes a mission he had worked on in Earth & Beyond, in which players were forced to make a critical moral choice. Apparently Stargate Worlds' missions will follow a similar formula. This sounds a bit like what you'd find in Mass Effect, but it's (apart from Earth & Beyond) not something we've seen much in MMOs. Tabula Rasa claims to involve some choices like that, but that's about it.

Klug promises to go into more detail later, but for now, the diary doesn't have much. This is what we've come to expect from Cheyenne -- frequent, tiny drops of information.

MassivelyMorality plays a part in Stargate Worlds' quests originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentchoiceschrus-klugdev-diarydevlogearth-and-beyondmissionsmoralquestsrpg-vaultstargate-worldsMon, 17 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Tracking Old Nick]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/one-shots-tracking-old-nick/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/one-shots-tracking-old-nick/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/one-shots-tracking-old-nick/#commentsFiled under: ,


Reader Shawk is making us feel nostalgic with this blast-from-the-past screenshot from long since shut down MMO Earth & Beyond. (If you aren't familiar with the game, it was a sci-fi MMO developed by Westwood Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It launched in September 2002 and was shut down in September 2004.) This particular shot shows off an in-game holiday event where players had to track down Old Nick (seen better in the larger version of the screenshot) in order to acquire special holiday items. Nick would randomly travel through relatively safe sectors and players would work together to track his movements and hunt him down. Ah, good times!

Do you have any screenshots that show off a favorite moment in your MMO of choice -- whether it exists today or not? We want to see them for our next One Shots! We can only post what you send us -- so send your screenshots and stories to oneshots@massively.com. You may see it featured here tomorrow, same time, same place!

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Tracking Old Nick originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmaseaearth-and-beyondfeaturedholidaywestwoodwestwood-studiosTue, 11 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/massivelys-top-5-sci-fi-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/massivelys-top-5-sci-fi-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/massivelys-top-5-sci-fi-mmos/#commentsFiled under: ,

Orcs and Elves are all well and good, but some of us are more attracted to a mythical future than to a mythical past. Sci-Fi is trendy again, in case you hadn't heard. From Tabula Rasa to Star Trek Online (we hope), the future belongs to, well ... the future. But what about the past of the future? Sorry; this is getting more verbally confusing than a Voyager time paradox episode. Let's put it this way: click through the jump to see Massively's top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs to date!

Can you think of any tragic omissions? To paraphrase a character from pop culture, "Science Fiction is neither Science nor Fiction. Discuss!"

Continue reading Massively's Top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs

MassivelyMassively's Top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineccpeaearth-and-beyondeve-onlinefeaturedfuncomjoystiqfeaturesjump-to-lightspeedlistnew-game-enhancementsngeplanetsidesci-fiscience-fictionsoestar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiestabula-rasatop-5westwoodTue, 27 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST